Reading Instruction, M.Ed.

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Reading Instruction is a graduate degree program housed in the Department of Literacy and Special Education in the College of Education at the University of West Georgia. This degree is offered to educators certified in teaching who desire graduate studies in language and literacy theories, research, and instructional practices. Candidates learn research-based strategies aligned with structured literacy (the science of reading) and interactive literacy as complementary approaches to effective language and literacy instruction. The program prepares graduates to serve as literacy specialists and instructional leaders in their respective schools and districts. The M.Ed. in Reading Instruction program is fully online and consists of 30 credit hours.

Degree Requirements

Applicants must have a valid, level 4 or higher, Professional, Advanced Professional, or Lead Professional teaching certificate, leadership certificate, service certificate, or Life certificate; and must have at least three years of teaching experience. An M.Ed. in Reading Instruction can be achieved by completing a 30-hour program of study, The program consists of 18 hours in Literacy Concentration (Area I), 3 hours in Research (Area II), 6 hours in ESOL and/or Teacher Leadership (Area III), and 3 hours in Technology Integration (Area IV). Candidates must pass a comprehensive exam during their final semester in the program. Georgia educators must pass the GACE Content Assessment in Reading to add the Reading Specialist certification to their GaPSC teaching certificate.

Plan of Study

Area I: Language and Literacy Concentration (21 Hours)

READ 7271 - Theoretical and Pedagogical Approaches to Language and Literacy Instruction 3 Credit Hours
READ 7261 - Language and Literacy Engagement through Writing 3 Credit Hours
READ 7262 - Trends and Issues in Language and Literacy Education 3 Credit Hours
READ 7263 - Comprehensive Language and Literacy Assessments and Interventions 3 Credit Hours
READ 7267 - Diversity and Equity in Children’s and Young Adult Literature 3 Credit Hours
READ 7240 - TESOL: Literacy, Linguistics, and Second Language Acquisition 3 Credit Hours
READ 7201 - Teacher as Language and Literacy Leader 3 Credit Hours
READ 6705 - Comprehensive Final Exam for M.Ed. in Reading Instruction 0 Credit Hours

Area II: Research (3 Hours)

EDRS 6301 - Introduction to Research in the Human Sciences 3 Credit Hours

Area III: Area of Specialization (6 hours)

Choose two of the following courses from Option 1 (ESOL), Option 2 (Dyslexia), and/or Option 3 (Educational Leadership).

Option 1: English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)

READ 7239 - TESOL: Cultural and Linguistic Diversity in the Classroom 3 Credit Hours
READ 7241 - TESOL: Methods, Materials, and Assessment through Clinical Experience 3 Credit Hours

Option 2: Dyslexia

SLPA 7720 - Language Disorders and Literacy 3 Credit Hours
SPED 6500 - Dyslexia: Methods and Instructional Strategies 3 Credit Hours

Option 3: Teacher Leadership (does not lead to GaPSC Teacher Leadership certification)

EDLE 6312 - Principles of Instructional Leadership 3 Credit Hours
EDLE 6316 - School Law, Policy, and Ethics 3 Credit Hours
EDLE 6327 - Leadership for Student Learning 3 Credit Hours
EDLE 6329 - School Operations for Student Learning 3 Credit Hours
EDLE 6341 - Using Data to Improve the School 3 Credit Hours
EDLE 7312 - Schools and Community Engagement 3 Credit Hours

Total Program: (30 Hours)

Program Notes:

1. Reading Endorsement courses [Preferred course sequence: (1) READ 7271, (2) READ 7263, and (3) READ 7201].

2. ESOL Endorsement courses (READ 7239, READ 7240, and READ 7241).

3. Dyslexia Endorsement courses (READ 7263, SLPA 7720, and SPED 6500).

4. READ 7263, READ 7201, READ 7240, and READ 7241 require access to student data.

5. Enrolled Georgia candidates are required to attempt the state-approved content assessment (GACE) after program admission and before August 31 during the year of program completion. A passing score on the state-approved content assessment is not required for program completion; however, a passing score is required for state certification.

6. All candidates should apply for graduation during the semester preceding the one they plan to graduate.

7. All candidates must register for READ 6705 and take and pass a selected-response comprehension exam during their last semester in the program.