Master of Education in Reading/Language Arts

Our fully online Master of Education in Reading/Language Arts with Reading Specialist Certification and the Master of Education in Reading/Language Arts are designed for practicing professionals in the field. Both programs develop reflective practitioners with the knowledge and skills for effective reading/language arts instruction for Early Childhood through Secondary learners. Candidates will develop expertise in utilizing literacy resources and methods, literacy assessments, and designing intervention to address varied learning needs of all students. Candidates will have the ability to become proactive instructional leaders and literacy advocates of students at all levels of literacy development. Practicum/Field experience hours with a diverse learner population are embedded in both programs.

Med in Reading/Language Arts with Reading Specialist Certification (36 hours)

This degree is designed for teacher practitioners who are interested in obtaining a Texas Reading Specialist Certification to strengthen their understanding of literacy for application in their classroom or other school settings. Candidates for the Texas Reading Specialist Certification must have a valid elementary or secondary Texas teaching certification along with two years of successful teaching experience before taking the Reading Specialist exam (Two years can be concurrent with the program). One hundred and sixty hours of practicum/field experience with diverse learner population are embedded in the program. Field experience hours must be completed at a TEA approved location.

Med in Reading/Language Arts (36 hours)

This degree is designed for practitioners both in and out of the classroom who want to strengthen their understanding of literacy for application in their classroom or other learning settings. One hundred and sixty hours of practicum/field experience with diverse learner population are embedded in the program. While both programs follow the same degree plans, this route will not lead to obtaining a Texas Reading Specialist Certification. 

To be regularly admitted to the graduate school, applicants must participate in an interview process and submit to the Office of Graduate Studies:

Admission Deadlines:

Fall start: July 15th
Spring start: November 15th
Summer start: May 1st 

ALL applicants:

1. Graduate Application
2.  Acceptable Professional Goals writing sample. This writing sample should be two pages double-spaced and 12 pt font with proper essay format. 
   1.  What have your experiences with reading/language arts been thus far which have led you to pursue a graduate degree?
   2.  What is your understanding of our Reading/Language Arts master's program?
   3.  Upon completion of the program, what are your goals for your earned Master of Education in Reading/Language Arts degree (If you are seeking Texas Reading Specialist Certification, include those goals as well.)
3. Application fee
4. Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, both undergraduate and graduate (Note: A minimum GPA of 3.0 in undergraduate and graduate work is expected either overall or within the last 60 hours).
   1. If you are interested in the program but have less than a 3.0 in the last 60 hours, contact the program coordinator for further GRE requirements).

For applicants seeking a Texas Reading Specialist certification:

In addition to the above required items: 

1. Apply to the Reading Specialist Preparation Program if seeking Texas Reading Specialist certification (Instructions)
   1. A copy of applicant’s teaching certificate if the intention is to sit for the Texas Reading Specialist Certification Exam
   2. Official Educator/Teacher Service Record if the intention is to sit for the Texas Reading Specialist Certification Exam
   3. Youtube video interveiw upload (information found in the "instructions" link)
2. Pay the $55 Texas Education Accountability System for Educator Preparation Programs Fee (paid to the TEA as required by TAC 229.9.7) if seeking Texas Reading Specialist certification

Note:  ONLY Applicants with a complete file are reviewed for regular admission by graduate faculty in each program area and are selected by faculty based on information in the completed file.

All admitted graduate candidates follow a fall, spring, and summer cohort degree plan model with a specific course sequence based on semester admitted.

Med in Reading/Language Arts with Reading Specialist Certification (36 hours)

This degree is designed for teacher practitioners who are interested in obtaining a Texas Reading Specialist Certification to strengthen their understanding of literacy for application in their classroom or other school settings. Candidates for the Texas Reading Specialist Certification must have a valid elementary or secondary Texas teaching certification along with two years of successful teaching experience before taking the Reading Specialist exam (Two years can be concurrent with the program). 160 hours of practicum/field experience with diverse learner population are embedded in the program. Field experience hours must be completed at a TEA approved location.

Reading Specialist Certification Requirements:

1. 36 hours
2. 160 hours of field experience (embedded into the program) in a TEA approved location
3. Valid Texas Teaching certificate and official educator service record (submitted with application)
4. 2 years teaching experience
5. Reading Capstone project

Med in Reading/Language Arts (36 hours)

This degree is designed for practitioners both in and out of the classroom who want to strengthen their understanding of literacy for application in their classroom or other learning settings. 160 hours of practicum/field experience with diverse learner population are embedded in the program. While both programs follow the same degree plans, this route will not lead to obtaining a Texas Reading Specialist Certification. 

 Requirements:

1. 36 hours
2. 160 hours of field experience (embedded into the program) in a program approved location (flexible)
3. 2 years teaching experience
4. Reading Capstone project

Sample Fall Semester Cohort course sequence: (Spring and Summer cohort degree plans have unique course sequence) Candidates are expected to follow their cohort degree/course sequence plan.