M.A. in Reading Education: Reading Specialist
Program Overview
The Rowan Experience
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Reading Education is nationally accredited by the National Council for Accreditation in Teacher Education in conjunction with the International Literacy Association. The program prepares professionals to teach literacy to all learners and serve as leaders in supporting their colleagues in the field. Students in the program will have the opportunity to develop both a contemporary conceptual framework and effective strategies that are appropriate for guiding literacy development in classroom and clinical environments. Students acquire advanced knowledge of the reading process.
The Reading Specialist track is intended for those who hold a current NJ teaching certificate and want to expand their knowledge, skills, and dispositions in teaching literacy and coaching colleagues. Students learn procedures for administering reading programs in elementary and secondary schools. While enrolled in the course Clinical Experiences in Reading, students are required to engage in tutoring at Rowan University’s highly regarded reading clinic located on the Glassboro, NJ campus. This experience includes an emphasis on reflective practice with colleagues and peer mentoring.
Graduates of the program are immediately certifiable for the Reading Specialist Certificate through the state of NJ. As such, graduates of the program are highly qualified for literacy specialist and literacy coaching positions in K-12 schools.
Teachers in the state of New Jersey may apply to the M.A. in Reading program through the New Jersey Teacher Outreach Program (NJTOP®), click here.
The New Jersey Department of Education (NJ DOE), not Rowan University, grants certifications based on requirements set by the state. While coursework for this program meets the academic requirements for NJ DOE certification, it is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all other certification requirements are met, including, but not limited to, appropriate type and level of license and years of experience. NJ DOE certification requirements are subject to change. Certification applications are evaluated, by NJ DOE, based on the most current state requirements. For current NJ DOE licensure information, visit: here.
Curriculum
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Reading Education: Reading Specialist is a part-time program offered in an accelerated hybrid format with three courses requiring face-to-face meetings on Rowan's Glassboro campus and the remaining courses taking place 100% online. It requires the completion of 31 graduate semester hours (11 courses), which are possible to complete in only six consecutive semesters. Students must successfully complete a comprehensive exam and thesis.
- 11 Courses / 31 Semester Hours
- Foundation Courses: No
- Graduation / Exit / Thesis Requirements: No
| Course Number | Title | S.H. (Credits) |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses: 31 S.H. | ||
| READ 30515 | Literacy Foundations: Theory, Equity & Practice | 3 |
| READ 30536 | Reading and Writing Processes | 3 |
| READ 30520 | Adolescent Literacies | 3 |
| READ 30545 | Using Multicultural Literature In The K-12 Literacy Classroom | 3 |
| READ 30530 | Teaching Literacy to Students with Disabilities | 3 |
| READ 30540 | Literacy Leadership in P-12 Schools | 3 |
| READ 30550 | Diagnosis of Reading and Writing Difficulties | 3 |
| READ 30560 | Corrections of Reading and Writing Difficulties | 3 |
| READ 30566 | Researching Classroom Practice | 1 |
| READ 30570 | Clinical Experiences In Reading and Writing | 6 |
Note: The courses listed above are not official and are subject to change. For an official list of available courses please visit the Rowan Global section tally.
Admission Requirements
The following is a list of items required to begin the application process for the program. There may be additional actions or materials required for admission to the program. Upon receipt of the materials below, a representative from the Rowan Global Admissions Processing Office will contact you with confirmation or will indicate any missing items.
- Completed Application Form
- $65 (U.S.) non-refundable application fee
- Bachelor's degree (or its equivalent) from an accredited institution of higher learning
- Official transcripts from all colleges attended (regardless of number of credits earned)
- Current professional resume that clearly indicates the number of years you have been teaching
- Typewritten essay that includes a statement of professional objectives
- One Letter of Recommendation
- Certificate Program Acknowledgement
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale)
- Copy of NJ teaching certificate (Standard or CEAS only)
- Interview may be required with Faculty Admissions Committee (If an interview is required, students will be contacted directly by the Faculty Admissions Committee. The interview can be in person or via telephone.)
- The applicant must provide proof of appropriate certification, as well as a letter of employment confirming the specific dates (not just years) during which the applicant has taught or served the educational community under the appropriate certificate.
- The NJ Reading Specialist certificate requires two years of full-time teaching experiences with a valid teaching certificate; however, students may enter the program with less two years of experience.
A Top Education School
An Exceptional Learning Environment
Our highly-regarded, award-winning academic programs are taught in small classes, by faculty who are engaged with their students, connected in their fields and invested in student achievement. We're proud to share that Rowan University's College of Education earned recognition on the "Best Online Education Programs" list by U.S. News & World Report.
M.A. in Reading Education: Reading Specialist
Career Outlook
Graduates who complete the Reading Specialists specialization are immediately certified as Reading Specialists. Our program postitions you to move ahead in a variety of educational roles, such as literacy coach, reading interventionist, instructional coordinator, or a leadership position in your school or district.
Admissions Information
Deadlines, Tuition and Financial Aid
The chart below details available entry terms for the M.A. in Reading Education: Reading Specialist program as well as corresponding application deadlines. Submitting the Application Form is only the first step to beginning the admission process. All of the required materials listed above must be received on or before the application completion deadline for your desired entry term to be considered for admission to that term. We encourage you to complete the application form and begin submitting your materials at least one month before the deadline indicated.
| Entry Term | Application Deadline |
|---|---|
| Spring - Module 3 | November 1 |
At Rowan University, we pride ourselves on being vigilant and frugal about tuition. We work hard to provide quality education while seeking to reduce the barrier that college costs can present students.
RatesWe know paying for tuition can be a challenge. That is why Rowan provides students with the financial resources needed to put their education first by offering grants, loans, work-study, and scholarships.
More InfoThe chart below details available entry terms for the M.A. in Reading Education: Reading Specialist program as well as corresponding application deadlines. Submitting the Application Form is only the first step to beginning the admission process. All of the required materials listed above must be received on or before the application completion deadline for your desired entry term to be considered for admission to that term. We encourage you to complete the application form and begin submitting your materials at least one month before the deadline indicated.
| Entry Term | Application Deadline |
|---|---|
| Spring - Module 3 | November 1 |
At Rowan University, we pride ourselves on being vigilant and frugal about tuition. We work hard to provide quality education while seeking to reduce the barrier that college costs can present students.
RatesWe know paying for tuition can be a challenge. That is why Rowan provides students with the financial resources needed to put their education first by offering grants, loans, work-study, and scholarships.
More InfoLearn More
Ready to start your journey at Rowan?Loading...
WITH ALL THE OPPORTUNITIES