Learn to read so you can read to learn. This age-old wisdom says that reading is essential to learning. Learning to read, therefore, creates the foundation for all future schoolwork. But, according to data from ProLiteracy, 43 million adults cannot read beyond a third grade level. Can you help correct this vital issue by earning an affordable online master’s in literacy?
Poor literacy impacts lifetime earnings and is even linked with higher healthcare costs. Stronger reading skills correlate to academic success and lower incarceration rates, among many other positive outcomes.
The country needs educators who can teach children and adults to read. By enrolling in one of these affordable online master’s in literacy programs, you become part of the solution to the country’s literacy problem. These programs are important, preparing you for one of the most rewarding careers possible. As an added bonus, many have a low cost.
ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Rankings Table | Career Guide
Average Cost (In-state): ~$17,700
Least Expensive (Nationwide): Southeastern Oklahoma State University ~$8,160
Most Expensive: Nova Southeastern University ~$40,680
Our data-driven research creates a reliable system of rankings for a master’s in reading and literacy online. To create these rankings, we meticulously calculate total full-time tuition, including any fees, for the most accurate total cost possible.
Our rankings cannot be bought, so they factually show the most affordable master’s degree programs in literacy and reading. Any program listed above the dividing line is a “Best Buy” because it costs less than the national average. If you need the cheapest online master’s in literacy for your specific career goals, start with these programs.
Most Affordable Online Master’s in Literacy
| Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 |  Southeastern Oklahoma State University | (OK) | $8,160.00 | All Students |
2 | The University of Texas at Arlington | (TX) | $8,200.00 | All Students |
3 | University of North Carolina at Charlotte | (NC) | $9,274.00 $17,226.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
4 | University of West Georgia | (GA) | $9,600.00 | All Students |
5 | University of Central Arkansas | (AR) | $9,750.00 | All Students |
6 | University of the Cumberlands | (KY) | $9,850.00 $8,650.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
7 | Arkansas State University | (AR) | $10,015.00 | All Students |
8 | Northwest Missouri State University | (MO) | $10,500.00 | All Students |
9 | Morningside University | (IA) | $10,540.00 | All Students |
10 | Evangel University | (MO) | $10,640.00 | All Students |
11 | Fort Hays State University | (KS) | $10,748.00 | All Students |
12 | Louisiana State University-Shreveport | (LA) | $11,220.00 | All Students |
12 | Concordia University - Nebraska | (NE) | $11,220.00 $14,025.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
14 |  Emporia State University Master of Science in Instructional Specialist - Reading Specialist (PK-12) CAEP,14 | (KS) | $11,296.00 $15,388.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
15 | University of Arkansas at Little Rock | (AR) | $11,490.00 $9,600.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
16 | University of West Florida | (FL) | $11,538.00 $14,365.00 $11,538.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military |
17 | Eastern New Mexico University | (NM) | $11,635.00 $15,181.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
18 | Northeastern State University | (OK) | $11,662.00 $11,695.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
19 | Concordia University, St. Paul | (MN) | $11,850.00 $10,500.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
20 | Dordt University | (IA) | $11,900.00 | All Students |
21 | Eastern Kentucky University | (KY) | $11,970.00 | All Students |
22 | Upper Iowa University | (IA) | $12,058.00 | All Students |
23 | Texas A&M International University | (TX) | $12,111.00 $33,990.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
24 | Drury University | (MO) | $12,225.00 | All Students |
25 | California State University-Fresno | (CA) | $12,237.00 $24,117.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
26 | Missouri State University | (MO) | $12,828.00 | All Students |
27 | Georgia Southern University | (GA) | $12,888.00 | All Students |
28 | University of Sioux Falls | (SD) | $13,035.00 | All Students |
29 | Bellarmine University | (KY) | $13,180.00 | All Students |
30 | University of Nebraska at Kearney | (NE) | $13,237.00 $17,881.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
31 |  National University Master of Education / Reading Education AAQEP,14 | (CA) | $13,260.00 | All Students |
32 | Florida Gulf Coast University | (FL) | $13,442.00 | All Students |
33 | Western New Mexico University | (NM) | $13,456.00 $16,729.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
34 |  Eastern Washington University | (WA) | $13,475.00 | All Students |
35 | California State University-Fullerton | (CA) | $13,586.00 $25,466.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
36 | Belhaven University | (MS) | $13,662.00 | All Students |
37 | Jackson State University | (MS) | $13,860.00 | All Students |
38 | Georgetown College | (KY) | $14,205.00 | All Students |
39 | Arkansas Tech University | (AR) | $14,210.00 $25,172.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
40 | University of Massachusetts-Lowell | (MA) | $14,220.00 | All Students |
41 | University of Colorado Denver | (CO) | $14,227.00 $16,807.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
42 | Eastern Illinois University | (IL) | $14,339.00 | All Students |
43 | Olivet Nazarene University | (IL) | $14,400.00 | All Students |
44 | Texas A&M University-Kingsville | (TX) | $14,473.00 $30,849.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
45 | New Mexico State University | (NM) | $14,665.00 $8,250.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
46 | Pittsburg State University | (KS) | $14,760.00 | All Students |
46 | SUNY College at Potsdam | (NY) | $14,760.00 $17,580.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
48 | SUNY Oneonta | (NY) | $14,791.00 $17,611.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
49 | William Woods University | (MO) | $14,950.00 | All Students |
50 | The College of Saint Scholastica | (MN) | $14,972.00 | All Students |
51 | University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point | (WI) | $15,000.00 | All Students |
51 | Southeastern University | (FL) | $15,000.00 | All Students |
53 | University of Missouri-Columbia | (MO) | $15,315.00 $14,009.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
54 | Georgia State University | (GA) | $15,328.00 | All Students |
55 | Bluffton University | (OH) | $15,350.00 | All Students |
56 | Eastern Michigan University | (MI) | $15,360.00 | All Students |
57 | University of Wisconsin-Stout | (WI) | $15,390.00 | All Students |
58 | Carlow University | (PA) | $15,450.00 | All Students |
58 | University of South Carolina-Columbia | (SC) | $15,450.00 $17,168.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
60 | Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi | (TX) | $15,557.00 $33,189.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
61 | Wilmington University | (DE) | $15,580.00 $9,220.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
62 | Concordia University - Chicago | (IL) | $15,660.00 | All Students |
63 | Western Illinois University | (IL) | $15,724.00 $21,911.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
64 | Kansas State University | (KS) | $15,829.00 | All Students |
65 | Texas Tech University | (TX) | $15,830.00 $30,518.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
66 | Ohio University | (OH) | $15,880.00 $16,469.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
67 | Oklahoma State University | (OK) | $15,925.00 $20,612.00 $15,925.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military |
68 | Clemson University | (SC) | $15,982.00 | All Students |
69 | Jacksonville State University | (AL) | $15,990.00 | All Students |
70 | Newman University | (KS) | $16,020.00 | All Students |
71 |  Liberty University | (VA) | $16,036.00 $10,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
72 | Stephen F. Austin State University | (TX) | $16,054.00 $30,742.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
73 | Asbury University | (KY) | $16,150.00 | All Students |
74 | St. Thomas University | (FL) | $16,200.00 | All Students |
75 | Concordia University - Nebraska | (NE) | $16,320.00 $20,400.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
76 | California State University-San Marcos | (CA) | $16,404.00 | All Students |
77 | Saint Leo University | (FL) | $16,425.00 | All Students |
78 | Black Hills State University | (SD) | $16,466.00 | All Students |
79 | Fairmont State University | (WV) | $16,470.00 | All Students |
80 | East Texas A&M University | (TX) | $16,476.00 $31,164.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
81 | Boise State University | (ID) | $16,500.00 | All Students |
82 | Bethel University - IN | (IN) | $16,600.00 | All Students |
83 | University of South Florida | (FL) | $16,611.00 $32,658.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
84 | University at Buffalo | (NY) | $16,628.00 $19,448.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
