COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Education in Reading Specialization requires a minimum of 32 credit hours to complete. The program is structured around major requirements and elective courses designed to develop practical skills and professional expertise in literacy instruction. Core courses focus on both the theory and practice of teaching reading, including diagnosis and remediation of reading difficulties, reading across content areas, and literacy research and coaching. Students engage in experiential learning through clinical practicums, such as the Clinical Practicum in Corrective Reading, and have opportunities for independent investigation in curriculum, instruction, and reading and language arts.The curriculum also emphasizes understanding diverse student needs and multicultural perspectives in literacy education. Courses like Multicultural Voices in Teaching Children's and Young Adult Literature or Multicultural Educational Practice and Policy help educators develop culturally responsive teaching strategies. Students gain hands-on experience in using research to inform instructional practices, taking courses such as Teacher as Literacy Researcher and Perspectives on Literacy Research.Additionally, students can select 6 credit hours of electives tailored to specific interests, including Teaching Writing as a Process, New Literacies in Practice, Effective Use of Phonics in Reading, or Teaching Reading with Literature in Middle Childhood. This combination of core and elective courses ensures a balanced development of theoretical knowledge, research skills, and practical teaching experience, preparing graduates to lead, mentor, and innovate in literacy education at all instructional levels.