Master of Science (MS) in Education

School of Education

Reading and Literacy Specialization

Capella is unique among online universities in offering a master's specialization in Reading and Literacy that is state-approved, which is a requirement for licensure in some states. Developed around the nationally recognized reading standards of the Interstate Reading Association, this specialization is designed to prepare P–12 classroom teachers to assess literacy, and to develop, implement, and adapt reading curriculum to accommodate diverse learning styles. People who choose this specialization are often licensed P–12 teachers who want to enhance student reading skills in their own classrooms or train others on best practices in reading instruction at a building or district level.

Licensure Information: For detailed information about obtaining professional licensure please see our licensure FAQ.

Core Courses

• ED5007 - Foundations of Educational Leadership - 6 quarter credits
• ED5501 - Assessment and Improvement of Instruction - 4 quarter credits
• ED5500 - Standards-Based Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment - 4 quarter credits
• ED5503 - Classroom Management Strategies - 4 quarter credits
• ED5504 - Strategies for Eliminating the Achievement Gap - 4 quarter credits
• ED5006 - Survey of Research Methodology - 4 quarter credits

Specialization Courses

• ED5551 - Developing Fluent Readers - 3 quarter credits
• ED5552 - Teaching Comprehension Strategies - 3 quarter credits
• ED5553 - Assessment-Based Reading Instruction - 3 quarter credits
• ED5554 - Sociocultural Context of Reading Instruction - 3 quarter credits
• ED5555 - Foundational Theories in Reading Instruction - 3 quarter credits
• ED5559 - Reading and Literacy Capstone - 6 quarter credits

Admission to the Reading and Literacy specialization requires learners to complete and submit the Capella University School of Education Certification of Licensed Teaching form located at www.capella.edu/aspscripts/schools/TeacherLicensure.pdf.

Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, certification, or endorsement. State regulations vary. It is learners' responsibility to understand and comply with requirements for their state.

State regulations vary regarding course requirements for professional licensure. For assistance with state-mandated course requirements for licensure, contact the designated school representative.

Learners seeking Minnesota Teacher(s) of Reading endorsement upon completion of the MS in Education specialization in Reading and Literacy must document having completed a minimum of 25 percent of their clinical field work experiences at the elementary level (grades 1–6), the middle level (grades 5–8), and secondary level (grades 9–12). Access to active educational settings is required for all reading and literacy course work.

Applicants in KY and WI are advised that the Reading and Literacy specialization is not pre-approved for specialist endorsement/licensure and should verify home state and local district requirements prior to enrollment. Individuals seeking endorsement must perform a transcript review with their state upon completion of their program.

Prior to enrollment, Washington state learners are advised to contact the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction at 360.725.6320 or profed@k12.wa.us to determine teacher certification or endorsement requirements, and contact their school district regarding qualifications for salary advancement.

Learn more about our related specializations:

PhD

• Leadership in Educational Administration
• Special Education Leadership

Master's degree

• Curriculum and Instruction
• Educational Psychology
• P–12 Studies in Education
• School Psychology

Certificate

• Specialist Certificate in School Psychology

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