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.
Get started on your master’s degree in reading and literacy education
Take the next step toward earning your master’s degree in reading and literacy education. We have the resources to answer all your questions and help you get started.
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:
- Gina Galliard Locklear Scholarship
- Kathy Taft Memorial Scholarship
To learn more, visit ECU’s scholarship page.
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 varied populations.
Featured courses include:
- Learning to Read: From Novice to Expert
- Fostering Connection, Belonging and Engagement in Literacy
- Using Literacy Assessment for Instructional Intervention
- Literacy Leadership and Coaching
View more information and courses on Degree Explorer
Hear from our master’s in reading literacy students
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.
Potential Career Paths
- 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.
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