Best Online Master’s in Reading and Literacy Programs of 2026

Reading scores among U.S. high school seniors dropped to their lowest levels in over three decades, according to the most recent National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP).

These statistics stress the importance of prioritizing teaching students strong literacy skills. And they have turned the “science of reading” into a hot topic in many educational circles.

A master’s in reading and literacy can place you at the forefront of research aimed at answering the central question: How can we help people become stronger readers?

If you’re interested in this career path, read on for a list of the best online master’s in reading and literacy programs of 2026 and tips on how to choose the best one for you.

According to our 2025 Online Education Trends Report:

No two master’s programs are exactly the same, even if they both lead to the same degree. Keep these factors in mind when determining which program is right for you:

An online master’s in education (including reading and literacy programs) costs on average $7,912 annually in tuition and fees, according to 2020 NCES data.

However, tuition prices can vary greatly across programs depending on institution type, program length, residency status, and available financial aid opportunities.

For example, out-of-state students attending the University of North Carolina at Charlotte pay $536 per credit hour. At East Carolina University, those same students would pay $1,014 per credit, making this school less affordable for nonresident students.

Additionally, the net cost of a degree can be much lower when you take financial aid into account. Net cost refers to a program’s total tuition minus grants, scholarships, and other aid — whether from federal, state, or private institutions.

With this in mind, it’s important to compare the programs’ per-credit cost to get an overall idea of your expected total tuition. Then, check out each school’s net price calculator to calculate the average cost after financial aid.

It typically takes students about two years to graduate from a master’s degree program, although this timeline can vary depending on how many credits you need and whether you’re a full- or part-time student.

Most programs typically require 30-36 credits, but the exact number largely depends on the school you attend and how it structures its program.

For example, Clemson University’s reading and literacy program requires 30 credits to graduate, while the University of Georgia’s program requires 36. A higher credit count doesn’t necessarily mean a program is better or worse; it simply illustrates each university’s individual strategy in designing their programs.

Keep in mind that the total number of credits you need not only impacts how long it will take to finish your degree but also your overall tuition costs.

The list below includes the most common requirements of a master’s degree application:

However, keep in mind that these requirements can vary by program. For example, many graduate schools have recently dropped their GRE requirements, making them an ideal option for working professionals who want a streamlined admissions process.

Some reading and literacy programs may also require applicants to show evidence of classroom teaching experience. The University of Georgia, for example, typically requires two or more years of teaching experience to be accepted into its program.

You should only attend master’s programs in reading and literacy that have programmatic accreditation. This ensures the program meets high educational standards and guarantees your degree is recognized by employers and other educational institutions.

Attending a program with programmatic accreditation is also required in most states if you want to obtain a reading specialist certification or literacy coach certification.

The primary accrediting agency for master’s in education programs — including reading and literacy ones — is the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

Additionally, you’ll want to ensure the university itself has institutional accreditation from an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and/or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. If you choose a school that doesn’t have institutional accreditation from a recognized agency, you won’t qualify for federal financial aid.

While not necessary, you may also prioritize programs that have earned International Literacy Association (ILA) National Recognition. This recognition indicates that a program adheres “to a rigorous set of standards for preparing literacy professionals.”

You can usually find a catalogue of required courses and potential electives on each program’s website. This will give insight into the subjects you’ll study while enrolled. Depending on your career goals and personal interests, this can sway you from one program to another.

For example, are you interested in a reading and literacy degree because you want to teach K-12 students? Or do you want to work with students with dyslexia? Keep these answers in mind when comparing programs to see if they offer classes that match your goals.

You’ll also want to look at what concentrations these programs offer, as they may give you a deeper understanding of niche topics within reading and literacy. Common concentrations offered include:

Pursuing a degree involves much more than just taking classes — it’s also about having the right support. Ideally, you’ll want to find a master’s program that can provide career guidance, offer networking opportunities, and support you in balancing your academic and personal responsibilities.

Many programs feature student support services such as academic advisors, tutors, and career counselors.

Saint Joseph’s University, for example, offers a dedicated student support coordinator, technical assistance, and a career search database. These services may help you manage your coursework effectively, resolve issues with online learning platforms, and find a job after graduation.

Beyond academic and career assistance, many institutions also provide counseling services to help students manage their emotional well-being and balance the demands of graduate studies.

A common career path for graduates of master’s in reading and literacy programs is to become a literacy coach.

Literacy coaches help K-12 teachers by sharing practical strategies to improve students’ reading and comprehension skills. They often lead workshops, provide hands-on support in classrooms, and model teaching techniques that help students become stronger readers.

The requirements to become a literacy coach vary by state. In some states, you may only need a bachelor’s degree, while others places require a master’s degree. If you plan to work in public schools, you’ll typically also need to hold a valid teaching license.

With reading scores among U.S. high schoolers reaching a 30-year low, the role of literacy coaches is likely to become increasingly important — and some states are already taking action. For instance, in South Carolina, 723 state-funded reading coaches were placed in schools across the state to help teachers improve literacy challenges.

Other jobs you can pursue with a master’s in reading and literacy include: