Best Online Master’s in Reading and Literacy Programs of 2025
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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2025Online 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.
Best Online Master’s in Reading and Literacy Programs
How We Rank Schools
Clemson University
- Clemson, SC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
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
44%
$10,858
93%
$22,566
- Acceptance Rate
- 38%
- Students Enrolled
- 28,747
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Georgia
- Athens, GA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
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
20%
$ 8,878
95%
$25,186
- Acceptance Rate
- 37%
- Students Enrolled
- 41,615
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Florida
- Gainesville, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
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
57%
$10,770
97%
$27,335
- Acceptance Rate
- 24%
- Students Enrolled
- 54,814
- Institution Type
- Public
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- Charlotte, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
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
56%
$ 4,337
84%
$18,482
- Acceptance Rate
- 80%
- Students Enrolled
- 30,298
- Institution Type
- Public
Saint Joseph's University
- Philadelphia, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
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
43%
$18,504
88%
$18,504
- Acceptance Rate
- 86%
- Students Enrolled
- 7,201
- Institution Type
- Private
University of South Florida
- Tampa, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
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
67%
$ 8,350
92%
$19,048
- Acceptance Rate
- 41%
- Students Enrolled
- 48,566
- Institution Type
- Public
SUNY Oneonta
- Oneonta, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
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
22%
$11,310
78%
$23,100
- Acceptance Rate
- 70%
- Students Enrolled
- 5,457
- Institution Type
- Public
SUNY at Albany
- Albany, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
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
40%
$11,310
83%
$23,100
- Acceptance Rate
- 70%
- Students Enrolled
- 16,880
- Institution Type
- Public
East Carolina University
- Greenville, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
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
72%
$ 4,749
82%
$17,898
- Acceptance Rate
- 90%
- Students Enrolled
- 26,785
- Institution Type
- Public
Endicott College
- Beverly, MA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
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
40%
$13,084
85%
$13,084
- Acceptance Rate
- 73%
- Students Enrolled
- 4,381
- Institution Type
- Private
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 $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
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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