Online Master’s in Reading Education K-12 Degree
Help K-12 Students Develop Essential Reading Abilities
Literacy is the foundation of learning, and all students deserve the opportunity to benefit from rich and varied reading experiences. However, many students require extra guidance from literacy specialists or interventionists. The Master of Arts in Reading Education K–12 degree program at Grand Canyon University is designed for current teaching professionals who would like to become reading specialists or interventionists to increase the educational success of K–12 students.
These reading specialist roles can prepare students for future learning by identifying reading delays or disabilities and implementing appropriate instruction, interventions or remediation to develop essential reading abilities. This master's degree in reading is for teachers who already hold a teaching license or educators with a year of verified teaching experience. This program does not contain the in-classroom teaching experience component necessary to obtain a teaching license.
You will be required to submit a copy of your current teaching license or provide evidence of a minimum of one year of teaching experience.
Benefits of GCU’s Reading Education Degree Program
The Master of Arts in Reading Education K–12 degree at GCU requires 32 credits for completion, which includes online courses and a K-12 reading practicum.
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Highlights of this master’s in reading education degree program include:
- The format and courses of this institutionally accredited program are aligned to the International Literacy Association (ILA) and the Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC) standards.
- Courses are taught by knowledgeable faculty who share knowledge and experience in the areas of curriculum and instruction, cognition, emergent literature, linguistics, phonics, and developmental and corrective reading processes.
- Opportunities are provided to apply concepts, theories and research throughout the reading education degree program.
- Assignments within each course guide students through observations and hands-on learning experiences. Students must have access to K–12 classrooms to complete the practicum courses and program assignments.
Reading Education Course Topics
Students in this program learn through an innovative digital platform while connecting with peers and instructors that share the same purpose to help K-12 students reach their goals in the area of reading development.
The online master’s degree in reading education focuses on these key areas:
- Essentials of language and literacy
- Learning anchored in neuroscience
- Foundations in educational research
- Examination of reading assessment techniques
- Proficient K-12 reading assessment and diagnostic strategies
- Environments fostering literacy
- Foundations of K-12 reading instruction techniques
- Advanced strategies in K-12 reading, writing instruction and remediation
- Guiding literacy intervention and remediation
- Practical experience in K-12 reading
Career Opportunities for Graduates With a Reading Education Master’s
Upon earning this degree, you may pursue career opportunities such as:
- Reading specialist
- Reading interventionist
- Secondary reading teacher
- Elementary reading teacher
Earn Your Master of Arts in Reading Education From an Accredited University
The format and courses of this institutionally accredited program are aligned to the International Literacy Association (ILA) and the Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC) standards. Further, GCU holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission as well as authorization in Arizona from the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education. These accreditations signify GCU’s excellence and the quality of its academic offerings.
Master’s in Reading Education Degree FAQs
Embarking on a master’s degree journey may involve significant financial considerations and a substantial time investment. To assist in your decision-making process regarding the suitability of the Master of Arts in Reading Education K-12 program, we've compiled a selection of our frequently asked questions.
Reading specialist or interventionist qualifications may depend on state certification requirements. While some employers may only require a bachelor's degree, many prefer candidates who have a graduate degree.2 Serving in the field of education necessitates specific certifications and licenses, which differ based on your state of practice. For instance, certain states might mandate a comprehensive teaching license, while others might stipulate both a teaching license and a specialized certification for roles like a reading interventionist.2 This program may allow reading education degree candidates to work alongside teachers as they prepare to understand how to support and guide classroom teachers through the intense process of reading remediation. It is necessary to review each state’s reading endorsement requirements to prepare for a reading specialist title.
A reading specialist or interventionist helps children learn to read and write and supports the development of a wide range of literacy skills.2 A specialist can assess reading levels to identify children who need additional support and will then teach these children phonics, vocabulary and reading comprehension skills in a small group or as individuals. Other responsibilities may include continually communicating with parents on a student’s progress or challenges, collaborating with teachers and school administrators to design reading and literacy curriculum, as well as guiding teachers on how to implement reading support into their classroom instruction. Also, reading specialists and interventionists may analyze collected data and typically administer state reading tests.
A reading teacher and a reading specialist are two distinct roles within the field of education, both contributing to the improvement of students' reading abilities in different ways. A reading teacher is typically a certified classroom educator who integrates reading instruction into their broader curriculum, either through small groups or in a classroom setting.2 On the other hand, a reading specialist is an education professional with specialized training and expertise in literacy and reading instruction.2 They often support, supplement and extend classroom teaching to implement a reading program that meets the needs of each student.3
Ready to take the next step in becoming an educator with a focus on literacy? Explore our Master of Arts in Reading Education K-12 and join a community dedicated to enhancing students' reading abilities. Learn more about how our program can help you become a proficient reading specialist today.
