How do you become a reading specialist or interventionist?

Reading specialist or interventionist qualifications may depend on state certification requirements.2 While some employers may only require a bachelor's degree, many prefer candidates who have a graduate degree.3 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.3 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.

Online Master’s in Reading Education K-12 Degree

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Degree Level

Master's

Class Setting

Online

Area of Study

Language

Program

MA in Reading Education K-12

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U.S. Citizen

Military Affiliation

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Country

United States

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Overview

Strengthen Strategies for Literacy Development in K–12 Classrooms

The Master of Arts in Reading Education K-12 degree at Grand Canyon University is designed for current teaching professionals who are interested in specializing in reading and literacy instruction in K-12 classrooms. Offered by the College of Education, this non-licensure master’s in reading education can help you prepare to meet the needs of diverse learners by deepening your understanding of evidence-based literacy practices, assessment methods and instructional strategies.

Through coursework focused on developmental reading, language acquisition and data-informed intervention, educators can build the skills needed to support students at every grade level. This program is for teachers who already hold a teaching license or at least one year of verified teaching experience.

Master of Arts in Reading Education K-12

Advanced Program for Continuing Professional Education

Offered By

College of Education

Class Settings

Online

Tuition Rate

Online: $615 per credit [More Info]

Cost of Attendance

Course Information

Credits: 32

Online: 6 weeks

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Transfer Credits

Up to 12 credits or 1/3 of the total program requirements in transfer (whichever is less)

Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements (Master's)

Undergraduate Degree*
2.8+ GPA

OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and

GMAT: 500
GRE: 300 combined**

Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
* Degree must be from an accredited college or program that has been approved by GCU.
** Combined verbal/quantitative, after August 2011 (1,000 combined verbal and quantitative, prior to August 2011).

Why GCU

The GCU Difference in K–12 Reading Education

GCU is committed to empowering educators to provide the personalized literacy support that students need. In this master’s degree in reading education for K-12 students, you will be immersed in pedagogy that emphasizes servant leadership and Christian principles. The Christian worldview is fully integrated into the coursework, inspiring our learners to uphold values of human dignity, compassion and accessibility in their classrooms.

Transferability

As a transfer-friendly university, GCU invites you to complete the Lopes Unofficial Credit Evaluation form to see how your credits could transfer to this master’s degree. A transfer specialist at GCU can provide personalized guidance and step-by-step support throughout the admission process.

Transfer Center

Flexibility

This online^{(See disclaimer 1)} master’s in reading education is designed for K-12 educators who need geographic independence and flexibility in scheduling. You can continue to uphold your current responsibilities while earning your degree.

Online Learning

Affordability

GCU understands that working educators need affordable options for higher education. Here, you can earn your master’s degree with competitive online tuition rates that are the same for in-state and out-of-state students.

Explore Tuition

Coursework

Course Topics in a Master’s Degree in Reading Education

Prepare for an in-depth dive into the nuances of language, literacy and reading instruction grounded in the science of reading. You will explore the theoretical and evidence-based principles of reading and writing development, instructional methods and literate-rich environments in this degree. You’ll also consider how best to meet the needs of diverse students, including English language learners and students with dyslexia and other exceptionalities. This degree requires practicum/field experience hours for hands-on application and immersive learning experiences, which must be completed in person.

This master’s degree in reading education focuses on these key areas:

Theories of how children acquire language

Learning anchored in neuroscience

Foundations in educational research

Reading assessment techniques

Dyslexia diagnosis strategies

Environments fostering literacy

K-12 reading instruction techniques

Advanced strategies in K-12 reading remediation

Leadership models for literacy promotion

Professional ethics for educators

Dedicated to Purpose-Driven Education

"While our college serves many students across the United States, it’s our commitment to purpose-driven education that helps us see to it that our graduates don’t just enter classrooms as skilled teachers, but as passionate changemakers driven by service and excellence."

Dr. Meredith Critchfield

Dean, College of Education

"While our college serves many students across the United States, it’s our commitment to purpose-driven education that helps us see to it that our graduates don’t just enter classrooms as skilled teachers, but as passionate changemakers driven by service and excellence."

Dr. Meredith Critchfield

Dean, College of Education

$An elementary school teacher holds textbooks while students work on classroom activities in the background.$

Careers

Career Opportunities With a Master’s in K-12 Reading Education

With a firm foundation in reading instruction, you can support struggling readers by applying appropriate instructional strategies and providing personalized reading instruction that fosters confidence and engagement. This approach can help inspire students to cultivate a lifelong appreciation for the written word. As a K–12 educator, you can pursue a range of education-based opportunities that draw on well-developed competencies in language and literacy.

Upon earning this degree, you may pursue career opportunities in settings such as:^{(See disclaimer 2)}

Public or private elementary schools

Public or private secondary schools

Child daycare centers

Postsecondary institutions

Accreditation

Earn Your Master’s in Reading Education From an Accredited University

This master’s degree in reading education for K-12 is accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP). AAQEP accreditation is an indicator of the program's quality and its effectiveness in preparing educators. The format and courses of this accredited program are aligned to the International Literacy Association (ILA) and the Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC) standards.

