M.A. Reading Education

To learn more about the program and the two specializations, please watch this short video.

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The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Reading Education is nationally accredited by the National Council for Accreditation in Teacher Education in conjunction with the International Literacy Association (ILA). The program prepares professionals to teach literacy to all learners and serve as leaders in supporting their colleagues in the field. Students in the program will develop a contemporary conceptual framework and evidence-based strategies appropriate for guiding literacy development in the classroom and clinical environments.

The course of studies provides students with an understanding of the basic principles of developmental reading instruction for grades pre-k-12. Students acquire advanced knowledge of the reading process. They engage in hands-on experiences in diagnosing and teaching learners with literacy acquisition difficulties. Students learn procedures for administering reading programs in elementary, secondary, and post-secondary schools. In their coursework and reading seminar experiences, students read and interpret current reading research, develop expertise in applying relevant findings to literacy practices in their school and classroom, and research their own practice.

We offer two specializations in the MA in Reading Education:

• Reading Specialist
• Reading Practitioner

Graduates who complete the Reading Specialists specialization are immediately certifiable as Reading Specialists. They will also be prepared for leadership roles in literacy and to support classroom teachers and teacher candidates in:

• Using practices, approaches, and methods including the use of technology to increase the literacy development of all learners.
• Selecting and administering formal and informal assessments and communicating assessment information to various audiences.
• Using assessments to plan instruction for all students.
• Improving their practice by exhibiting leadership skills in professional development.

The Reading Practitioner specialization is intended for those who wish to pursue advanced study in literacy education and become more knowledgeable about instructional strategies that align with the NJ English Language Arts Standards. Students in this specialization are not required to have teaching certification but are required to have access to a classroom and/or school district setting as well as a group of children to work with.

The Department of Critical Literacy, Technology and Multilingual Education maintains a highly regarded public reading clinic that provides diagnostic and remedial services to children and young adults. Reading Specialist students engage in tutoring children and adolescents who attend the reading clinic. There is an emphasis on reflective practice with colleagues and peer mentoring as part of this experience.

For students not ready to complete a master’s degree, we also offer a COGS (Certificate of Graduate Study) in Reading Education, which consists of five courses that all transfer into the MA in Reading Education.

• M.A. in Reading Education Handbook Spring 2026

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