Best Online Master’s in Reading and Literacy Programs of 2025

Q: What’s a master’s in reading and literacy?

Online reading master's programs help future educators develop the ability to teach reading, prevent failure in literacy programs, and identify reading issues among students. Graduate students will learn essential skills through courses including foundations of literacy, roles of literacy leaders, and literacy assessment.

Q: What can I do with a master’s in reading and literacy?

Master’s degree in reading and literacy can help you prepare for K-12 teaching roles or other positions related to education. Other career paths can include postsecondary education, working with government agencies, private tutoring, or instructional coordination.

Q: How much money can I make with a master’s in reading and literacy?

The average salary with a master's in reading and literacy is $55,000, but you can make up to $117,000 depending on role, location, and years of experience according to Payscale data from April 2024. A reading specialist — a popular job for reading and literacy grads — makes between $42,000-$80,000 on average. Other potential jobs and their BLS-reported median annual salaries include instructional coordinators ($74,720), postsecondary teachers ($83,980), and training and development specialists ($65,850).

Explore the best online master’s in reading and literacy programs, what education jobs you can get after graduation, and how much money you can make.

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Updated April 22, 2025

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2025

Online reading programs discuss theory and practical methods for teaching reading to students in kindergarten through grade 12. You will spend time understanding how students learn to read, solutions for students that have difficulty reading, and how social aspects can cause difficulty learning.

You can pursue multiple career paths after graduation, including teacher, policy-maker, and curriculum developer. This page discusses the best online master’s programs, program benefits, and common career paths for graduates.

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In this Article

Best Online Master’s in Reading and Literacy Programs

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.

How We Rank Schools

To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.

To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:

2025

Affordability (30%)
Student outcomes (30%)
Reputation (20%)
Diversity and social mobility (20%)

In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.

Clemson University

Clemson, SC4 yearCampus + Online

$10,858

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$22,566

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

38%

Acceptance Rate

44%

Online Enrollment

Why We Chose This School

Clemson University offers an M.Ed. in literacy designed to be completed in two years. This 30-credit program meets the requirements for certification as a literary teacher and literary coach, as well as an English as a Second Language teacher. Applicants must have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher, a current teaching certificate, and submit recommendation letters and a personal statement.

Courses are delivered asynchronously via Canva and include studies in instructional strategies, reading and writing assessment, and content area reading and writing, among others. Students complete a practicum in their school district.

Highlights

Virtual information sessions available
Meets certification requirements
No GRE scores required

Know Before You Apply

Only for licensed teachers
One enrollment date each year

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$14,118

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$37,982

Retention Rate

93%

Students Enrolled

28,747

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,858

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$22,566

Clemson University

Clemson, SC4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,858

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$22,566

Acceptance Rate

38%

Online Enrollment

44%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$14,118

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$37,982

Retention Rate

93%

Students Enrolled

28,747

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Why We Chose This School

Highlights

Virtual information sessions available
Meets certification requirements
No GRE scores required

Know Before You Apply

Only for licensed teachers
One enrollment date each year

University of Georgia

Athens, GA4 yearCampus + Online

$8,878

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$25,186

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

37%

Acceptance Rate

20%

Online Enrollment

Why We Chose This School

The University of Georgia's M.Ed. in reading education consists of 36 credits and focuses on delivering studies through emerging digital literacies. Designed as a part-time option, students spend two years completing studies in topics like integrating digital resources in the literacy classroom, new literacies, and culture and literacy classrooms.

This program can lead to licensure in Georgia. Students pay $411 per credit exclusive of textbooks, exam proctoring fees, and technology upgrades. Applicants must already hold teacher certification.

Highlights

Dedicated enrollment coach
Three annual start dates

Know Before You Apply

Only offered part-time
Designed only for Georgia-based teachers

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,790

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,830

Retention Rate

95%

Students Enrolled

41,615

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,878

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,186

University of Georgia

Athens, GA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,878

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,186

Acceptance Rate

37%

Online Enrollment

20%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,790

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,830

Retention Rate

95%

Students Enrolled

41,615

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Why We Chose This School

This program can lead to licensure in Georgia. Students pay $411 per credit exclusive of textbooks, exam proctoring fees, and technology upgrades. Applicants must already hold teacher certification.

