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Online Master's in Reading Education @ KU

Become a leader in literacy education with the online Master of Science in Education (M.S.E.) in Curriculum and Instruction and an emphasis in Reading Education from the University of Kansas.

This practitioner-focused Master’s in Reading Education program provides the curriculum and instructional strategies to address the literacy needs of PK-12 students in today’s diverse classrooms. Prepare to transition to a career as a reading or literacy specialist or elevate your teaching skills in your own K-12 classroom.

21st Century Topics: The Importance of Literacy

The KU Department of Curriculum & Instruction infuses 21st century topics into all programs and classes. In this video, Heidi Hallmann discusses how themes like the importance of literacy and teaching diverse learners are discussed throughout the program.

  • Program Tracks
  • Program Benefits
  • Admissions Requirements
  • What You Will Learn
  • Graduation Requirements
  • Faculty
  • After Graduation

Program Tracks

We offer three tracks for this program:

Master's: Reading Specialist Licensure Track: The Reading Specialist Licensure track master’s option is intended for those seeking to earn their master’s degree in order to pursue state licensure as a reading specialist.

  • For those seeking graduate-level knowledge and skills to apply in a classroom setting
  • Best for educators looking to transition to, or start, a career in reading education, who already hold initial licensure in their state
  • Prepare to transition to a career as a reading or literacy specialist
  • 33 credits, 11 courses, 8 weeks per course
  • Complete in as few as 2 years

Master's: Reading Non-Licensure Track: The Reading Non-Licensure master’s track is not intended for initial teacher licensure nor for licensure as a reading specialist; most students enter the program with an active teacher’s license.

  • For those seeking graduate-level knowledge and skills to apply outside of a classroom setting
  • Best for administrators and those looking to deepen their knowledge of literacy strategies and language acquisition techniques
  • Prepare to transition to a career as a reading or literacy specialist
  • 30 credits, 10 courses, 8 weeks per course
  • Complete in as few as 2 years

Reading Specialist Endorsement-Only Track:* The Reading Specialist Endorsement is intended for educators who wish to complete the requirements for state licensure as a reading specialist in the State of Kansas.

  • Best for currently licensed teachers in states where an additional endorsement in reading education is required
  • 21 credits, 7 courses, 8 weeks per course
  • Complete in as little as 1 year

*This academic program satisfies the requirements for the reading specialist teaching licensure endorsement in Kansas, but it does not fulfill the requirements needed to complete a master's degree. Students are responsible for determining whether additional testing is required in their state of residence.

And, for those who already have a master's degree or are not ready for a full master's program, the KU School of Education also offers a Graduate Certificate in Reading Education online.

Program Benefits

  • Top 10 Best Education School (among public universities)1
  • Top 20 Curriculum and Instruction program1
  • Top 30 Best Online Education Graduate Program2
  • Accredited under NCATE standards through CAEP
  • Curriculum based on the Standards for Reading Professionals of the International Reading Association
  • Learn from dedicated faculty who teach with an emphasis on applying research in real-world situations to improve instructional practice
  • Create a working instructional portfolio that you can use in your classroom
  • Complete your course work anytime, anywhere, through our innovative online format
  • Graduate in as few as two years
  • No GRE scores required

Admissions Requirements

Our Admissions Advisors are here to help answer your questions regarding admission requirements and licensure. If you have questions, please email us at onlineinfo@ku.edu or call us at 855-639-7799.

To be considered for admission, prospective students must have completed a bachelor's degree with a GPA equal to or greater than 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale). Applicants with an undergraduate GPA below 3.0 should contact an admission advisor for more information.

To apply to the online Master's in Reading Education or the Reading Specialist Endorsement, your first step is completing the online application form. Prior to starting the form we recommend that you review our admissions guide.

What You Will Learn

At the University of Kansas, we believe that pursuing your master's degree as a teacher is about making a difference in the lives of the students you teach and becoming the best educator you can be. This practitioner-based program can help you make a difference in readers of all ages.

Learn effective strategies and practical instructional techniques to develop literacy and meet the needs of students in today's diverse classrooms. Courses in this flexible, online program address real-world topics of assessment and instruction, including foundations of reading, beginning reading, early intervention and support for striving readers.

View Course Descriptions

Graduation Requirements

Master's in Education: Reading Specialist Licensure Track

  • Successful completion of all required course work
  • Successful completion of the required hours and experiences in the Internship
  • Successful completion and submission of the electronic portfolio during the Internship experience

Master's in Education: Reading Non-Licensure Track

  • Successful completion of all required course work
  • Successful completion and submission of the program comprehensive examination during the final course

View Course Descriptions

Faculty

The University of Kansas brings a rich academic tradition into the online environment. The KU School of Education is equally committed to KU's mission of educating leaders, building healthy communities and making discoveries that change the world. Our Curriculum and Teaching faculty are at the leading edge of research and practice working to improve the quality of instruction in different subject areas and in different education settings. One current project, funded by a $120 million grant, targets improvement in how reading is taught to children.

Meet the Faculty

After Graduation

The Master's in Reading Education is designed for passionate educators who are ready to take a step forward in their careers with a challenging, rewarding master's program.

This program is ideal for K-12 educators who would like to elevate their teaching skills with practical curriculum and instruction strategies, and/or increase their earning potential.

Note: This program is not intended for initial teacher licensure, nor Reading Specialist licensure endorsement. Most students will enter the program with an active teacher's license.

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Sources:
  1. Retrieved on October 19, 2017, from usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/university-of-kansas-155317/overall-rankings
  2. Retrieved on January 9, 2018, from usnews.com/education/online-education/university-of-kansas-155317