Further, GCU holds institutional 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.

University Accreditation

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

As an educator, you already understand the value of furthering one’s education with a graduate degree. As you research your options, the following FAQs and answers can provide some insight on GCU’s linguistics and literacy program.

Is a master's in reading education K-12 degree worth it?

If you’re a current teacher who is interested in finding new ways of helping struggling students with language and literacy skills, then earning an online^{(See disclaimer 1)} master’s in reading education can be a smart choice for you. You’ll explore advanced competencies in reading assessments, instruction and remediation, as well as creating literate environments that help children to flourish.

What does a reading specialist or interventionist do?

A reading specialist or interventionist helps children learn to read and write. It supports their development of a wide range of literacy skills. 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 communicating with parents and collaborating with teachers and school administrators.

What is the difference between a reading teacher and a reading specialist?

A reading teacher and a reading specialist are distinct roles in education, each contributing to improving students' reading abilities in different ways. A reading teacher is typically the primary classroom educator who integrates reading instruction into the broader curriculum. A reading specialist is a teacher who typically has advanced education in reading instruction and who works more closely with struggling readers, providing personalized instruction and functioning as a resource for classroom teachers.^{(See disclaimer 3)}

Courses

Program Curriculum

Credit Summary

Major32 credits

Degree Requirements32 credits

Core Courses

UNV-501

2 Total Credits

TCH-520

3 Total Credits

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.

TCH-539

3 Total Credits

REA-501

3 Total Credits

Course Description

Reading/Literacy specialist candidates are immersed in the theoretical and evidence-based foundations necessary for designing effective literacy instruction. Emphasizing the Science of Reading, candidates explore the historical and practical components of reading and writing development, systematic and explicit instruction, and the role of phonics in literacy. A key focus is placed on applying these foundations to create structured and evidence-based literacy programs.

REA-511

3 Total Credits

Course Description

Reading/Literacy specialist candidates understand and apply assessment tools and practices to support reading and writing instruction. This course provides a foundation in interpreting assessment data collaboratively and designing effective interventions that optimize student learning. Emphasizing the needs of diverse learners, including those with dyslexia, candidates will develop strategies for systematic and explicit instruction, ensuring comprehensive literacy support. Practicum/field experience hours: 10. Fingerprint clearance required.

REA-514

3 Total Credits

Course Description

Reading/Literacy specialist candidates explore instructional methods and materials that support student learning in literacy. This comprehensive course prepares candidates to design integrated, evidence-based instructional approaches, ensuring accessibility and alignment with the Science of Reading. The curriculum is designed to meet the diverse literacy needs of whole classes and specific groups, including English learners and students with dyslexia. Prerequisite: REA-501.

REA-524

3 Total Credits

Course Description

Reading/Literacy specialist candidates are immersed in K-12 literacy assessment for current teaching professionals. This course equips candidates with the skills to support teachers in developing, selecting, and interpreting assessment data to enhance student reading abilities through screening, intervention, remediation, and monitoring progress. With a focus on students requiring additional support, including English learners and those exhibiting signs of dyslexia, candidates will learn to communicate assessment results effectively to various audiences. Prerequisite: REA-510 or REA-511.

REA-534

3 Total Credits

Course Description

Reading/Literacy Specialist candidates delve into advanced teaching methods aimed at K-12 literacy instruction across content areas. This course highlights the creation of curricula with clear, measurable objectives tailored to meet diverse literacy requirements, including the needs of English learners and students with dyslexia. Candidates work in collaboration with teachers to establish achievable literacy goals and effectively employ dependable assessment tools to monitor and track student progress. Prerequisite: REA-514.

REA-550

3 Total Credits

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.

REA-554

3 Total Credits

Course Description

Reading/Literacy Specialist candidates will cultivate supervision skills focused on literacy intervention and remediation. This course emphasizes models of professional learning and leadership that enhance literacy by fostering positive attitudes, encouraging collaborative learning, and promoting effective advocacy. Candidates will investigate the adult learning principles and school leadership dynamics, equipping them to spearhead and implement meaningful literacy initiatives within a K-12 setting. Prerequisite: REA-550.

REA-584

3 Total Credits

Course Description

Reading/Literacy Specialist candidates gain valuable experience in the K-12 Reading practicum by applying school-wide literacy instruction, remediation, and intervention strategies tailored to the unique needs of students. During this practicum, candidates conduct research and analysis activities with the guidance and supervision of an experienced educator. In addition, they work collaboratively to align school-wide instruction and intervention practices. Practicum/field experience hours: 25. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: REA-554.

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

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Strengthen language and literacy instruction with a master’s in reading education at GCU.

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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’s licensure requirements, per 34 CFR 668.14(b)32 and 668.43(c).

Excluding observational and practice-based experiences and student teaching.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, Aug. 28). Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers: Work Environment. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved January 2026.
Sprig Learning. (2022, June 2). The ABCs of Supporting Reading Specialists. Retrieved January 2026.