Jan. 8, 2024
Next Start Date
10
Courses Required
$673
Cost Per Credit Hour
30
Total Credit Hours
Online Asynchronous, Synchronous
Learning Formats
The nationally recognized WVU Literacy Education online master's program prepares teachers to become certified as Reading Specialists (Pre-K-Adult) and to fulfill other roles of specialized literacy professionals.
The Master of Arts in Literacy Education is a 30-credit hour, entirely online, graduate degree program with coursework that focuses on preparing reading professionals in the areas identified by the International Literacy Association. You will gain a deep understanding of the theory and research that is fundamental to successful teaching of reading, and upon graduation you may attach Reading Specialist certification to your current teaching area by passing the PRAXIS Series test.
The WVU Literacy Education M.A. program earned national recognition in 2019 when it received the International Literacy Association's National Recognition With Distinction Award, the highest institutional honor presented for excellence in the field of literacy education by the ILA. In receiving this award, the WVU Literacy Education exceeded benchmarks set forth by the International Literacy Association by adhering to a rigorous set of standards for preparing literacy professionals.
According to the International Literacy Association, the WVU Literacy Education program exemplifies the best in literacy professional preparation and demonstrates that WVU is serious about the need to prepare reading specialists to work not only with students who need support or intensive intervention, but also with colleagues using a coaching mind-set. WVU Literacy Education program has reading specialist candidates enrolled in the program who work in multiple practicum experiences. The WVU Literacy Program is at the forefront of excellence for literacy programs across the United States.
"Being a WVU graduate and a first-generation college student, I’m happy to be back to help you navigate the WVU System. Something WVU Online wants to do is assist you in creating your sense of community and continuity, making sure you have the answers to any and all questions."
Individuals who wish to apply to be a student in the Master of Arts in Literacy Education graduate program may apply at any time during a term for admission for the next term or later. Early application is recommended, however, to allow processing time and faculty review.
Requirements: A bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA and valid teaching certification.
Provisional admission is possible with faculty approval for those with less than a 3.0. Those without an undergraduate education degree may be asked to provide a writing sample and/or references.
Learn more about student and faculty experiences in the Literacy Education M.A. program.
Allyson Whorton Varlas
"Assignments are given upfront, so you could work ahead of schedule. I can now graduate on time in the spring."
Aimee Morewood
"As I move fluidly among these mindsets in my teaching, I am able to provide the individualized support that my students need as they challenge themselves to learn more and do better."
Financial aid is available. Students are encouraged to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to determine their eligibility for federal and state funds as well as scholarships. WVU’s FAFSA Code is 003827. Please contact the WVU Financial Aid Office at (304) 293-5242 or financialaid.wvu.edu for additional information.
Literacy Education M.A. With Certification requires 30 credit hours to complete.
Cost per credit hour is $673.
$20,190 – Residents and Non-Residents
Credits | Cost |
---|---|
1 | $673 |
3 | $2,019 |
6 | $4,038 |
9 | $6,057 |
Tuition and fees are usually not the only educational expenses you may have while pursuing a degree. You may have other costs such as books, supplies and living expenses. Please see the Estimate Costs and Aid webpage for how to estimate and plan for other potential expenses.
Major Requirements
A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required for all coursework applied towards the
major.
Course | Title | Credit Hours |
---|---|---|
LE 620 | Specialized Literacy Professionals | 3 |
LE 621 | Knowledge of Literacy Instruction | 3 |
LE 622 | Disciplinary Literacy | 3 |
LE 624 | Foundations of Literacy | 3 |
LE 627 | Motivation and Engagement in Literacy Learning | 3 |
LE 640 | Literacy Intervention 1 | 3 |
LE 682 | Literacy Assessments | 3 |
LE 689 | Literacy Intervention 2 | 3 |
LE 726 | Literacy Leadership | 3 |
Elective | 3 |
Total Hours: 30
The nationally recognized Literacy Education M.A. degree from the College of Applied Human Sciences will prepare you to be a specialized literacy professional as outlined by the International Literacy Association's (ILA) Standards. In addition to Reading Specialist, other roles include Literacy Coach, Literacy Coordinator or Literacy Leader. You will demonstrate knowledge of the foundations of literacy and language, design curricula to meet the needs of learners, evaluate literacy instruction for learners, integrate digital technologies, and collaborate with teachers to implement effective literacy practices.
Students who graduate from WVU Online with a Literacy Education M.A. degree will prepare themselves for the following careers. These are only a few examples of some of the many opportunities open to you with this degree.
Education Professor
Projected Growth: 7-10% *Bright Outlook
Middle School Teacher
Projected Growth: 4-6%
Special Education – Preschool
Projected Growth: 7-10% *Bright Outlook
Education Administrator - Elementary and Secondary
Projected Growth: 4-6%
Tutor
Projected Growth: 4-6% *Bright Outlook
Elementary School Teacher
Projected Growth: 2-3% *Bright Outlook
Special Education Teacher
Projected Growth: 2-3%
Instructional Coordinator
Projected Growth: 4-6%
Education Administration – Postsecondary
Projected Growth: 7-10-% *Bright Outlook
Information about careers on this list comes from the Occupational information network (O*NET) of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
Since the program requires 30 credits, it will take you as little as 5 semesters to complete. Since the program is entirely online, students can take their time with each course based on its availability in the Spring, Summer or Fall semester.
There are many career paths a student could take with a Literacy Education Master’s Degree, including:
Curious about which careers would yield the highest salary? Here are the following highest-paid jobs in the Literacy Education field: