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Master of Education in Reading
Literacy is the foundation of lifelong learning and future success. Our M.Ed. in Reading program helps caring educators like you elevate your career or enhance your teaching skills while empowering young learners and improving student outcomes.
- Degrees & Offerings
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- Certificate
- M.Ed.
- M.Ed. + Certificate
- Location
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- Online
- Program Contact
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Assistant Professor
Program Details
![MEd Reading graduate student holding a book](/sites/default/files/styles/width_287/public/2024-07/560x600_-_med_reading_-_book.jpg?itok=cpuNPse4)
- Coursework – Master's program is 10 courses (30 credits), including a 6-credit practicum.
- Program Delivery – Available 100% online.
- Flexible Start Dates – Applications are accepted for the Summer and Fall semesters.
- Program Options – Available as a Master's of Education or a Specialist Certification.
- Accreditation – CAEP accredited and recognized by the International Literacy Association.
- Program Focus – The program is focused on preparing those who hold an initial teaching certification to gain the skills necessary for reading specialist certification.
- Expand Career Potential – You can broaden your career potential by preparing to pass the PRAXIS exam to gain PDE Reading Specialist Certification.
Courses and Curriculum
READ 520* Introduction to the Teaching of Reading
READ 560* Reading Assessment and Intervention (recommended to be taken directly prior to READING 553 Practicum in Reading or PROFSTUD.595)
READ 550 Organization and Administration of Reading Programs
READ 530* Reading in the Content Areas
READ 510 Literature, Literacy, and Culture
READ 530* Early Language Learning to Guided Reading and Writing
EDLD 590 Educational Research and Writing
MSED 525 Teaching Writing for Grades 4-12
Practicum Requirement (6 credits)**:
READ.570 Practicum in Reading, Writing, and Word Study or EDUC.562 Internship in Education
Appropriate testing for certification as determined by PDE. Speak to your graduate advisor.**
*Prerequisites required to be completed prior to participating in READING 570 Practicum in Reading, Writing, and Word Study or EDUC562 Internship
READ 520* Introduction to the Teaching of Reading
READ 560* Reading Assessment and Intervention (recommended to be taken directly prior to READING 553 Practicum in Reading or PROFSTUD.595)
READ 550 Organization and Administration of Reading Programs
READ 540* Reading in the Content Areas
READ 510 Literature, Literacy, and Culture
READ 530* Early Language Learning to Guided Reading and Writing
Practicum Requirement (6 credits)**:
READ.570 Practicum in Reading, Writing, and Word Study or EDUC.562 Internship in Education
Appropriate testing for certification as determined by PDE. Speak to your program advisor.**
*Prerequisites required to be completed prior to participating in READING 570 Practicum in Reading, Writing, and Word Study or EDUC562 Internship
Admission Requirements
Applications are accepted for summer or fall semester starts. Applicants to this program must hold a baccalaureate degree and a Level I teaching certificate from an accredited college or university. A complete application packet includes:
- A completed graduate school application.
- Official undergraduate transcript(s) - (minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA for full admission).
- 1-2 page, typed Letter of Intent stating your professional background, experience, and rationale for wanting to be admitted to the program.
- 1 letter of recommendation from professionals who can attest to your promise as a graduate student and professional leader.
- Copy of teaching certificate.
- PA Child Abuse and Criminal Record Clearances.
- An interview with the program coordinator to clarify program requirements, discuss goals, evaluate academic records, and outline a long-range program.
All materials should be sent directly to the Office of Graduate Studies.
Transfer Credits
A maximum of nine semester hours of graduate-level coursework may be transferred from an accredited institution; a maximum of 12 semester hours may be transferred from graduate courses completed at Commonwealth University. Transfer courses must carry a grade of B or higher and must be completed no more than six years from the expected date of graduation. Transfer credits may be requested or submitted at any time during the student's six-year program, but require prior approval from the student's advisor and the assistant vice president and dean of graduate studies and research.
Retention
Students must maintain a QPA of 3.0 to remain in the program.
Graduation and Certification
Students seeking an M.Ed. in Reading must complete 30 semester hours with a cumulative QPA of 3.0. All requirements must be completed within six years from the date of admission into the program. Students must re-enroll for all courses that exceed the six-year program completion deadline outlined in the Graduate Catalog. Students seeking reading specialist certification must earn a minimum score of 570 on the PRAXIS specialty area test for reading specialists.
- Q: Is the program only offered as a master's degree?
A: No- it’s offered as BOTH a master’s degree and a stand-alone certificate. - Q: How long does it take students to finish the program?
A: The master’s degree includes 30 credits and typically takes most students roughly 18 - 24 months to complete- though students have up to six years to finish. - Q: How is the program delivered?
A: The program is delivered 100% online. - Q: When can I start?
A: Applications are accepted for the Summer and Fall semesters.
ONWARD AND UPWARD
![children reading in a classroom setting with a teacher guiding an activity](/sites/default/files/styles/width_360/public/2024-03/360x240-reading-specialist.jpeg?itok=f-EVO5W3)
Careers
Completing the M.Ed. Reading program will increase your competitive edge in the education market, while earning credits toward PDE Act 48 and meeting requirements for Instructional II certification. Potential career options may include:
Potential Job Opportunities
- Curriculum Developer
- Reading and Writing Center
- Literacy and Assessment Curriculum Specialist
- Reading Specialist
- Reading Instructor/Teacher
- Reading Interventionist
- Director of Literacy Education
- Literacy Coach
- Educational Consultant
- Instructional Coordinator
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McDowell Institute
The McDowell Institute is dedicated to supporting the facilitation of social, emotional, and behavioral wellness of children, youth, and young adults across school and community settings. This mission is accomplished through training, technical assistance, and information dissemination.
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