Master of Education - Reading Specialist - Carlow University

Improve outcomes for students struggling with reading

You can be a leader in the field of educational literacy with Carlow’s Master of Education Reading Specialist degree. The reading specialist certification and MEd programs lead to Pre-K-12 Pennsylvania Department of Education Reading Specialist Certification with a special Carlow dyslexia certificate.

As a reading specialist or literacy coordinator, you’ll learn to provide whole class, small group and tiered intervention support to students in all aspects of literacy instruction.

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Credits required:

25-31 credits

Cost per credit:

$600/credit

Time to degree:

As few as 12 months

Delivery:

On campus or online

Curriculum for MEd Reading Specialist

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You’ll study how children learn to read with courses centered on the science of reading and examine different approaches to effective literacy assessment and instruction.

Coursework includes an examination of phonological awareness, the structure of language, teaching writing and digital literacy. The curriculum meets guidelines for the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s framework for the reading specialist, the International Literacy Association (ILA) and the International Dyslexia Association (IDA). Students will benefit from on-site practicums at Carlow’s Campus Laboratory School or regional schools and districts.

Special workshops and guest speakers are a hallmark of the program through partnerships with Trying Together, Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, Fred Rogers Institute, Allegheny Intermediate Unit, Pittsburgh Public Schools, Provident Charter School, PBIDA, Warhol Museum and A+ Schools.

Quick facts

Structured literacy and IDA focus
Faculty instructors who serve as national LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) trainers
Partnerships with regional schools that enhance professional development

Certificate options

Add-on certificate

If you already have a teaching license, you can earn this MEd under our add-on certificate option. When applying, indicate your interest in the add-on certificate option.

Graduate Certificate in Reading Specialist (Pre-K-12)

This program is available as a graduate certificate which leads to an endorsement from PDE for already licensed teachers.

Career opportunities for Reading Specialist

School districts hire reading specialists to coordinate reading programs, support students and teachers, and work with intervention services.

Employment of instructional coordinators is projected to grow 6% from 2019 to 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. As states and school districts put greater emphasis on student achievement data, schools may increasingly turn to instructional coordinators to develop better curriculums and improve teachers’ effectiveness.

Admission requirements and application process

You can apply for free online, and must submit the following materials:

Official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions you have attended
Personal essay that describes your academic objectives
Current resume or curriculum vitae
Two letters of recommendation that address your leadership potential and ability to succeed in graduate-level work

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anytime

Start terms:

Fall, Spring & Summer

An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred; however, provisional admission is also possible if you do not meet all of the admission criteria but exhibit a strong possibility of academic success. No prerequisites or teacher licensure are required for this degree and certification.

Olivia Miller, ’21, biology major and runner on the track & field/cross country team.

Learn to make a difference

MEd Reading Specialist graduate Alyson Woodall ’21 said Carlow’s Education Program has taught her how to make a difference. “Carlow has always been at the forefront of education by teaching education students the latest strategies and approaches for delivering effective classroom instruction. Carlow is challenging me to be a better teacher by showing me how to use research-based techniques that focus on how the brain learns to read.”

Reading Specialist faculty & staff

Keely Baronak, EdD Chair, Professor, Education
Ann Bisignani Student Teacher/Field Experience Director
Miguel Brun Adjunct Lecturer, Education
Katherine Gullone Apprenticeship Coaching Coordinator
Rae Ann Hirsh, DEd Executive Director, Center for 21st Century Innovation and Workforce Development (C21) & Program Director, Early Childhood Education, Professor
Marilyn Llewellyn, PhD Professor, Education
Patricia McMahon, PhD Professor, Education
Tammi McMillan Director, Early Childhood Apprenticeship Hub
Susan O’Rourke, EdD Professor, Special Education
Valerie Piccini, MEd Instructor, Reading Specialist, Education
Susan Polojac Director, Apprenticeship Hub
Crystal Rose Pre-Apprenticeship Director
Pamela Zimmerman Coordinator of Undergraduate Programs, Education

Contact Admissions

If you are interested in this graduate program, our Admissions team is available to assist you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.

admissions@carlow.edu

+1 (412) 578-6059