Highlights

Dedicated enrollment coach
Three annual start dates

Know Before You Apply

Only offered part-time
Designed only for Georgia-based teachers

University of Florida

Gainesville, FL4 yearCampus + Online

$10,770

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$27,335

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

24%

Acceptance Rate

57%

Online Enrollment

Why We Chose This School

The University of Florida provides both an M.Ed. and MA in reading education for both practicing and prospective teachers. The M.Ed. comprises 36 credits and does not require a thesis. The MA requires 30 credits and culminates in a thesis or significant project. The curricula of both programs cover topics such as remediation of reading difficulties, trends in reading, and multicultural literature.

Resident learners pay $549 per credit, while their non-resident counterparts pay $687 per credit. Students generally complete these degrees within 4-6 semesters.

Highlights

Authorized by state governing body NC-SARA
Two pathways offered

Know Before You Apply

MA does not lead to certification
Must maintain 3.0 or higher GPA

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,477

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,694

Retention Rate

97%

Students Enrolled

54,814

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,770

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$27,335

University of Florida

Gainesville, FL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,770

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$27,335

Acceptance Rate

24%

Online Enrollment

57%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,477

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,694

Retention Rate

97%

Students Enrolled

54,814

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Why We Chose This School

Resident learners pay $549 per credit, while their non-resident counterparts pay $687 per credit. Students generally complete these degrees within 4-6 semesters.

Highlights

Authorized by state governing body NC-SARA
Two pathways offered

Know Before You Apply

MA does not lead to certification
Must maintain 3.0 or higher GPA

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Charlotte, NC4 yearCampus + Online

$4,337

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$18,482

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

80%

Acceptance Rate

56%

Online Enrollment

Why We Chose This School

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte's M.Ed. in reading education program offers the flexibility practicing K-12 learners need when pursuing higher education. Requiring 30 credits, this degree admits new learners twice annually. Required courses include global literacy in a multicultural world, K-12 writing development and instruction, and collaborative leadership in literacy education.

Resident students pay $289 per credit, while non-residents pay $536 per credit. The degree takes just two years to complete, including one summer term. Classes are taught using a cohort model.

Highlights

Meets International Literacy Association standards
No required practicum

Know Before You Apply

Summer term required
Higher out-of-state tuition
Minimum 3.0 GPA for admission

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$3,812

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$18,474

Retention Rate

84%

Students Enrolled

30,298

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$4,337

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$18,482

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Charlotte, NC4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$4,337

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$18,482

Acceptance Rate

80%

Online Enrollment

56%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$3,812

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$18,474

Retention Rate

84%

Students Enrolled

30,298

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Why We Chose This School

Resident students pay $289 per credit, while non-residents pay $536 per credit. The degree takes just two years to complete, including one summer term. Classes are taught using a cohort model.

Highlights

Meets International Literacy Association standards
No required practicum

Know Before You Apply

Summer term required
Higher out-of-state tuition
Minimum 3.0 GPA for admission

Saint Joseph's University

Philadelphia, PA4 yearCampus + Online

$18,504

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$18,504

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

86%

Acceptance Rate

43%

Online Enrollment

Why We Chose This School

Saint Joseph's University provides an MS in education with a PK-12 reading specialist concentration. This online program requires 36 credits and takes 18-24 months to complete. Coursework is taught on an asynchronous schedule with the capstone internship scheduled during summer months for added flexibility.

Tuition rates start at $862 per credit and the program holds International Dyslexia Association (IDA) Accreditation. Learners benefit from a student support coordinator, technical assistance, and a career search database.

Highlights

Small virtual classes
IDA accreditation
Flexible scheduling

Know Before You Apply

Minimum 3.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA required
Higher tuition than some other options

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$49,410

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$49,410

Retention Rate

88%

Students Enrolled

7,201

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$18,504

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$18,504

Saint Joseph's University

Philadelphia, PA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$18,504

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$18,504

Acceptance Rate

86%

Online Enrollment

43%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$49,410

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$49,410

Retention Rate

88%

Students Enrolled

7,201

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Why We Chose This School

Highlights

Small virtual classes
IDA accreditation
Flexible scheduling

Know Before You Apply

Minimum 3.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA required
Higher tuition than some other options

University of South Florida

Tampa, FL4 yearCampus + Online

$8,350

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$19,048

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

41%

Acceptance Rate

67%

Online Enrollment

Why We Chose This School

University of South Florida's online MA in reading education supports both licensed teachers and those looking to use skills learned outside traditional applications. Most learners graduate within 2-3 years, with part-time options also available.

The program requires 36 credits and a culminating critical task and synthesis statement. Coursework includes assessment in developing literacies, issues in vocabulary and work-study, and literature for a diverse society.

