Reading Specialist Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study

The Reading Specialist Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) 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. Upon completion, students may apply for the state of New Jersey’s Reading Specialist Certificate.

Teachers in the state of New Jersey may apply to the Reading Specialist CAGS program through the New Jersey Teacher Outreach Program (NJTOP®).

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.

Per the New Jersey Department of Education (NJ DOE), “Educational services certificates are issued to support service personnel [in school districts], i.e. school social worker, school psychologist, learning disabilities teacher-consultant, student assistance coordinator, etc.).” For NJ DOE Educational Services Certificate information and definitions, visit the New Jersey Department of Education licensure page for Educational Services Personnel.

The Reading Specialist CAGS is a full-time or part-time program offered in a hybrid format at our Glassboro, NJ campus. It requires the completion of 12 graduate semester hours.

• 3 Courses / 12 Semester Hours
• Foundation Courses: No
• Graduation / Exit / Thesis Requirements URL: No

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.

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
• Master'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
• Typewritten statement of professional objectives
  • Provide reasons for pursuing the program. Describe how you might use this program to advance your career (educational goals beyond the master's level, if applicable, are also relevant).
• Two professional recommendations (please use the Recommendation Form)
• Copy of NJ teaching certificate (Standard or CEAS only)
• Certificate Program Acknowledgement
• NJ DOE Record of Professional Experience
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale)