Master’s in Reading Online

What You Should Know

Learn about some of the schools offering online master’s degree programs in reading and literacy. Develop questions and think about the different careers that can result from earning a master’s degree in reading and literacy.

Reading is one of the most important skills someone can learn in life. Without the ability to read, a person will find difficulty approaching all school subjects, from English to science.

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Questions for Admissions …
  • How much does this program cost?
  • Is this program regionally accredited?
  • Can you tell me how your master’s program can better my career trajectory?
  • Can I get financial aid?
  • Does the school have job placement services?

Many times, beginning readers encounter problems that decrease their motivation and desire to read. Specialists who have gained advanced degrees in reading and literacy bring various learning tools to the table that help struggling learners develop stronger reading and writing habits.

Earning a master’s degree in reading and literacy allows a teacher to implement research-based techniques to help students learn to read. Traditional universities require large time commitments to earn master’s degrees, often requiring applicants to quit their jobs, or spend less time with their families.

Online master’s degree programs offer the same high level of education to individuals who can’t afford to take time away from their life commitments. An online master’s degree program for reading and literacy provides the opportunity to learn advanced teaching techniques, curriculum design principles, and theories that help guide literacy development.

During their degree programs, master’s degree candidates will focus on reinforcing the Five Pillars of Reading:

  • Phonemic Awareness
  • Phonics
  • Fluency
  • Vocabulary
  • Comprehension

These concepts extend across multiple age groups, guiding literacy instruction for these professionals. By focusing on these concepts, those who hold master’s degrees in reading and literacy are able to correctly identify problem areas in their students, using intervention strategies to pinpoint where a student is struggling.

Master’s degree programs in reading and literacy provide teachers with numerous books and educational materials to help struggling readers.

For example, a student having trouble with a reading assignment might work with a reading specialist to supplement their current assignments with remedial coursework. This brings the student to the same reading level as his or her classmates, and provides the student with practice work that leads to higher grades overall.

In a degree program, you can expect to learn about different methods of vocabulary and phonemic assessment that will help guide your curriculum design. With a thorough understanding of these assessments, you can pick from a variety of writing and reading lessons to increase the literacy and reading comprehension rate of your students.

Should I earn a Master’s Degree?

If you’re unsure whether to earn a master’s degree or not, ask yourself some of the following questions:

  • Am I interested in the early development of effective reading habits in my students?
  • Can a master’s degree in reading and literacy further my career?
  • Do I want to ensure all of my students will read to the best of their abilities?
  • Am I interested in exploring the connections between the mind, reading, and writing?
  • Can I afford the time and monetary commitments required for a traditional university?
  • Would an online degree program offer better options for me?

A master’s degree in reading and literacy will help you identify literature, research, and characteristics of effective reading development in students. With a solid understanding of reading and writing concepts, these professionals seek to increase the motivation of struggling readers, and show the importance of learning to read well.

An additionally great benefit of earning a master’s degree is higher average pay with better opportunities for career advancement.

Careers

With a master’s in reading and literacy, teachers can either take special positions in tutoring programs, or even lead their departments. Here are a few of the potential careers master’s degree holders may seek:

  • Lead Teacher
  • Department Head
  • Reading Specialist
  • Writing Specialist
  • Special Education Teacher (Literacy)

Master’s degree holders will become a source of information for other teachers in the school, giving advice about curriculum design and instructional development. These individuals often provide access to literary tools, and help other teachers implement reading curriculum.

If one student in particular struggles with reading, this teacher might meet with him or her in personal one-on-one training sessions to focus on their particular problem. These problems may include pronunciation errors, reading comprehension problems, vocabulary errors, and word development.

Instilling good literacy habits in students is one of the most important jobs of teachers today. If you’re interested in learning more about a career helping struggling readers, request more information from schools offering online master’s degree programs in reading and literacy.