Master of Science in Education with a Concentration in Reading and Literacy
Develop a solid foundation in literacy theory and learn the skills necessary to help all learners read and write with confidence.
12/23/24
Next Application Due Date
1/6/25
Start Classes
Program Overview
A snapshot of our online reading and literacy master’s program
$16,605*
Total Tuition
As few as 12 months
Program Duration
45
Credit Hours
Good reading skills are fundamental, and you can do your part to increase literacy rates with the Master of Science in Education with a Concentration in Reading and Literacy online program from Southern Oregon University. Help students increase their literacy skills and set them on the road to success.
In this 100 percent online program, you will analyze core understandings about the nature of reading to gain competence in teaching the interactive processes of reading, writing, listening, speaking, viewing, and thinking across the curriculum. Increase your understanding of issues related to reading instruction and assessment with research-validated strategies and assessment tools that will help you meet the needs of individual learners.
Traditional Education settings for those with a teaching license:
- Adult Reading Instructor
- Community College Instructor
- English Teacher
- Assistant Principal
- Education Resource Specialist
Graduates of this online master’s program in reading and literacy will be able to:
- acquire a deeper understanding of literacy theories and research,
- learn methods for using emerging technologies to support students’ reading and writing development, and
- develop and lead the curriculum, instruction, and assessment of a literacy/reading program that supports all students, including those who primarily speak a language other than English.
Alternative Educational settings for those without a teaching license:
- Literacy & Reading Coach
- Instructional Designer
- Educational Writer
- Senior Editor
- Literacy Specialist
SOU is #1 in the “Best Colleges for K-12 Education Degree Programs” rankings in the U.S. by Schools.com, 2020.
Also available online:
SOU offers online graduate-level education programs in a variety of concentration areas, including an MSEd in Reading and Literacy with Endorsement. Explore all of our online education programs.
$16,605*
Total Tuition
As few as 12 months
Program Duration
45
Credit Hours
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Tuition
Learn more about our affordable tuition
Our master’s in education reading and literacy online program features the same affordable, pay-as-you-go tuition for all in-state and out-of-state students.
Tuition breakdown:
$16,605*
Total Tuition
$369
Per Credit Hour
Master of Science in Education with a Concentration in Reading and Literacy Program Tuition and Fees
The following is the tuition breakdown for the MSEd in Reading and Literacy degree program.
| Program | Per Credit Hour | Per 4 Credit Course | Per Program |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSEd in Reading and Literacy | $369 | $1,476 | $16,605* |
Note: SOU credit hours are quarter hours. 45 SOU hours = 30 semester credit hours.
Fees: There is a $60 application fee and an $85 graduation fee. Proctoring fees, if required, are not included.
*Tuition and fees are subject to change.
Tuition breakdown:
$16,605*
Total Tuition
$369
Per Credit Hour
Calendar
Important dates you need to know
The MSEd with a Concentration in Reading and Literacy online program is designed to be flexible for busy professionals. With seven-week courses and multiple start dates each year, you can earn your degree conveniently in as few as 16 months.
Now enrolling:
12/23/24
Apply Date
1/6/25
Class Starts
| Term | Start Date | App Deadline | Registration Deadline | Tuition Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | 1/6/25 | 12/23/24 | 1/2/25 | 1/10/25 |
| Spring | 3/31/25 | 3/17/25 | 3/26/25 | 4/4/25 |
| Summer 1 | 6/16/25 | 6/2/25 | 6/11/25 | 6/20/25 |
| Summer 2 | 8/4/25 | 7/21/25 | 7/30/25 | 8/8/25 |
Now enrolling:
12/23/24
Apply Date
1/6/25
Class Starts
Have questions or need more information about our online programs?
Ready to take the rewarding path toward earning your degree online?
Admissions
Steps to being admitted to our online master’s in reading and literacy
The admission process for this master’s in reading and literacy online is simple and streamlined so you can get started right away.Requirements for admission include:
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
- 3.0 GPA cumulative on undergraduate coursework
- No GRE or teaching license required for admission
MSEd with a Concentration in Reading and Literacy Online Admission Requirements
- Applicants with a bachelor's degree in any discipline from an accredited institution and transcripts verifying a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale are granted admission status into the MSEd online degree program.
- We
encourage you to apply with a GPA below 3.0 if you have work or life experience
that would contribute to your success in our program. Applications with GPAs
under 3.0 are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and additional information may
be requested. You may be asked to provide:
- An additional explanation of your intentions in pursuing the degree and a description of your readiness to succeed in an accelerated online degree program, or
- Two or three letters of recommendation speaking to your ability to succeed in an accelerated online degree program, or
- GRE scores of at least 145 Verbal, 145 Quantitative, and 3.5 Analytical Writing.