85 | Lake Erie College | (OH) | $16,650.00 | All Students |
86 | University of Northern Iowa | (IA) | $16,670.00 | All Students |
87 | Eastern Michigan University | (MI) | $16,896.00 | All Students |
88 | Baldwin Wallace University | (OH) | $17,050.00 | All Students |
89 | Northwestern State University of Louisiana | (LA) | $17,100.00 | All Students |
90 | Regis University | (CO) | $17,210.00 | All Students |
91 | Calvin University | (MI) | $17,250.00 | All Students |
91 | Houghton College | (NY) | $17,250.00 | All Students |
93 | University of Northern Colorado | (CO) | $17,490.00 | All Students |
94 | Bowling Green State University | (OH) | $17,566.00 $17,962.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
95 | Tennessee State University | (TN) | $17,589.00 $25,146.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
96 | Carson-Newman University | (TN) | $17,640.00 | All Students |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Austin Peay State University | (TN) | $17,783.00 $24,653.00 $16,133.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military | |
The University of Texas at El Paso | (TX) | $17,880.00 $20,940.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
The University of Findlay | (OH) | $17,985.00 | All Students | |
McNeese State University | (LA) | $18,016.00 $20,016.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Old Dominion University | (VA) | $18,074.00 $18,794.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Mary Baldwin University | (VA) | $18,120.00 | All Students | |
Wilmington University | (DE) | $18,140.00 $10,620.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Point Park University | (PA) | $18,210.00 $18,720.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
SUNY at Albany | (NY) | $18,296.00 $21,116.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
University of Virginia | (VA) | $18,380.00 | All Students | |
Concord University | (WV) | $18,459.00 | All Students | |
University of Southern Maine | (ME) | $18,504.00 | All Students | |
Gannon University | (PA) | $18,645.00 | All Students | |
University of Florida | (FL) | $18,657.00 $23,644.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
The University of Texas at Tyler | (TX) | $18,689.00 $36,401.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Indiana University Online | (IN) | $18,717.00 $22,156.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
 Southwest Minnesota State University | (MN) | $18,731.00 | All Students | |
Pennsylvania Western University | (PA) | $18,768.00 $21,573.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
 Eastern Oregon University | (OR) | $18,778.00 | All Students | |
Wilkes University | (PA) | $18,890.00 | All Students | |
Illinois State University | (IL) | $18,925.00 $35,005.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
The University of Tennessee - Martin | (TN) | $18,930.00 $20,640.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Park University | (MO) | $19,145.00 | All Students | |
Loyola University Maryland | (MD) | $19,200.00 | All Students | |
Western Colorado University | (CO) | $19,343.00 | All Students | |
Hamline University | (MN) | $19,395.00 | All Students | |
University of Kansas | (KS) | $19,635.00 | All Students | |
University of Memphis | (TN) | $19,680.00 | All Students | |
Coastal Carolina University | (SC) | $19,734.00 $37,818.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
McDaniel College | (MD) | $19,744.00 | All Students | |
University of North Dakota | (ND) | $19,793.00 | All Students | |
University of Mary | (ND) | $19,798.00 | All Students | |
Wright State University | (OH) | $19,800.00 $33,750.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Middle Tennessee State University | (TN) | $19,833.00 $28,446.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Sam Houston State University | (TX) | $19,870.00 | All Students | |
Spring Arbor University | (MI) | $19,893.00 | All Students | |
University of Alabama at Birmingham | (AL) | $20,040.00 | All Students | |
Endicott College | (MA) | $20,108.00 | All Students | |
Regent University | (VA) | $20,115.00 | All Students | |
Concordia University Wisconsin & Ann Arbor | (WI) | $20,399.00 | All Students | |
West Virginia University | (WV) | $20,400.00 | All Students | |
Regent University | (VA) | $20,680.00 | All Students | |
Western Kentucky University | (KY) | $21,210.00 | All Students | |
Lesley University | (MA) | $21,450.00 | All Students | |
Mount Saint Joseph University | (OH) | $21,450.00 | All Students | |
Bay Path University | (MA) | $21,450.00 | All Students | |