Highlights

Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation accreditation
Open to non-teachers
No campus visits

Know Before You Apply

Synchronous coursework
Only two start dates each year

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$3,647

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$11,963

Retention Rate

92%

Students Enrolled

48,566

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,350

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,048

University of South Florida

Tampa, FL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,350

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,048

Acceptance Rate

41%

Online Enrollment

67%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$3,647

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$11,963

Retention Rate

92%

Students Enrolled

48,566

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Why We Chose This School

Highlights

Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation accreditation
Open to non-teachers
No campus visits

Know Before You Apply

Synchronous coursework
Only two start dates each year

SUNY Oneonta

Oneonta, NY4 yearCampus + Online

$11,310

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$23,100

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

70%

Acceptance Rate

22%

Online Enrollment

Why We Chose This School

SUNY Oneonta offers an MS.Ed. in literacy education with two concentration options: birth to grade 6 and grades 5 to 12. The degree includes both part- and full-time learning, depending on the semester. Learners complete 30 credits and participate in several online literacy clinics. This provides opportunity for supervised student tutoring and feedback.

Resident students pay $471 per credit, while online non-residents pay $565 per credit. The department offers several information sessions throughout the year to help interested applicants make an informed decision.

Highlights

Three start dates annually
Rolling admissions deadline

Know Before You Apply

Only open to certified New York teachers
Requires minimum 3.0 GPA

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,070

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,490

Retention Rate

78%

Students Enrolled

5,457

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,310

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$23,100

SUNY Oneonta

Oneonta, NY4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,310

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$23,100

Acceptance Rate

70%

Online Enrollment

22%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,070

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,490

Retention Rate

78%

Students Enrolled

5,457

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Why We Chose This School

Highlights

Three start dates annually
Rolling admissions deadline

Know Before You Apply

Only open to certified New York teachers
Requires minimum 3.0 GPA

SUNY at Albany

Albany, NY4 yearCampus + Online

$11,310

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$23,100

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

70%

Acceptance Rate

40%

Online Enrollment

Why We Chose This School

SUNY Albany offers an MS in reading designed for working in both K-12 and adult classroom settings. The curriculum comprises 30 credits, including courses such as literacy in society, classroom literacy instruction, and data-based decision-making in literacy. Students can also add a literacy elective to round out their degree.

Application requirements include transcripts from all schools attended, three recommendation letters, and answers to program-specific questions.

Highlights

Three start dates annually
Open to students outside New York

Know Before You Apply

Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
Higher tuition rates than other schools

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,070

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,660

Retention Rate

83%

Students Enrolled

16,880

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,310

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$23,100

SUNY at Albany

Albany, NY4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,310

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$23,100

Acceptance Rate

70%

Online Enrollment

40%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,070

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,660

Retention Rate

83%

Students Enrolled

16,880

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Why We Chose This School

Application requirements include transcripts from all schools attended, three recommendation letters, and answers to program-specific questions.

Highlights

Three start dates annually
Open to students outside New York

Know Before You Apply

Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
Higher tuition rates than other schools

East Carolina University

Greenville, NC4 yearCampus + Online

$4,749

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$17,898

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

90%

Acceptance Rate

72%

Online Enrollment

Why We Chose This School

East Carolina University's MA in reading and literacy education requires the completion of 30 credits over two years of study and is designed for working students. Designed for professionals working in K-12 studies, the curriculum includes courses such as diversity and equity in literacy, literacy leadership, and coaching, and using literacy assessment for instructional intervention.

North Carolina students pay $283 per credit; non-residents pay $1,014 per credit. The department provides three degree-specific scholarships to help offset costs, both of which online students can apply for.

Highlights

No GMAT or GRE scores required
Has offered the degree since 1979
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation accreditation

Know Before You Apply

Substantially higher out-of-state tuition
No specializations offered

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,452

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$20,729

Retention Rate

82%

Students Enrolled

26,785

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$4,749

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,898

East Carolina University

Greenville, NC4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$4,749

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,898

Acceptance Rate

90%

Online Enrollment

72%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,452

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$20,729

Retention Rate

82%

Students Enrolled

26,785

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Why We Chose This School

Highlights

No GMAT or GRE scores required
Has offered the degree since 1979
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation accreditation

Know Before You Apply

Substantially higher out-of-state tuition
No specializations offered

#10

Endicott College

Beverly, MA4 yearCampus + Online

$13,084

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$13,084

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

73%

Acceptance Rate

40%

Online Enrollment

Why We Chose This School

At Endicott College, the MS in reading and literacy instruction accepts experienced teachers looking to specialize in reading. This 36-credit program covers topics like theories of language and linguistics, critical media literacy, and children's and young adult literature.

Faculty possess real-world experience, and opportunities exist for students to receive personal advising, networking opportunities, and support in job placement. Learners also benefit from a reasonable tuition rate of $587 per credit.

Highlights

No GRE scores required
Same tuition regardless of state residence

Know Before You Apply

No subject-specific accreditations

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$36,926

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$36,926

Retention Rate

85%

Students Enrolled

4,381

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$13,084

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,084

Endicott College

Beverly, MA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$13,084

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,084

Acceptance Rate

73%

Online Enrollment

40%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$36,926

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$36,926

Retention Rate

85%

Students Enrolled

4,381

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Why We Chose This School

Highlights

No GRE scores required
Same tuition regardless of state residence

Know Before You Apply

No subject-specific accreditations

Why Should You Get a Master’s in Reading and Literacy Degree?

A master’s degree in reading and literacy can greatly boost your education career. You’ll unlock new career opportunities, make a bigger impact on students’ lives, and possibly earn a higher salary.

“The degree allows someone to become a reading teacher, reading specialist, and literacy coach. Administrators with a degree in literacy and reading are able to use their knowledge to help their school succeed in reading as well.”

— Kathryn Starke, Master’s in Literacy

Benefits of a Master’s in Reading and Literacy

Choose a career you love: From reading specialist to instructional coordinator, a master’s in reading and literacy can lead to new careers that match your interests and use your expertise.
Increase your earning potential: You’re more likely to make a better salary with a master’s degree than somebody with less education. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), teachers make about 16% more per year with a master’s degree.
Make an impact on students: Reading and literacy skills last a lifetime. You can be the person who makes a difference in students’ lives by teaching them essential skills that last for years to come.

3 Reasons for Getting Your Master’s Online

Better school-life balance: Most online programs allow you to choose when and where you want to learn. This flexibility gives you more room to decide how to fit all of your responsibilities into your day.
Work while you learn: Not needing to meet in person or stick to a regular schedule gives you room to keep working while you earn your degree. After you clock out for the day, you can squeeze in an online lesson or two from home.
Study at your own pace: Many online programs have self-paced elements, meaning you might be able to squeeze in some lectures or assignments on a less rigid timeframe. However, even online courses have deadlines to abide by.

What Should I Know About a Master’s in Reading and Literacy Degree?

Master’s degrees in reading and literacy programs differ in price, length, and available concentrations. These variables can be important, as they can impact your future debt and career paths.

Prepare for your future by understanding the difference in literacy programs, identifying potential courses and concentrations, and ensuring your prospective school can fulfill your needs.

Cost of Online Master’s in Reading and Literacy programs

According to the NCES, the average tuition price for an online master’s program in the education field costs around $7,912 annually.

You can apply for financial aid to help pay for tuition and fees. Financial aid can include grants, scholarships, or loans. You can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to start applying for financial aid.

Average Annual Cost of a Master’s Degree:

Public Institution | 2021-2022

$12,596

Private Institution | 2021-2022

$28,017

Source: National Center for Education Statistics

Concentration for Your Reading and Literacy Master’s Degree

If you’re interested in a specific topic within your reading and literacy master’s degree, you can choose a concentration. In your concentration, you’ll focus your knowledge on niche reading and literacy areas.

Concentrations vary by program, but common options include:

Early literacy
English as a second language (ESL)
Adult literacy
Curriculum development
Literacy coaching

Master’s in Reading and Literacy Career Outlook

Many graduates of master’s in reading programs become teachers, including elementary school, highschool, and special education teachers.

Professionals with a specialty in reading programs can also use their skill set in government, postsecondary education, consulting, or educational back office settings.

Career salaries can vary greatly, with a median salary of $62,340 for elementary school teachers and a median salary of $103,960 for education administrators, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Reading and Literacy Career Paths

Reading and Literacy Specialist
Instructional Coordinator
High School Teacher
Kindergarten and Elementary School Teacher
ESL Teacher
Special Education Teacher
Education Administrator
Reading Coach
Adjunct faculty (instructors, lecturers)

Frequently Asked Questions About Master’s in Reading and Literacy Programs

Is a master’s in reading and literacy worth it?

If you have a passion for teaching and reading, then a master’s in reading and literacy may be worth pursuing. Graduates from a literacy program may be better equipped to handle diagnosing and solving issues related to reading.