Online Master’s in Reading Programs
Support Stronger Reading Outcomes in Schools
Strong reading instruction plays a critical role in student development across all grade levels, and advanced training can help educators make a greater impact in the classroom. GCU’s master’s in reading programs are designed to strengthen your ability to assess literacy needs, implement effective reading strategies and support students with varying skill levels. While these programs do not lead to licensure, they focus on evidence-based practices that can help improve reading outcomes and equip you to support literacy development in diverse school settings.
Explore Master’s in Reading Programs
Earning your master’s degree in reading can help you strengthen instructional expertise and better support students’ literacy development at various stages of learning. Whether you are focused on early reading instruction or working with learners across multiple grade levels, selecting the right program is a crucial step in aligning your education with your professional goals.
Strengthen Your Skills With Targeted Reading and Literacy Coursework
Targeted coursework in reading and literacy can help educators deepen their understanding of how students develop essential reading skills and how to support learners. Through a blend of theory, research and practical application, online(See disclaimer 1) reading programs are designed to build instructional expertise that can be applied in real classroom settings. The curriculum focuses on evidence-based strategies teaching you to assess literacy needs, implement effective instruction and foster strong, supportive learning environments.
Along with the topics listed, you will complete a practicum for your program, applying research-based instruction in a classroom setting.
Some key topics you will cover in your reading program include:
Potential Careers for Those With Reading Degrees
Online(See disclaimer 1) master’s in reading degrees can prepare you to pursue different educational career opportunities through building advanced literacy instruction skills, deepening your understanding of reading development and supporting diverse learners across a range of educational settings.
Different teaching options for those with a reading degree include:
Postsecondary education teachers
Middle school teachers
Secondary school teachers
Median annual wage for postsecondary education teachers in May 2024(See disclaimer 2)
Frequently Asked Questions
Review some frequently asked questions and answers to gain more insight into earning an online(See disclaimer 1) master’s degree in reading.
Are there specializations within master’s degrees in reading?
Are GRE test scores required for MA in Reading programs?
Are online master’s in reading degrees respected?
Improve Student Literacy Through Online Reading Master’s Degrees
Through research-based coursework and practical application, these programs focus on building advanced reading and assessment skills that can be applied directly in educational settings. With a commitment to academic excellence, supportive faculty and flexible online learning, GCU provides a learning environment designed to help educators reach their professional goals while making a lasting impact on student literacy.
Students interested in GCU’s master’s in reading programs must meet specific admission requirements, including holding a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, with no GRE required. Reviewing these requirements and connecting with a university counselor can help determine eligibility and next steps.
GCU is committed to delivering a quality education grounded in academic excellence and integrity. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968, GCU meets rigorous standards that help ensure students receive a credible education designed to support long-term professional and academic goals. The College of Education shares the university’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards established by our accrediting bodies.
Our online learning format is designed to support flexibility without compromising academic quality. You can engage with coursework developed by knowledgeable faculty, access academic resources and complete assignments on a schedule that fits your professional and personal commitments.
Student Resources
Students in GCU’s master’s in reading degrees have access to a variety of academic and support resources designed to help them throughout their studies. From guidance provided by experienced college faculty to specialized resources within the College of Education, these tools are intended to support learning, professional growth and the overall student experience.
Take the next step toward strengthening literacy instruction. Enroll in your master’s degree in reading.
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.
- The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”), Postsecondary Education Teachers, as of May 2024, retrieved December 2025. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as postsecondary education teachers, nor does it reflect earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It is very unlikely that a median salary will reflect an entry-level salary. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.