Literacy Instruction, Master of Education

Available: Online

Teacher helping a young girl to read a book

Our fully online Master of Education in Literacy Instruction with Reading Specialist Certification and the Master of Education in Literacy Instruction are designed for practicing professionals in the field of literacy. Both programs develop reflective practitioners with the knowledge and skills for effective literacy instruction instruction for Early Childhood through Secondary learners. Candidates will develop expertise as literacy specialists utilizing resources and methods, literacy assessments, and designing interventions to address varied learning needs of all students. Candidates will have the ability to become proactive instructional leaders and literacy advocates of students at all levels of literacy development. Practicum/Field experience hours with a diverse learner population are embedded in both programs.

Graduates of these program routes have the potential to enhance their literacy classroom practices and/or pursue roles such as literacy coach/specialists, literacy interventionists, and adjunct instructors of undergraduate level literacy courses.

MEd in Literacy Instruction with Reading Specialist Certification

(36 hours):
This degree is designed for teacher practitioners who are interested in obtaining a Texas Reading Specialist Certification to strengthen their understanding of literacy for application in their classroom or other school settings. Candidates for the Texas Reading Specialist Certification must have a valid elementary or secondary Texas teaching certification along with two years of successful teaching experience before taking the Reading Specialist exam (Two years can be concurrent with the program). One hundred and sixty hours of practicum/field experience with diverse learner population are embedded in the program. Field experience hours must be completed at a TEA approved location.

Recognized by the International Literacy Association

Applicants best suited for this degree would be those who hold a valid Texas Teaching certification, will have two years of experience in public education by the end of the program, live in Texas, and can conduct all field hours in a TEA approved location.  Applicants who have earned a Masters or higher degree may seek the 24 semester credit hour certification route only. 

MEd in Literacy Instruction

(36 hours):
This degree is designed for practitioners both in and out of the classroom who want to strengthen their understanding of literacy as a literacy specialist for application in their classroom or other learning settings. One hundred and sixty hours of practicum/field experience with diverse learner population are embedded in the program. While both programs follow the same degree plans, this route will not lead to obtaining a Texas Reading Specialist Certification. 

Applicants best suited for this degree would be ones who live and/or teach out-of-state/country, teach private or home-school, are private literacy practitioners, or do not wish to sit for the Texas Reading Specialist  exam.

The SHSU Dyslexia Certificate is embedded in this program and can be added to the MEd degree.

Program Breakdown

Brief breakdown of the type, or types, of degree available, their length, available enrollment, and estimated cost.
Category Degree Summary
Catalog Entry Master of Education(MEd)
Length 36 Credit Hours
Enrollment Fall, Summer
Costs Rates Per Semester
Admission Requirements Application Materials

Application Deadlines

  • Fall: July 15
  • Summer: May 1

Please note that application deadlines will occasionally change. Please contact your academic advisor (listed in the contact section) for confirmation on application deadlines.

Contact Info