Best Online Master’s in Reading and Literacy Programs of 2024
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2024Online 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.
Featured Master’s in Reading and Literacy Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Master’s in Reading and Literacy Programs
Clemson University
Clemson, SC- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$14,118
- Out-of-state$37,110
- In-State$10,600
- Out-of-state$22,050
- Retention Rate94%
- Acceptance Rate49%
- Students Enrolled27,341
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment49%
- AccreditationYes
Appalachian State University
- Boone, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,242
- Out-of-state$19,849
- In-State$4,839
- Out-of-state$19,849
- Retention Rate86%
- Acceptance Rate85%
- Students Enrolled20,641
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment60%
- AccreditationYes
Sam Houston State University
- Huntsville, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,856
- Out-of-state$15,648
- In-State$5,765
- Out-of-state$13,108
- Retention Rate73%
- Acceptance Rate97%
- Students Enrolled21,612
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment65%
- AccreditationYes
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- Charlotte, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,812
- Out-of-state$17,246
- In-State$4,337
- Out-of-state$17,771
- Retention Rate85%
- Acceptance Rate79%
- Students Enrolled30,448
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment69%
- AccreditationYes
California State University-San Marcos
- San Marcos, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,742
- Out-of-state$17,622
- In-State$7,176
- Out-of-state$16,680
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance Rate93%
- Students Enrolled16,255
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment86%
- AccreditationYes
University of Georgia
- Athens, GA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,790
- Out-of-state$28,830
- In-State$8,878
- Out-of-state$25,186
- Retention Rate95%
- Acceptance Rate40%
- Students Enrolled40,118
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment20%
- AccreditationYes
University of South Florida
- Tampa, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,559
- Out-of-state$15,473
- In-State$8,350
- Out-of-state$19,048
- Retention Rate90%
- Acceptance Rate49%
- Students Enrolled49,708
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment66%
- AccreditationYes
East Carolina University
- Greenville, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,452
- Out-of-state$20,729
- In-State$4,749
- Out-of-state$17,898
- Retention Rate81%
- Acceptance Rate94%
- Students Enrolled28,021
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment74%
- AccreditationYes
SUNY at Albany
- Albany, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,070
- Out-of-state$24,910
- In-State$11,310
- Out-of-state$23,100
- Retention Rate82%
- Acceptance Rate68%
- Students Enrolled17,075
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment41%
- AccreditationYes
Loyola University Maryland
- Baltimore, MD
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$52,130
- Out-of-state$52,130
- In-State$18,540
- Out-of-state$18,540
- Retention Rate88%
- Acceptance Rate84%
- Students Enrolled5,140
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment27%
- AccreditationYes
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.
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
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 $63,680 for elementary school teachers and a median salary of $101,460 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
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.
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