Master’s in Reading and Literacy
Your master’s in literacy can help children succeed
Reading empowers. It is one of the most important fundamental skills for children to master. Reading improves comprehension, stimulates intellectual development, and enhances social skills.
East Carolina University’s Master of Arts in Reading and Literacy Education online program will prepare you to promote K-12 students’ literacy growth. Our 30-hour master’s in literacy, with hands-on practicum, can be earned in just two years.
ECU’s online reading and literacy master’s program offers flexibility—and affordability—for working professionals. Our web-based master’s in literacy program follows the same rigorous curriculum as in-person options.
As a K-12 reading specialist, you can be instrumental in helping children achieve their full potential—in school and in life.
Why earn your master’s in literacy at ECU?
ECU’s comprehensive master’s in literacy education enables you to serve as a K-12 reading specialist, advising educators on the most effective methods to teach reading. You’ll also learn techniques for meeting the diverse needs of students.
Experiential learning
In the final semester of your reading and literacy master’s program, you’ll participate in a practicum. You’ll complete assessments and evaluations by working directly with K-12 students. If you are employed, practicum experiences can be completed in your classroom. If not, we’ll help you secure a placement.
Internationally recognized literacy faculty
The ECU College of Education’s award-winning faculty designs and teaches courses as well as mentors students. Each faculty member is active in research and publication, and committed to advancing literacy teaching methods. Their understanding of what it takes to be a certified reading specialist is unmatched.
Scholarships for master’s in reading and literacy
At East Carolina University, we understand that the foundation of children’s academic success is reading, and we are committed to helping you become a certified reading specialist. ECU offers scholarships specifically for master’s in reading and literacy students:
To learn more, visit ECU’s scholarship page.
For questions about financial aid, visit our student financial aid office.
Courses you will take in the master’s in literacy education
Coursework in ECU’s reading and literacy master’s program is immediately applicable to working with K-12 reading students within a variety of settings.
The curriculum of the reading and literacy master’s program is designed to develop advanced competencies and maximize learning for diverse populations.
Featured courses include:
- Learning to Read: From Novice to Expert
- Diversity and Equity in Literacy
- Using Literacy Assessment for Instructional Intervention
- Literacy Leadership and Coaching
ECU’s master’s in literacy is specifically designed to prepare you to become a certified reading specialist.
Hear from our master’s in reading literacy students
“I can truly see the impact of effective instruction at the graduate level. ECU’s master’s in reading and literacy program has equipped me with so much knowledge that I have found very relevant to my job as an instructional coach.”
–Monica ‘21
What can you do with your master’s in reading and literacy?
With your master’s in literacy education, you can help K-12 reading students and teachers in high quality literacy learning experiences and effective instructional practices.
Job growth for master’s in literacy degree recipients
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 10% job growth for education, training, and library roles through 2030. That is equal to the growth for all occupations and will result in over 920,500 added jobs. The median annual wage for these roles is $57,220, which is greater than the median of $45,760 for all occupations.
Where are master’s in literacy education graduates working?
Alumni of the master’s in reading and literacy program hold many roles, including:
- K-12 reading teachers
- Adult education teachers
- Literacy coaches
- Education coaches
- Special education teachers
- Reading specialists/tutors
Opportunity for advanced licensure
Upon earning your master’s in literacy from ECU, you will be eligible to take the #5302 Reading Specialist exam and apply for the add-on M-level K12 Reading license.
Get started on your master’s in literacy and reading degree
Take the next step toward becoming a leader in literacy education. We have the resources to answer all your questions about becoming a certified reading specialist.
Degree programs related to ECU’s master’s in reading
- Elementary Education, MAEd
- Counselor Education, MS
- Curriculum and Instruction, MAEd
- Middle Grades Education, MAEd
- Special Education, MAEd
- Doctor of Education, EdD
Accreditation for master’s in reading and literacy at ECU
East Carolina University’s master’s in reading and literacy program is nationally accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
ECU’s master’s in literacy is aligned with the latest:
- International Literacy Association Standards for Literacy Professionals
- International Dyslexia Association Standards
- North Carolina Professional Teaching Standards
- North Carolina Digital Learning Competencies