- Applicants must submit official transcripts from all previous educational institutions attended.
- No GRE or teaching license is required to enter the program.
- International student applicants interested in enrolling in the SOU online MSEd program should contact the Office of International Programs for information related to international admissions and visa restrictions. Contact the Office of International Programs by emailing [email protected].
Southern Oregon University considers you an international student if you are NOT a:
- U.S. citizen or national;
- U.S. permanent resident or other eligible noncitizen.
Graduate Admission Requirements for International Students
- Applicants must have a bachelor's degree equivalent to a four-year U.S. bachelor's degree from a recognized university in that country.
- Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended; documents must be official and include an English translation. Applicants are required to have documents mailed to SOU in a sealed envelope from the school, which has not been opened. SOU will not accept scans, faxes, photocopies, or already opened documents.
- If English is not your native language, you will need to submit a TOEFL or IELTS score.
- You do not need to submit a score if you earned a bachelor's or master's degree from a U.S. college/university or completed your education in a native English-speaking country.
If you need to submit official documents by mail, send them to:
SOU Admissions Department1250 Siskiyou Blvd.
Ashland, OR 97520
Have a question? Call us at 800-490-7974800-490-7974.
Courses
Read about the topics you’ll study in our online MSEd in Reading and Literacy program
The curriculum for the master's degree in reading and literacy online is comprised of 11 courses (45 credit hours), including 25 credit hours of core courses and 20 credit hours of concentration courses.
You must take the following courses.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 5
Explores issues in education and the context in which they exist. Examines, analyzes and applies concepts in professional ethics and policies, foundational philosophies, research, leadership, and contemporary issues within their focused area of education. Learners will engage in a comprehensive review of research materials available for advanced studies in education. The intent of this course is to guide graduate learners in exploring the purpose of research, to answer questions and acquire new knowledge, thereby making important and valuable contributions to the various fields within the discipline of education.
By the end of this course, students will be prepared to:
- Explain the ideas, complexities, and stakeholders that shape policy
- Conduct research and make professional policy and practice recommendations on a contemporary issue
- Investigate and analyze contemporary educational issues at a local, state, national and international level
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 5
Equips learners with the necessary skills to become critical consumers of research related to their work. Learners will be introduced to a variety of research approaches common to the field of education. Learners will be able to evaluate, and interpret qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods and action research.
By the end of this course, students will be prepared to:
- Evaluate the quality of quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods and action research
- Interpret the findings of quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods and action research
- Describe the strengths and weaknesses of quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods and action research
- Assess for the most common flaws in quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods and action research
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 5
Focuses on the development of culturally responsive discourse and practices in the workplace. Explores how cultural perspectives, experiences and histories shape individuals who work and learn together as members of groups. Diversity in the work environment promotes acceptance, respect, and teamwork despite differences in race, identity, gender, age, ability, class, language, religion, or communication styles. Students will develop the self-awareness and cross-cultural competence to promote positive and productive relationships in diverse contexts. They will learn to lead and collaborate effectively, to interact thoughtfully, to address barriers of bias, discrimination, and inequity, and to champion inclusive strategies that engage and integrate people of different identities, backgrounds, and worldviews.
By the end of this course, students will be prepared to:
- Determine how beliefs, values, and attitudes about diversity developed and can be examined and revised
- Apply terms, concepts, theories, and practices used in diversity literature and discourse to knowledge, attitudes and skills
- Analyze individual and institutional systems of power and privilege as they pertain to equity, access, and opportunity for diverse populations
- Synthesize historical and contemporary conditions and challenges experienced by diverse populations and explain why they are perpetuated and how they can be changed
- Create a plan of action to foster responsive cultural communication across differences in order to establish and maintain positive and productive work environments
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 5
Translate learning theory, innovative curricular design and 21st century skills into instructional decisions and practice. Engages learners in applying 21st century knowledge and skills to instructional decisions and practices. Introduces learners to learning theory and innovative curricular design. Challenges learners to perform a comprehensive examination of the processes, content, and assessments related to the spectrum of curriculum areas to their professional arena.
By the end of this course, students will be prepared to:
- Apply the 21st-century curriculum approaches, theories and learning models to instructional decisions and practices
- Analyze the emerging policies, trends and practices that influence educational design and student learning
- Incorporate systematic thinking and instructional design models to their personal practice of curriculum design
- Participate in a professional learning community of educational designers
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 5
Students are guided through the development of a professional project design. Provides students the opportunities to practice research and professional writing skills specific to their area of concentration.
Course learning objectives:
- Identify a problem in their specific professional area through a needs assessment and propose an informed solution that ethically addresses the issue
- Conduct a literature review providing a broader theoretical and contextual framework for the project
- Develop a systematic and ethical process for the design, implementation, and evaluation that incorporates appropriate theories, concepts, and strategies for achieving the project’s purpose and goals
- Develop and present a professional project report in APA format
You must take five of the following courses for a total of 20 credit hours. One must be a choice among ED 544A or ED 545A.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 4
Introduces teachers to the foundations of literacy. Examines the factors that influence literacy learning and analyzes core understandings about the nature of reading. Emphasizes consensus research findings and explores how these are translated into best practices in the classroom.
Course learning objectives:
- Summarize the five foundational pillars needed for successful reading processes
- Describe the phonological process of reading including phonics, or alphabetic principle
- Analyze the benefits of becoming a fluent reader
- Examine the effectiveness of comprehension strategies in reading instruction and assessment
- Evaluate strategies for accurate spelling instruction and assessment
- Examine multicultural perspectives in providing effective reading instruction and alternative assessments for diverse learners
- Develop an inclusive philosophy of reading pedagogy with focus on providing an equitable, welcoming learning environment
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 4
Develops competence in teaching the interactive processes of reading, writing, listening, speaking, viewing, and thinking across the curriculum. Focuses on strategies for teaching students of varied backgrounds and abilities (Grades 3-12). For students in grades 3-12 to be successful in the content areas they must be able to read and comprehend various informational texts and write for different purposes and audiences. This course provides teachers with the tools to improve student achievement in the content areas through the developmental appropriate integration of literacy strategies.
Course learning objectives:
- Students demonstrate the principles of discipline specific literacy practices for relevant content area(s)
- Students construct strategies for literacy instruction in their content area
- Students integrate literacy instruction strategies to meet the needs of diverse learners
- Students construct strategies to investigate and synthesize current literacy practices of their students into classroom literacy practices
- Students analyze classroom texts for students and professional texts for practitioners that support discipline literacies of diverse learners
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 4
Provides teachers an understanding of issues related to reading instruction and assessment. Practicing educators are provided research-validated strategies and assessment tools to inform instruction, meet the needs of individual learners, and develop an understanding of the issues related to effective reading instruction. Focuses on the integral relationship between informal classroom assessments and effective instructional strategies within the context of a balanced reading approach.
Course learning objectives:
- Analyze types of reading assessments and their purposes, strengths, and limitations
- Develop appropriate and varied instructional approaches, including those that develop word recognition, language comprehension, strategic knowledge, and reading– writing connections
- Apply a wide range of reading assessment tools and practices (that range from individual and standardized group tests to informal, individual, and group classroom assessment strategies) to plan and evaluate instruction
- Explore issues in literacy that impact our mindset and assessment practices
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 4
Explores the role of the reading specialist as a teacher and school literacy leader; how curriculum is developed; the role of coach, supervisor, and professional developer; and the role of a reading advocate for all students. (Many assignments are designed to be implemented in your school setting. If you are not currently teaching, you will need to find a school that will allow you to talk with the reading specialist and a few classroom teachers.)
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 4
Equips teachers with a range of effective instructional methodologies for facilitating ELL students' learning. Examines innovative materials for developing culturally appropriate learning experiences. Presents approaches to instruction in specific content areas (reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies). Examines and integrates the use of current technology to enhance instruction for ELLs.
By the end of this course, students will have a mastery of:
- Culture: Candidates know and understand the major concepts, principles, theories, and research related to the nature and role of culture and cultural groups to construct learning environments that support ELL students’ cultural identities, language and literacy development, and content area achievement
- Planning, Implementing, and Managing Instruction: Candidates know and understand the use of standards-based practices and strategies related to planning, implementing, and managing ELD and content instruction; including classroom organization, teaching strategies for developing and integrating language skills and choosing and adapting classroom resources
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 4
Explores theories on how first and second languages are learned and acquired. Considers the importance of the early development of a first language and the relationship of this development to the acquisition of other languages promoting academic literacy. Investigates the relationship of the four domains of language to cognitive and cultural development for all learners. Focuses on how culture manifests itself in school settings and provides a foundation for understanding methods and strategies to ensure that each student's own cultural experiences are reflected and validated in classroom learning experiences.
By the end of this course, students will be prepared to:
- Summarize the social, historical, political, and philosophical perspectives of culture and language
- Summarize the stages of language and how it is acquired and learned from infancy to adult
- Analyze perspectives of “self” and the “other” in order to challenge traditional norms that perpetuate the status quo in schools and society
- Construct how language theorists have influenced acquiring language
*Tuition and fees are subject to change.
