Best Online Master’s in Reading and Literacy Programs of 2023
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- Instructors teach students crucial life skills, including reading and literacy.
- A master's in reading and literacy gives you the qualifications needed for the field.
- Online master's programs in reading and literacy are widely available and convenient.
- The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects growth in some reading and literacy jobs.
Take a moment to consider where you might be without reading and literacy skills. Hard, isn't it? The ability to read and write feels almost as essential as breathing.
But it doesn't come to us as naturally as that, so we have teachers to help us with it early on and later in life. They coach us on how to read, communicate, and interact with the world around us.
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Ready to Start Your Journey?
If you want to become one of these life-changing people, consider getting a master's in reading and literacy. Interested to know more? Here's what to do next:
- Explore this page to determine whether this path is the right choice for you.
- Check out the top-ranked online master's in reading and literacy programs, as well as our sponsored programs.
- Request more information from schools you're interested in to find the best fit for you.
Is a Master's in Reading and Literacy Degree Right for Me?
- What is the degree about? A master's degree in reading and literacy gives you techniques to teach language, comprehension, reading, and literacy.
- How long does it take? A full-time student can finish a master's degree in about two years, while it takes part-time students three or more years to complete.
- What is the career path? There are a variety of paths open to you, from traditional K-12 classroom roles to adult ESL positions. Or you can work in curriculum development to help improve reading and literacy skills for larger audiences.
Featured Master's in Reading and Literacy Programs
Master's in Reading and Literacy Programs You Should Consider
Best Online Master's in Reading and Literacy Programs
Rankings compiled by the BestColleges Ranking Team
How We Rank Schools
At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We want to help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.
Our rankings are grounded in a few guiding principles and use the latest statistical data available from trusted sources. Read our ranking methodology. We hope our approach helps you find the school that is best for you.
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Little Rock, AR - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $383
Out of State | $383
Credits to Graduate
30
Program Information
Program Accreditation | International Literacy Association; Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Start researching online reading programs by learning more about UA Little Rock's master's in reading degree. You can concentrate in reading generalist or reading specialist licensure. Both tracks require core coursework in the foundations of teaching reading, teaching children with dyslexia, and teaching reading in the content areas.
UA Little Rock's program requirements include an active teaching license and at least a 3.0 undergrad GPA. The self-paced curriculum lets you continue working full time while in school.
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $415
Out of State | $415
Credits to Graduate
36
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Liberty's master's in reading and literacy features a fully online curriculum you can finish in 18 months. Core classes include supervision of instruction, trends and inquiry for the reading specialist, and literacy for middle-level learners. You also complete a reading specialist practicum and internship at your job site.
Liberty's reading and literacy program requires at least a 2.5 GPA and accepts up to 18 transfer credits. You may submit unofficial college transcripts when applying. Active-duty service members and first responders receive a tuition discount.
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Edinburg, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $1,585
Out of State | $2,809
Credits to Graduate
30
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Fully online reading programs include UTRGV's master of education in reading and literacy. UTRGV's degree offers four concentrations, including biliteracy, digital literacy, and reading specialist. Core coursework emphasizes the sociocultural foundations of literacy and the field's theoretical roots.
Application materials include a one- to two-page personal statement and official undergraduate transcripts. The school uses a 3.0 undergraduate GPA cutoff.
Georgia State University
Atlanta, GA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Mix of Self-Paced and Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Semester
In State | $4,776
Out of State | $15,108
Credits to Graduate
36
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
If you're researching online reading programs made for experienced educators, consider Georgia State's master's in reading and literacy online degree. The program qualifies you to add a reading endorsement to your license. You can customize your education by choosing a literacy specialist or English to speakers of other languages concentration.
Georgia State's reading and literacy admissions requirements include a resume, goals statement, two recommendation letters, and official transcripts. You must also provide a copy of your teaching license.
Cameron University
Lawton, OK - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $265
Out of State | $638
Credits to Graduate
33
Program Information
Program Accreditation | National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
CU's master's in reading requires rigorous coursework in the theoretical foundations of reading and methods for struggling readers. You'll build your knowledge and skills by completing two practicums at your job site. Other graduation requirements include maintaining a minimum 3.0 GPA.
