About

Language and literacy proficiency are central to academic, professional, and personal success, and research indicates that reading/literacy specialists have an impact on both students and teachers.

The Master of Arts in Reading and Literacy Education Degree is an online 30 semester-hour program designed to develop advanced competencies in K-12 reading and literacy education in the following areas: foundational knowledge, curriculum and instruction, assessment and evaluation, diversity and equity, the literacy environment, literacy leadership, and practical experiences. At least 24 hours are in reading and literacy education with a focus on excellence and equity. The desired outcome is preparation of specialized literacy professionals, particularly reading/literacy specialists who are able to support K-12 students' reading and literacy education and to serve as leaders in the literacy profession.

ECU Advantage

We have a long-standing tradition and reputation for excellence in teacher preparation. ECU started as a teacher training school in 1907. We have offered a Master's Degree in Reading since 1979. Our nationally recognized program is totally online, which allows flexibility and convenience. Candidates can continue to work full-time while enrolled in the program. Most courses are offered within an 8 week model (as opposed to a regular 15 week model), meaning students can maintain focus on and excel in their studies.

The program is cutting edge, aligning with the latest International Literacy Association Standards for Literacy Professionals, The International Dyslexia Association Standards, North Carolina Professional Teaching Standards, and North Carolina Digital Learning Competencies.

The program is nationally accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

Tuition cost is affordable. NC residents pay about $250 per credit hour for distance education tuition for a total tuition cost of about $7,500.

There is opportunity for advanced teaching licensure. With valid initial NC teaching licensure, candidates who successfully complete this program will be eligible to apply for the add-on K-12 Reading license.

Practicum experiences can typically be completed in candidates' own classrooms or if not employed, we can help find placements.

There are multiple conditions for entrance exam waiver. Conditions value candidates' undergraduate GPA and professional experience.

Internationally recognized literacy faculty design and teach courses and mentor our graduate students. Our award winning faculty are at the fore of the field in research, teaching, and service.

As an ECU student, you can research your future career in Steppingblocks. Explore real-world stats about your major, your interests, and your dream job title with data-powered career exploration tools designed for doers like you.

What You Will Study

Program Coordinator: Christy Howard (126 Ragsdale Hall; 252-737-5093; howardch14@ecu.edu)

The Reading and Literacy Education, MAEd is a program designed to develop advanced competencies in K-12 reading and literacy education in the following areas: foundational knowledge, curriculum and instruction, assessment and evaluation, diversity and equity, the literacy environment, leadership, and practicum experiences. A minimum of 24 semester hours are in reading and literacy education with a focus on excellence and equity. The desired outcome is preparation of specialized literacy professionals, particularly reading/literacy specialists who are able to support K-12 students' reading and literacy education and to serve as leaders in the literacy profession. The degree is administratively located in the Department of Literacy Studies, English Education, and History Education in the College of Education.

The degree requires a minimum of 30 s.h. as follows:

Core - 27 s.h.
  • READ 5316 - Word Study: Phonics, Spelling, and Vocabulary Instruction
  • READ 5317 - Adolescent Literacy in the Content Areas
  • READ 6101 - Learning to Read: From Novice to Expert
  • READ 6102 - Literacy Development and Instruction K-5
  • READ 6103 - Literacy Development and Instruction 6-12
  • READ 6104 - Assessment and Evaluation in Literacy Education
  • READ 6105 - Diversity and Equity in Literacy Instruction
  • READ 6106 - Using Literacy Assessment for Instructional Intervention
  • READ 6107 - Literacy Leadership and Coaching
Electives - 3 s.h.

Take 3 s.h. of approved electives in the following areas related to the role of the literacy specialist: academically or intellectually gifted (AIG), adult literacy, adult education, educational leadership, educational research, elementary education, instructional technology, library science, reading and literacy, special education, supervision, teaching English as a second language (TESL), and/or other areas in consultation with advisor. Students who took ECU's READ 5316 and READ 5317 in advanced undergraduate studies choose 6 s.h. (in addition to the existing required elective) of approved electives in the following areas related to the role of the literacy specialist: academically or intellectually gifted (AIG), adult literacy, adult education, educational leadership, educational research, elementary education, instructional technology, library science, reading and literacy, special education, supervision, teaching English as a second language (TESL), and/or other areas in consultation with advisor.

    Comprehensive culminating assessment requirement
      For more information about this degree visit the university's academic catalogs.
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