If you are seeking licensure/certification, please refer to the Accreditation and Compliance/State disclosures link for the specific program of interest’s website for your location and/or employment state licensure requirements, per 34 CFR 668.14(b)32 and 668.43(c).
1 Indeed Editorial Team (2023, March 31). What Does a Reading Specialist Do? A Complete Career Guide. Indeed. Retrieved on Sept. 7, 2023.
2 Indeed Editorial Team (2022, Sept. 30). How to Become a Reading Interventionist in 5 Steps. Indeed. Retrieved on August 17, 2023.
3 International Reading Association (n.a.). Roles of the Reading Specialist. Retrieved on August 18, 2023.
Core Courses
Course Description
This course is designed to prepare students for the graduate learning experience at Grand Canyon University. Students have opportunities to develop and strengthen the skills necessary to succeed as graduate students in the College of Education. Emphasis is placed on utilizing the tools for graduate success.
Course Description
This course focuses on brain research (from neuroscience to the behavioral and cognitive sciences) that relates to teaching and learning and suggests ways that brain research can be translated into instructional practices within organizational settings. Candidates will examine the inner workings of the brain and the effect on learning, memory, and transfer. Specifically, the course explores the body of knowledge that represents the application of brain research to instructional practice, and how knowledge about the human brain can affect the curricular, instructional, and assessment decisions that the candidates make every day. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required.
Course Description
This course provides an introduction to applied research in education across the major quantitative, qualitative, and action research traditions. Coursework focuses on understanding the research process and its integrated components to foster knowledge in navigating research reports and projects. Research designs and data analysis options are also explored.
Course Description
Reading/Literacy specialist candidates survey the theoretical and evidence-based foundations of reading and writing processes and instruction. This survey includes an exploration of historical through current reading and writing development, processes, and components. Reading/literacy specialist candidates are introduced to ethical and professional roles. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required.
Course Description
Reading/Literacy specialist candidates survey a variety of assessment tools and related practices. This survey prepares the reading/literacy specialist to use assessment results to plan and evaluate effective reading and writing instruction that optimizes student learning. In addition, the reading/literacy specialist candidates develop effective communication techniques. Practicum/field experience hours: 10. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: REA-500.
Course Description
Reading/Literacy specialist candidates survey instructional approaches and materials that support student learning in reading and writing. This survey prepares the reading/literacy specialist candidates to design an integrated, comprehensive, and balanced curriculum to meet the literacy needs of whole class and groups of students including students identified as English Language Learners or demonstrating characteristics of dyslexia. Placement of field experience will be in a K-8 environment. Practicum/field experience hours: 10. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: REA-500.
Course Description
Reading/literacy specialist candidates engage in advanced studies of assessment and diagnostics to develop, select, and interpret data. This advanced study of assessment information is used to plan and evaluate curriculum and instruction at the building and district level with an awareness of students identified as needing additional reading support, including students identified as English language learners or demonstrating signs of dyslexia. In addition, the reading/literacy specialist candidates communicate assessment results to a variety of audiences. Practicum/field experience hours: 10. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: REA-510.
Course Description
Reading/Literacy specialist candidates engage in advanced studies of instructional approaches and materials to support reading and writing instruction and remediation across content areas. From this advanced study, the reading/literacy specialist candidates design an integrated, comprehensive, and balanced curriculum to meet the diverse literacy needs of individuals and groups of students including students identified as English language learners or demonstrating signs of dyslexia. Placement of field experience will be in a 6-12 environment. Practicum/field experience hours: 10. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: REA-512.
Course Description
Reading/Literacy specialist candidates create a literate environment that fosters reading and writing by integrating foundational knowledge, instructional practices, approaches and methods, curriculum materials, and the appropriate use of assessments. Students will examine schoolwide collaboration as well as advocate for establishing a literate classroom to meet diverse learning needs . Practicum/field experience hours: 10. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: REA-515 or REA-522.
Course Description
Reading/Literacy specialist candidates survey professional learning and leadership models for promoting literacy with emphasis on positive dispositions, individual and collaborative learning, design and evaluation of professional learning experiences, the importance of advocacy, and a need for knowledge about adult learning and school leadership. From this survey, reading/literacy specialist candidates demonstrate and facilitate professional learning and leadership as a career-long effort and responsibility. Practicum/field experience hours: 10. Fingerprint clearance required.
Course Description
The practicum experience requires reading/literacy specialist candidates to implement literacy instruction, intervention and remediation that is designed to meet the specific needs of students and engage in research and analysis to support compilation and creation of a Literacy Work Sample (LWS). In addition, the candidates provide support to other teachers to think reflectively about improving student learning and implementing various instructional practices. Practicum/field experience hours: 90. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisites: REA-512 and REA-532.
- GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
- Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
- Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change
Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.