Best Online Master’s in Reading Education

Literary instruction causes some of the hottest debates in education, making now an exciting time to earn a master’s in reading education. Public schools nationwide continue to overhaul literacy programs and return to the basics of phonics.

Many states, such as New York, want to revamp reading and literacy comprehension curricula to align with the Science of Reading, decades of research-based evidence on the best practices for teaching reading and writing. A master’s in reading education can provide career advancement to experienced teachers and allow educators in other subjects to pursue new roles.

This page offers rankings of the best master’s in reading education degrees. Explore information on what to expect for coursework and career opportunities below.

Across the country, schools want to improve reading. You can help advance literacy outcomes by earning a master’s in reading education. Over 2-3 years, students in this graduate program gain an advanced understanding of the best methods and practices for teaching reading and writing to kindergarteners through high schoolers.

Programs require 30-36 credits and cost around $288-$800 per credit. The program’s learning targets vary depending on whether you pursue a master of arts, master of science, or master of education (M.Ed.) degree. For instance, an M.Ed. prepares educators for certification in literacy and reading through specialized coursework in reading for English language learners and individualizing instruction for diverse learners.

Field experience allows enrollees to put theory into practice. If required, a capstone project or thesis adds to your teaching portfolio. Earning a master’s in reading education can open opportunities to become an administrator, curriculum developer, instructional coordinator, or reading specialist.

Master’s-level reading education programs focus on practical and theoretical strategies to develop reading and writing abilities. Though schools may offer courses under different titles, typical classes include:

Educators help students develop literacy skills through research-backed curriculum and instruction. The course covers literary theories and development processes, like phonics, to prepare aspiring educators for reading instruction.

How can educators use technology to enhance literacy education? Integrated learning systems can streamline the assessment of a child’s reading fluency for teachers, allowing for necessary modifications.

Computer-generated data can assist teachers in making informed decisions to enhance literacy instruction and identify struggling students. This course can help teachers better support students and modify curricula for specific learners.

A course on reading assessments can help educators track student progress and identify areas for improvement. Students enrolled in this course learn to find patterns in the data. They use specific diagnostics and screenings, like the information reading inventory assessment, to test for comprehension and accuracy.

Your fieldwork is a culminating experience. While completing supervised hours, learners gain hands-on experience, individually helping readers or modifying lesson plans.

Concentrations allow you to take specialized coursework and train to work with specific student populations or in niche areas of reading education. Similarly, your chosen degree type can assist you in pursuing your career goals. Teachers and administrators commonly opt for an M.Ed in reading education.

A concentration in curriculum development teaches students about crafting teaching instruction and sourcing learning materials. Curriculum development also includes teaching instructors how to assess during and after instruction to gauge student understanding.

An English as a second language or English as a foreign language concentration focuses on the specialized training and pedagogy needed to teach non-native speakers. Your studies will emphasize classroom management and culture.

A concentration in literary coaching teaches degree-seekers techniques to improve literacy rates in grades K-12. You’ll learn about modifying lessons and assessments to help improve reading comprehension.

To graduate with a master’s in reading education, you’ll need to complete all the coursework and field experiences, typically with a minimum 3.0 GPA. You’ll usually get up to five years to complete your degree, although students typically graduate in 2-3 years in some circumstances.

To assess your understanding, you must complete pedagogical research in the form of a final project or a thesis paper. You also need to pass the certification exams to complete your degree.

The field of education offers diverse career opportunities to teachers certified in reading literacy. You can pursue work as a literary specialist, curriculum developer, or an administrator, such as a principal or dean. Additional certification and post-graduate certificates can lead to increased salaries or opportunities to change careers.

To find the right master’s in reading education degree, consider factors such as cost and school size. Other factors that can help you narrow your college choice include:

Many students overlook the potential return on investment when choosing a major. Teaching and educational jobs are still highly sought after, with some areas experiencing a critical need. Obtaining your degree will require a financial investment. Fortunately, there are many methods to pay for your tuition.

At a minimum, it takes a bachelor’s in education degree or a similar major to become a reading teacher. States may require that you earn a master’s in education or master’s in reading education to become a teacher. You’ll need to complete the teaching requirements, including any practicum experience, to apply for a teaching license. After earning licensure, educators often pursue additional literacy certifications to specialize as reading teachers.

Beyond earning a degree from an accredited college, candidates usually need to complete the required field experience hours to become licensed as reading teachers. If you hold a teaching license, your state may require additional certification exams and fees to get credentialed as a reading teacher. States may also require compliance with No Child Left Behind requirements.

Online learners save money on transportation costs by not commuting to school. Additionally, earning an online master’s in reading degree may provide you with flat tuition rates, even if you study out of state. However, online learners often pay technology fees.

Professional organizations that offer social and professional enrichment opportunities can benefit you as a reading teacher. For instance, the National Education Association, with a network of more than 3 million people, offers members an opportunity to receive student debt forgiveness. Joining the Association of American Educators provides you with professional development opportunities and the chance to apply for scholarships and grants.

An online master’s in education provides the same career opportunities as an on-campus program. An accredited program allows you to apply for licensure exams and work in public or private schools. All states face teaching shortages as of the 2022-2023 school year, indicating ongoing demand for the profession.