COURSE CURRICULUM

The Reading Specialist MA/MEd at DePaul University offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to develop advanced expertise in literacy instruction, assessment, and leadership for practicing educators. The program requires completion of approximately 52–56 quarter credit hours and is structured around four main components: social and cultural studies, core literacy coursework, leadership training, and practicum experiences. Students begin with social and cultural studies courses that explore research methods, human development, and the social context of education, providing a foundation for understanding diverse learners and educational environments. The core reading specialist courses focus on key areas such as reading assessment, literacy development, diagnostic teaching, and strategies for teaching literacy to students with exceptional learning needs, ensuring students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical instructional skills. Leadership courses prepare students to take on roles as literacy coaches and program coordinators, emphasizing curriculum development, collaboration, and professional development within schools. A significant component of the curriculum is the practicum sequence, where students apply their learning in supervised clinical settings by working directly with children and adolescents who experience reading difficulties, conducting assessments, and implementing targeted interventions.In addition to coursework and practicum, students complete either a master’s thesis (MA option) or a capstone project (MEd option), allowing them to engage in research or applied inquiry in literacy education. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practices, assessment-driven instruction, and culturally responsive teaching, preparing graduates to support diverse learners and improve literacy outcomes. Throughout the program, students also develop skills in collaboration, advocacy, and instructional leadership, enabling them to guide schoolwide literacy initiatives and support fellow educators. By integrating theory, research, clinical practice, and leadership development, the program equips graduates with the knowledge and competencies necessary to become effective reading specialists who can assess, design, and implement literacy programs while promoting equity and excellence in education.