Education MS — Reading Specialist PK-12

The online master's in reading specialist program is designed for those who seek to improve literacy and reading achievement in their school or district. Graduates of this program go on to become reading specialists, literacy coaches or instructional specialists in PK-12 reading programs. 

The reading specialist master's degree at Saint Joseph's University is an online program for teacher candidates seeking Level 1 instructional certification as well as current classroom teachers who want to become literacy or reading specialists. Candidates who don't have an educational background will be able to complete the PA reading specialist certification while pursuing this education master's degree. Students entering the program without a certification may need additional courses. 

Through Saint Joseph's 4+1 program, current education and non-education majors can also start earning credits towards the MS in reading specialist online program, allowing them to earn a master's degree in just five years. Students interested in this option must apply to the graduate program in their junior year and be conditionally accepted before they complete their bachelor's degree. Adult learners also have the opportunity to begin earning a master’s while completing their bachelor’s degree through the Accelerated Master’s Degree Program for Adult Learners. Non-education majors should contact the Department of Teacher Education at 610-660-1583 for more information.

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What Sets Our Program Apart

  • Courses in the reading specialist (PK-12) education MS are fully online, with small virtual class sizes making it easy for you to connect with professors and classmates no matter where you are. The program format also gives you the flexibility and time to fit the coursework into your busy schedule.
     

  • The reading specialist (PK-12) master's curriculum focuses on providing you with extensive preparation in assessment and instruction in literacy for all grade levels.

  • During the summer capstone internship, you will utilize your knowledge and skills gained from previous coursework. Upon completion, you are eligible to take the Pennsylvania reading specialist PRAXIS exam and apply for a reading specialist certification.

What Can You Do With A Reading Specialist Master's Degree?

Individuals who earn a reading specialist degree go on to become reading specialists, acting as consultants in planning the direction and supervision of a school’s reading program and will analyze, design, implement and evaluate literacy curricula. This master's program also leads to an instruction I certificate in Pennsylvania. Graduates teach in educational settings such as:

  • Parochial
  • Private
  • Public
  • Charter

Program Details

  • View required courses for this program in the academic catalog. Please contact us if you have any questions about the program curriculum.

  • Affordable tuition options start at $879 per credit.*

    *Pricing does not include room and board, health insurance or any professional, clinical or transportation fees. Visit our Tuition & Fees page or contact us for more information.

    Financial aid may be available to you to help offset the cost of your degree. Explore your options on our Financial Aid page.


    Discount Eligibility

    Have you completed a year or more of service with a recognized service organization? You may be eligible for our mission discount.

    Alumni of Saint Joseph's are eligible to receive 10% off the cost of this program through our alumni discount.

    Check with your employer to see if they are an Edcor or a Bright Horizons EdAssist member, which may entitle you to a discount on graduate programs. 


    Note: discounts cannot be combined.

  • Saint Joseph's University is accredited at both levels of the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading.

  • SJU is a yellow ribbon school that accepts GI education benefits. Our Office of Veterans Service can help you access and understand the benefits available to you and will support you during your educational career at SJU.

  • Graduate assistantships are offered on a limited basis. Please contact the program director for availability.

Why Study Reading Specialist Education in Philadelphia?

With 218 schools and 118,053 students, Philadelphia offers a wide range of schools seeking reading specialists. Saint Joseph's is in close proximity to neighboring cities in Philadelphia offering students internship opportunities and hands-on educational experiences. Reading specialists will have the opportunity to establish a sense of community in Philadelphia school districts and provide support to those with difficulty reading and writing. 

Admission Information

  • To be considered for admission you must have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution and have earned an undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.

  • Visit our Graduate Admission Information page to learn more about admission requirements, key deadlines, additional requirements for international students and how to submit your application.

    • Apply online.
    • Submit official college transcripts from all colleges attended.
    • Submit a personal statement.
    • Submit resume.
    • Submit two letters of recommendation.

  • Graduate applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. New students may enroll in courses during the fall, spring or summer semesters.

    Start Terms:

    • Fall: August
    • Spring: January
    • Summer: May

Frequently Asked Questions

  • According to Glassdoor, reading specialists earn an average salary of $56,009 per year.

  • Yes, to be a certified reading specialist graduates need to complete the state Praxis Exam with a passing score of 164.

  • In addition to a student support coordinator, we have a variety of other tools and resources that make it easy for you to get technical assistance, chart your course and focus your career search. Check out our online learning resources.

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