Tennessee Technological University | (TN) | $21,582.00 $26,202.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
University of Dayton | (OH) | $21,640.00 | All Students | |
Rowan University | (NJ) | $21,935.00 | All Students | |
Wayland Baptist University | (TX) | $21,988.00 | All Students | |
National Louis University | (IL) | $22,620.00 | All Students | |
Southern New Hampshire University | (NH) | $22,722.00 $17,070.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania | (PA) | $22,752.00 $21,564.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Notre Dame College (School Closing) Master of Education / Reading & Literacy 14 | (OH) | $22,880.00 | All Students | |
University of New England | (ME) | $22,920.00 | All Students | |
University of Georgia | (GA) | $23,232.00 | All Students | |
University of Delaware | (DE) | $23,240.00 | All Students | |
George Fox University | (OR) | $23,700.00 | All Students | |
East Tennessee State University | (TN) | $23,760.00 $29,340.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Western Michigan University | (MI) | $23,769.00 | All Students | |
New Jersey City University | (NJ) | $24,021.00 | All Students | |
George Mason University | (VA) | $24,210.00 | All Students | |
Roberts Wesleyan University | (NY) | $24,330.00 | All Students | |
St. Bonaventure University | (NY) | $24,550.00 | All Students | |
Grand Valley State University | (MI) | $24,948.00 | All Students | |
Eastern University | (PA) | $24,984.00 | All Students | |
Saint Joseph's University | (PA) | $25,240.00 | All Students | |
Wayne State University | (MI) | $25,250.00 $51,022.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Northern Michigan University | (MI) | $25,382.00 | All Students | |
Oakland University | (MI) | $26,688.00 | All Students | |
Fontbonne University (School Closing) Master of Arts in Education / Reading CAEP,14 | (MO) | $26,805.00 | All Students | |
Central Michigan University | (MI) | $27,086.00 $14,414.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Walsh University | (OH) | $27,170.00 | All Students | |
Virginia Commonwealth University | (VA) | $28,349.00 $54,518.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Canisius College | (NY) | $29,205.00 | All Students | |
Pennsylvania State University | (PA) | $30,210.00 | All Students | |
Mercy College | (NY) | $32,883.00 | All Students | |
Nova Southeastern University | (FL) | $40,680.00 | All Students |
Program Note: To qualify for a ranking, the online master’s in literacy must be regionally accredited. Additional programmatic accreditation is noted in the rank table. Degrees labeled with superscript 14 indicate that options for this program have changed since publication.
CAEP Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
AAQEP Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation
Rankings Note: These online college rankings are based on a GetEducated Winter/Spring 2023 review of regionally accredited, master’s in reading and literacy online. Total cost includes full-time tuition and fees and was valid at the time of collection and specific to the online learning program. School profiles for the master’s in reading and literacy online in our directory may reflect a slightly different cost based on different editorial update schedules. The published cost is an estimated sticker price for the entire online master’s in literacy program including fees. Actual costs may vary by student. Factors such as transfer credits, prerequisite courses, professional licensing and financial aid availability will affect final cost.
Editorial Note: Online schools do NOT pay to be included in any GetEducated online degree ranking. These rankings are editorially independent, open to any regionally accredited or candidate college that offers a master’s in literacy online that is available at least 80 percent through online learning and that is open to enrollment by the public. If your online college is regionally accredited and not currently reviewed by GetEducated, please contact us for inclusion.
These rankings of the most affordable online master’s in literacy programs may NOT be re-posted online or reprinted in any format without a license from GetEducated ®. Consumer finance bloggers and writers can contact our editors for a free custom article on the most affordable online master’s in literacy programs for use on your website. Our mission: Help consumers GetEducated ® about the best online colleges for cost and credibility.
Why Should I Get an Affordable Online Master’s in Literacy?
Whether you want a stable career field, decent pay, or a rewarding profession, there are many reasons to pursue one of these excellent master’s in reading and literacy online programs.
