Literacy Education, M.A.
Advance your teaching credentials with WVU's online M.A. in Literacy Education. Earn your pre-K through adult Reading Specialist Certification through an award-winning program designed to prepare you for specialized literacy roles.
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Courses and Credits:
10 Courses / 30 Credits
Duration:
18-24 months
Admission Terms:
Fall, Spring, Summer
Next Start Date:
January 11, 2027
Term Length:
8-week and 16-week courses
Learning Format:
Online asynchronous, online synchronous
GMAT/GRE:
Not required
Program Overview
Literacy is the foundational key to all academic achievement. To help students thrive, schools need specialized educators who can diagnose reading challenges and unlock student potential. The online M.A. in Literacy Education with Reading Specialist Certification from the College of Applied Human Sciences prepares you to become that vital asset in your school. This online program is uniquely honored with the International Literacy Association’s (ILA) National Recognition with Distinction Award, as well as being recognized by the WVU Board of Governors as a Program of Excellence. The curriculum blends deep theoretical research with remote, community-based practicums. This allows you to gain hands-on coaching and intervention experience in your own local school district.
This program features two different pathways available to you depending on your existing credentials and end career goals:
- Pathway 1 with Reading Specialist Certification: a 30-credit hour online graduate degree with reading specialist licensure. This program prepares candidates with initial teaching certification for reading specialist certification. Educational Testing Service (ETS) Praxis 5302, Reading Specialist, is required for state certification. Candidates will be prepared to fulfill the roles of specialized literacy professionals as outlined by the International Literacy Association’s (ILA) Standards for the Preparation of Literacy Professionals (2018). These roles include Reading Specialist, Literacy Coach, and Literacy Coordinator/Literacy Leader.
- Pathway 2 without Reading Specialist Certification: A 30-credit hour online graduate degree. This program is open to those with an undergraduate degree seeking a Master of Arts in Literacy Education and do not have an initial teaching license. This pathway will not lead to initial teaching certification or reading specialist certification.
Expand Your Instructional Expertise
Develop the advanced clinical expertise and coaching strategies needed to support diverse learners and guide fellow educators as a certified literacy leader.
- National Recognition: Learn within a curriculum honored by the ILA, ensuring your degree commands respect nationwide.
- Reading Specialist Certification: Prepare to add the pre-K through adult Reading Specialist endorsement to your teaching license upon passing the required Praxis Series test.
- Localized Practicums: Complete your school-based intervention and novice coaching requirements directly within your own school community under remote supervision from expert WVU faculty.
- Collaborative Environment: Experience an online format that never isolates you, utilizing video, interactive discussion boards, and a supportive cohort model where peers graduate together.
What You’ll Learn
Aligned with the rigorous national ILA standards, the curriculum prepares you to design inclusive, data-driven reading environments.
- Targeted Curricula: Design evidence-based, small-group and individual literacy interventions tailored specifically for learners experiencing reading difficulties.
- Diagnostic Assessments: Select, administer, and interpret validated assessment tools to screen student achievement, measure intervention success, and assist colleagues with data translation.
- Advocate for Equity: Apply modern research and inclusive pedagogies to create affirming learning spaces that champion equity at the school, district, and community levels.
- Integrate Technologies: Combine print and digital resources safely and effectively to boost student engagement while fostering a literacy-rich classroom.
- Coach Adult Learners: Apply the core principles of adult learning to collaborate with school personnel, facilitate professional development, and advocate on behalf of teachers and families.
Featured Courses
Explore some of the courses you can pursue while earning your graduate degree.
Application Steps
What You Need to Apply
- A bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA* and valid teaching certification for Pathway (with Reading Specialist Certification)
- Teaching certificate not required for Pathway 2 (without Reading Specialist Certification)
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended (other than WVU) to be sent to:
- WVU Office of Admissions - P.O. Box 6009 Morgantown, WV 26505-6009
- Or via email: WVUAdmissions@mail.wvu.edu
- At least one recommendation letter from an academic or professional reference.
* 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.
How to Apply
Applications for WVU’s online programs are processed through the University’s central portal. Follow these steps to set up your account and submit your application.
- Check the prerequisites: Review ‘What You Need to Apply’ to confirm your eligibility and get your application materials ready.
- Create your account: Visit the portal, create your account and start your application.
- Pay your application fee: Complete the required payment within the portal.
- Submit: Carefully review your details and submit your application.
This designation shows that this program is aligned to the International Literacy Association (ILA) Standards for the Preparation of Literacy Professionals 2017 and is leading the way to advance excellence and equity in literacy acquisition worldwide.
This program has been recognized by the the WVU Board of Governors as a high-quality program that has been evaluated on criteria including its distinction, innovative faculty, successful graduates, and effective curriculum and assessment.
Tuition, Fees, and Aid
Cost per credit hour is listed on each program page. Rates are reviewed annually and subject to change.
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 visit WVU’s Estimate Costs and Aid website for how to plan for other potential expenses.
- Complete the FAFSA
- Check Employer Benefits: Inquire about potential tuition assistance or reimbursement programs.
- Review Waivers: Understand the specific restrictions on University tuition waivers.
Learn More
Careers and Employment
The online Literacy Education, M.A. program will prepare you to become a leader in reading and literacy instruction. You will learn to design effective literacy programs, assess student needs, and implement evidence-based strategies that improve reading outcomes for diverse learners. This program aims to equip you with advanced skills to support literacy development across all grade levels.
The curriculum explores reading assessment, instructional design, language development, and literacy leadership while engaging in practical experiences that connect theory to classroom practice. By completing this program, you will position yourself for roles such as reading specialist, literacy coach, curriculum developer, or intervention coordinator. With the growing emphasis on literacy in education, you will be prepared for a career that offers meaningful impact, professional growth, and opportunities to shape student success.
What can I do with a Literacy Education, M.A. degree? Explore potential careers, employment environments, and academic pathways:
- Elementary School Teacher
- Middle School Teacher
- Special Education – Preschool
- Education Administrator - Elementary and Secondary
- Tutor
- Special Education Teacher
- Instructional Coordinator
- Education Administration – Postsecondary
- Reading Specialist
- Reading Interventionist
- Literacy Coach
- Literacy Coordinator
- Literacy Leader
Featured Stories
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’d like to dive deeper into the program’s curriculum and student experience, connect with:
Melinda Sierzega
- Email: Melinda.Sierzega@mail.wvu.edu
- Phone: 304-293-0882
- Schedule chat