For CU's master's program, you must hold at least a 3.0 GPA and a valid teaching license. You must also submit two recommendation letters. CU grants a $1,000 tuition waiver to Oklahoma residents who take at least six credits per semester and meet other conditions.
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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Morningside College
Sioux City, IA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online |Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $320
Out of State | $320
Credits to Graduate
32
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission
Consider Morningside's online master's degree in reading and literacy if you hold a teaching license from Iowa or a state with a reciprocity agreement. The 32-credit curriculum lets you choose five electives. Other benefits include the ability to work full time throughout your education.
Morningside's reading and literacy admission requirements include living in an NC-SARA member state and having at least a 2.75 GPA. You can lower your tuition by applying for a federal TEACH grant or a private scholarship opportunity.
Evangel University
Springfield, MO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $320
Out of State | $320
Credits to Graduate
30
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission
Evangel's master's in reading program features a cohort learning model, making it an excellent choice if you want to form professional relationships with other teachers. Classes include leadership in literacy, reading diagnosis, and current issues and trends in reading education.
You can apply for one of three annual start dates. Evangel master's program requires GRE scores for applicants without at least a 3.0 undergraduate GPA. Other application steps include undergoing a background check.
SUNY at Albany
Albany, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $609
Out of State | $1,101
Credits to Graduate
27-33
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Middle States Commission on Higher Education
You can apply for UAlbany's master's in reading and literacy with or without a teaching license. Core classes include classroom literacy instruction, literacy in society, and teaching writing. You'll also complete a research project in the final semester.
UAlbany's master's in reading and literacy requires a minimum 3.0 GPA, three recommendation letters, and brief essays. Potential careers for graduates include preschool teacher, higher education advisor, and private tutor.
University of Northern Colorado
Greeley, CO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $583
Out of State | $583
Credits to Graduate
30
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission
UNC's master's in reading and literacy online program attracts experienced teachers from Colorado and other states. Classes include teaching the writing process in schools, reading in the middle and secondary schools, and literature for children and young adults. You'll also complete a clinical practicum at your job site.
You need a minimum 3.0 GPA and one year of teaching experience to apply to UNC's reading and literacy program. Fully online out-of-state students pay the same tuition rate as Colorado degree-seekers.
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, ND - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $547
Out of State | $547
Credits to Graduate
32
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
UND's online master's degree in reading and literacy lets you select between an MS and an M.Ed. Both options require the same number of credits and feature classes on reading in the content areas and writing in the classroom. You'll show what you learned by completing an independent research project in the final semester.
You can apply for the fall, spring, or summer semester. Both of UND's reading and literacy degrees require a valid teaching license and a minimum 2.75 GPA. UND extends in-state tuition to all fully online degree-seekers.
Why Should You Get a Master's in Reading and Literacy Degree?
A master's degree in reading and literacy can greatly boost your education career. You'll unlock new career opportunities, make a bigger impact on students' lives, and possibly earn a higher salary.
"The degree allows someone to become a reading teacher, reading specialist, and literacy coach. Administrators with a degree in literacy and reading are able to use their knowledge to help their school succeed in reading as well."
— Kathryn Starke,, Master's in Literacy
Benefits of Getting a Master's in Reading and Literacy Degree
- Choose a career you love most: From reading specialist to instructional coordinator, a master's in reading and literacy can lead to new careers that match your interests and use your expertise.
- Increase your earning potential: You're more likely to make a better salary with a master's degree than somebody with less education. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), teachers with a master's degree make about 20% more per year than those with a bachelor's degree.
- Make an impact on students: Reading and literacy skills last a lifetime. You can be the person who makes a difference in students' lives by teaching them essential skills that will help them for years to come.
3 Reasons for Getting Your Master's in Reading and Literacy Online
- Better school-life balance: Online learning makes achieving a good school-life balance easier. Most online programs allow you to choose when and where you want to learn. This flexibility gives you more room to decide how to fit all of your responsibilities into your day.
