Reading Education Master's Program Online

  • Master of Science in Education
  • Darden College of Education & Professional Studies
  • Department of Teaching & Learning

Program Highlights

  • 30 credit hours (10 courses) total
  • Includes a practicum in a local setting
  • No GRE/MAT
  • Nationally accredited by CAEP
  • Open to international students

ODU's reading education program is designed to train instructors, coaches, and other reading practitioners to master content and pedagogy. Our curriculum emphasizes a commitment to professional involvement in the school and community.

When you graduate, you will be prepared to:

  • Develop reading programs and create instructional materials for use in elementary and secondary classrooms or clinical settings
  • Use various types of media and educational technology in instruction
  • Serve as an expert model and literacy coach in a community of educators
  • Conduct and disseminate research
  • Relate to the needs of children of differing ethnic and cultural backgrounds
  • Recognize the characteristics of different developmental stages, learning styles and special needs
  • Diagnose problems and provide remediation for students experiencing reading difficulties

Your coursework will give you opportunities for intensive research in literacy. You also will complete a practicum in a local setting to gain experience leading lessons and applying diagnostic techniques for learning processes and intellectual capacity.

When you graduate, you will earn a Master of Science in Education, Reading.

This program is not intended to lead to teacher licensure or endorsement. If you are a licensed teacher seeking professional endorsement, consider our Reading MSEd for reading specialist endorsement online.

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    • 30 credit hours (10 courses, including a practicum)

    The practicum is completed in your local community. Possible options include public, private, and governmental reading programs that provide literacy services such as tutoring for struggling readers and the diagnosis and remediation of reading problems.

    As part of the program, you will create a Literacy Professional Portfolio (e-Portfolio) to use in job applications or to showcase your expertise.

  • Access course materials online from any location. Many classes don't have a scheduled meeting time, so you can fit class into your personal schedule. The instructor may schedule assignments and exams at specific times. All courses follow ODU's regular academic calendar.

  • Many literacy specialists work outside of the traditional K-12 public school classroom.

    This program is designed for professionals who do not need a teaching license or additional endorsement, including:

    • Education administrators
    • Policy makers
    • Literacy coaches
    • Private instructors
  • In-state Virginia Residents
    $599 per credit hour*
    Out-of-state Students
    $623 per credit hour

    Rates are effective Fall 2023 and subject to change.
    * In-state rate assumes residency requirements are met.

You'll have a dedicated academic advisor for this program.

Contact us if you have questions about admission requirements, transferring credits, or application deadlines.

  • GRE/MAT not required. In addition to meeting general ODU graduate admission requirements, you should have:

    • a bachelor's degree (or higher) from an accredited college or university
    • a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.8 overall and 3.0 in the major, preferably education
    • two letters of recommendation from former professors or principals

    Please consult ODU's Graduate Catalog for complete application details and deadlines.