- Build the foundation for someone’s education: Perhaps the biggest motivation for becoming a teacher, these degrees lead to rewarding careers. After graduation, you’ll spend your time teaching children and adults to read, which is critically important for their long term success.
- A stable career: The job growth numbers for education are not impressive (1% growth for most teachers), but it is a consistent career. Cities, counties, and states in all areas need teachers, making this a reliable occupation.
- Decent pay for skilled teachers: The median annual pay for kindergarten and elementary teachers is $61,620, while the top 10% earn over $101,000 a year. With formal education, training, and experience, there is a chance to earn a sizable income.
Online Master’s in Literacy: What Is the Cost?
Each master’s degree comes with a different price tag. The programs in this database run from just over $8,000 to more than $40,000, so it’s important to research the cost and find a program that works for your needs and budget. While the cheapest online master’s in literacy may not be the perfect option for your future, you still need to research the cost before enrolling.
The average price for these degrees is $17,700. If students are on a two-year study track, this means the average per-year price is roughly $8,850. While this cost includes more than just tuition, most schools require payment by the semester. With two semesters per year (fall and spring), students can expect an average of $4,425 per semester.
This is simply the average. It’s possible to have a much lower cost. The most affordable online master’s in literacy comes from Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Its Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction / Reading only costs $8,160, which means a per-year price of $4,080. Best of all, this low cost is available to all students, not just Oklahoma residents.
In our database, you will find:
- 6 programs below $10,000
- 21 programs below $12,000
- 50 programs below $15,000
The most expensive program comes from Nova Southeastern University. Its Master of Science in Education / Reading Education costs $40,680, making it more than twice the average price.
With a total of 180 degrees from 170 schools, there is sure to be an affordable online master’s in literacy program that will meet your specific needs.
Top Three Most Affordable Online Master’s in Literacy
#1. Southeastern Oklahoma State University – Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction / Reading
The cheapest online literacy master’s degree offers more than just an incredible price tag. This program is CAEP-accredited, can be completed 100% online in as little as 12 months, and prepares you to lead classroom and school-wide reading and literacy programs. The $8,160 estimated total cost is available to all students regardless of state residency. Out-of-state students, though, should check with their state board of education to ensure this program meets requirements, as the curriculum of the M.Ed in Curriculum & Instruction / Reading is aligned with Oklahoma state standards.
Coursework provides students with high-level knowledge of phonics, reading, vocabulary, word recognition, and reading comprehension. In addition to standard literacy education, this program from Southeastern Oklahoma State University also provides a special focus on teaching English-language learners. Graduates will be well prepared to take the Oklahoma ESL Subject Area Test required for ESL certification.
#2. The University of Texas at Arlington – Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction / Literacy Studies
The second cheapest master’s in literacy online comes from The University of Texas at Arlington. The M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction in Literacy Studies costs a total of $8,200 to students nationwide. This AAQEP-accredited program is 100% online and presented in an accelerated format with no thesis requirement.
This degree is designed for practicing teachers who are already licensed in their state. Within the Literacy Studies major, students can choose from two tracks: Reading Specialist or English as a Second Language. The program boasts an excellent track record for professional success; since its creation in 1998, 100% of students taking the Texas Education Agency’s Reading Specialist exam have passed within their first two attempts.
#3. University of North Carolina at Charlotte – Master of Education in Reading Education
North Carolina residents can earn an M.Ed degree in Reading Education for just $9,274, making this the third cheapest online literacy master’s program in our database. The cost is more significant for out-of-state students, however, at $17,226.
This program allows licensed teachers to add a new area of expertise to their teaching skill set. The curriculum prepares students for North Carolina K-12 Reading Education licensure at the master’s level. Educators will learn advanced methods for teaching and creating curriculum to enhance student learning in reading and writing. Courses also explore a range of assessment tools and practices for literacy skills.
What to Expect from an Online Master’s in Literacy
These degrees help teachers become experts in reading and literacy education. They are also options for anyone with a bachelor’s degree in a related subject who wants to become an educator. All master’s degree programs are different, but most require roughly two years and at least 30 credit hours of study. Some may be larger; 36 credit hours is common among these degrees.
These programs develop skills that help graduates teach others to read. While most of the programs apply to teaching children, the skills could apply to teaching adults as well. At least in theory, the programs could be used to become adult teachers as well as childhood educators.
These programs, at their core, are education degrees. You’ll learn to plan curriculum, manage classrooms, evaluate students, and supervise instruction. However, each has a reading and literacy component, which may be either a small section or the primary focus of the degree. The reading and literacy portion often includes literacy instruction, which shows students how to teach others to read.
Some of these programs are master’s of education degrees with an endorsement in literacy or reading. An endorsement is a term used to describe a focused specialty. Many teachers, especially in junior high and high school, have at least one endorsement.
When selecting the right master’s in literacy education online for you, you’ll have to choose between a master of arts in education, a master of science in education, or a master of education. There is a lot of overlap, and the specific classes are most important, but a master of arts is more theoretical, while a master of science focuses on research and information. A master of education tends to emphasize the administration and management of schools. They are the preferred choice for aspiring principals and administrators.
Courses in a Master’s in Literacy Online
Bethel University (IN) – Master of Education / Literacy
This online master’s in literacy, like many of the programs from the database, is for current teachers who want to advance their careers with specific, focused skills. It requires 36 credit hours of study. Courses prepare you to assess a student’s reading ability and use strategies to enhance learning outcomes. The program consists of 18 credit hours for required education classes as well as a cognate section (12 credit hours) and two elective courses.
The education courses include “Effective Instruction & Assessment,” “Curriculum Development & School Improvement,” and “Educational Research.” The literacy section encompasses classes like “English Language Learning” and “Writing Process.”
Jacksonville State University – Master of Science in Education / Reading Specialist
If you want to become a reading specialist in schools or for private companies, this could be the ideal master’s in literacy online. The program covers core requirements and teaching field requirements, with a diversity requirement also included.
The core requirement topics include teaching and learning, education research, and multicultural literature. The teaching field section encompasses topics such as “Improvement of Reading in Secondary Schools,” “Assessment of Diagnosis in Reading,” and “Intervention Strategies for Reading Instruction.”
University of Northern Colorado – Master of Arts in Literacy
If you want to better understand how people learn to read, this could be the best program for your needs. The degree has a simple structure: the major required credits include 30 hours of study. A research element can be substituted, with advisor consent, for some courses.
Classes in this master’s in literacy education online include “Literacy Teaching,” “Teaching Writing,” “Children’s Literature,” and “Practical Literacy Assessment.” If you choose (and are approved to), you can substitute a course with either “Directing a School-Wide Literacy Program” or “Supervised Practicum in Literacy Coaching.”
Accreditation for Online Literacy Programs
If a school or program is accredited, it has shown that it meets standards set by an accrediting group. Accreditation is granted by various bodies, and it must be renewed every seven to ten years. There are two main types of accreditation: institutional, which covers the entire college or university, and programmatic, which covers the specific degree or program.
Institutional Accreditation
Regional groups approved by the U.S. Department of Education grant institutional accreditation. This includes groups like the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). All the programs on our website, including these master’s in literacy online programs, come from schools with this type of accreditation.
Programmatic Accreditation
Programmatic accreditation is more specific. This type of accreditation is granted by subject-specific bodies and only covers the degree, not the school or even the department. For example, a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Big State Tech (a fictional school, just to be clear!) could apply for programmatic accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.
The reading and literacy programs in this database are teaching degrees, which means many have accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). The CAEP accredits bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate programs in education. It is the largest organization in this space. Over 80 programs in this database have approval from this group.
Although less common, the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) accredits education degrees as well. Also recognized by the CHEA, the AAQEP serves a similar role but, according to its information, is dedicated to innovation and advancements in education. Regardless of the organization, programmatic accreditation from a CHEA-approved group shows that students can expect a quality education.
If a degree does not have programmatic accreditation, that’s fine. As long as it comes from an institutionally-accredited school, it will deliver a high-quality education.
Typical Admission Requirements for a Master’s in Reading and Literacy Online
If you have a bachelor’s degree (a requirement for a master’s), you likely understand the overall admissions process for an online master’s in literacy. However, the process for a master’s degree is much more extensive. It requires more paperwork, more information, and strict enrollment standards.
Essentially, you need to demonstrate that you are an ideal candidate for the degree and that you can handle the challenges of a master’s program.
The main requirement, as we mentioned, is a bachelor’s degree. Just like how you can’t enter high school without passing through junior high, you also can’t enter a master’s program without a bachelor’s degree. Most people in these online reading and literacy programs have teaching degrees, although some programs may accept applicants with literature or English degrees.
Some programs also require a teaching license, although you can certainly find programs that do not have this requirement. Various graduate schools have specific GPA requirements. For example, you can find programs that require a 3.0 or 2.75 from incoming master’s students.
St. Thomas University – Master of Science in Reading
Let’s look at one example to better understand the admission requirements for a master’s in literacy online. St. Thomas University offers the Master of Science in Reading. This program requires a 2.75 GPA from previous college studies. The university will accept students with a GPA below 2.75, but they must maintain a 3.0 through the first two courses.
In addition to a bachelor’s degree with a specific GPA, incoming students will need to submit letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose. All of these documents will be reviewed by the admissions office before the student is accepted.
Licensing and Certification for Reading Teachers
Many of these programs lead directly to a teaching career. For any teacher working in a public school, licensing, often called a certificate, is a requirement. These certificates are often awarded by the state for the specific level you will teach.
For example, if you want to be a high school teacher in Pennsylvania, you’ll need a certificate to teach high schoolers through the state government. This certificate won’t allow you to teach elementary students, nor will it allow you to teach high school students in Ohio; only Pennsylvania high schoolers.
Requirements for these licenses vary by state, but most include at least a bachelor’s degree, the completion of a teaching program, and a successful background check. In addition, you may need to pass skill-specific testing. In this case, skill-specific means reading and literacy education.
Even if you don’t need licensing for your intended career path (such as with private schools and companies), you can advance your career through voluntary certifications.
The Center for Effective Reading Instruction (CERI) offers various certifications for teachers and reading specialists. Educators can select options like the Structured Literacy Classroom Teacher Knowledge Certificate, which demonstrates your knowledge in the structure of language, recognizing reading difficulties, and the assessment of students.
Salary and Career Outlook for Reading Specialists and Teachers
Educators may not have a reputation for high salaries, but the education sector does offer the chance for a strong income, especially if you have a master’s degree.
For example, the median salary for high school teachers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), was $61,360 in of May 2022. However, the top 10% in this profession earned over $101,000. The median salary for kindergarten and elementary school teachers was $61,620; the top 10% also earned over $101,000 a year.
The BLS does not have information specific to literacy teachers. However, some well-known, career-based sites share data on these positions. Salary.com, for one, says that the median salary for reading specialists is $56,824.
Education is not a high-growth profession. It won’t be adding jobs at a rapid pace, but it’s a stable career available across the country. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the expected job growth for all occupations between 2022 and 2023 is 3%. However, teachers (including elementary and high school) will only grow by 1%. The demand, however, may be regional; in certain areas where budgets are strong, the hiring of teachers may be strong as well.
The Next Step in Your Education
After a master’s in literacy online, what’s the next step in your education? For some, the answer may be a doctorate, possibly a doctorate in education in reading and literacy. A Ph.D. in reading and literacy is a research-based program for educators who want to understand cutting-edge practices for reading curriculum and instruction. Many will include reading-focused research programs. If you enroll in one of these programs, be prepared for a dissertation.
Even if you do not pursue a doctorate, you’ll likely need continuing education, especially if you are a public school teacher. Continuing education is part of the certification requirement, so you’ll need to meet requirements for education hours. Usually certification renewal happens every five years, but some states have shorter or longer renewal periods.
If you want to work in reading education, you need to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and research. Continuing education, trade publications, seminars, and industry conferences should be a part of your career, long after you graduate from a master’s in literacy online.