- Work while you learn: Not needing to meet in person or stick to a regular schedule gives you room to keep working while you earn your degree. After you clock out for the day, you can squeeze in an online lesson or two from home. Or you can use part of your lunch break as a study session.
- Study at your own pace: Many online programs are self-paced, meaning you can take as long as you want to learn the material before moving on. You don't need to worry about frequent deadlines or falling behind. Instead, you can focus on mastering your coursework and progressing when you feel ready.
How Much Does an Online Master's in Reading and Literacy Cost?
Average Annual Cost of a Master's Degree:
Public Institution | 2019-2020
$12,394
Private Institution | 2019-2020
$26,621
You may pay more or less than $12,000 for a master's in reading and literacy, according to NCES, which collects and analyzes tuition data.
Many people choose to enroll in online programs that help working adults balance life and school. You can also look into scholarships and grants to make your degree more affordable.
Read More: How Much Does an Online College Cost?
Read More: Scholarships for Education Majors
How Much Money Will You Make With a Master's in Reading and Literacy?
How Long Does an Online Master's in Reading and Literacy Take?
Most master's in reading and literacy programs require 30-40 credits and about two years to complete. But some accelerated programs may allow you to graduate in as few as 18 months.
Average Length of Time*
2 years
Required Course Credits*
30-40 credits
Concentrations for Your Reading and Literacy Master's Degree
If you're interested in a specific topic within your reading and literacy master's degree, you can choose a concentration. In your concentration, you'll focus your knowledge on niche reading and literacy areas.
Concentrations vary by program, but common options include:
- Early literacy
- English as a second language (ESL)
- Adult literacy
- Curriculum development
- Literacy coaching
What Jobs Can You Get With a Master's in Reading and Literacy Degree?
A master's in reading and literacy often leads to jobs in child or adult education. You'll help students develop their reading skills and meet the requirements for literary proficiency.
Reading and literacy graduates typically work in K-12 education. But you can also work at nonprofit organizations, education start-up companies, and learning centers.
Jobs for a Master's in Reading and Literacy
- Reading and Literacy Specialist
- Instructional Coordinator
- High School Teacher
- Kindergarten and Elementary School Teacher
- ESL Teacher
- Special Education Teacher
- Education Administrator
- Reading Coach
In general, the future of the education industry looks good. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that education and education training jobs should grow by 7% from 2021-2031. The fastest-growing jobs include preschool teachers and postsecondary teachers.
Read More: Advance Your Career With One of These 6 Highest-Paying Master's in Education Jobs
Is a Master's in Reading and Literacy Worth It?
Yes. You need a master's in reading and literacy to qualify for educator roles that teach these essential skills. You'll likely enter into a field with strong demand. In fact, some jobs for reading and literacy teachers are growing. And you may make above-average pay compared to other U.S. jobs.
"Now more than ever, I believe that the value of earning a master's degree in reading and literacy is invaluable. Every classroom teacher is a reading teacher, so any educator getting a degree in reading and literacy will be able to support the young readers in their classroom."
— Kathryn Starke, Master's in Literacy
Still Looking for the Right Fit in Education? Discover Similar Degree Programs.
Everything Else You Need to Know About a Master's in Reading and Literacy Degree
What can you do with a master's in reading and literacy?
A master's in reading and literacy gives you the skills and knowledge to become a working educator and literary expert. For example, you can become a reading specialist, literacy coordinator, or high school teacher.
Grads often work in K-12 education and help students develop their reading skills. You can also use your degree to pursue more education, such as a reading specialist certification.
How much money will you make with a master's in reading and literacy?
The average salary with a master's in reading and literacy is $55,000, but you can make up to $117,000, according to Payscale June 2022 data. A reading specialist — a popular job for reading and literacy grads — makes between $41,000-$80,000 on average.
Other potential jobs and their median annual salaries include instructional coordinators ($63,740), postsecondary teachers ($79,640), and training and development specialists ($61,570), according to the BLS.
What courses will you take in a master's in reading and literacy program?
You'll take classes that center around literacy. You can expect to learn about best practices for helping students develop their literacy skills, strategies to help struggling students, and research methods. You'll also learn the essentials of being a teacher and how to use your expertise in reading and literacy in the classroom.
