Master of Science in Education (Reading Specialist Emphasis)

Hours: 36 Online

About

Fort Hays State University's Master of Science in Education (Reading Specialist Emphasis) program equips educators with the knowledge and skills to become leaders in literacy education. The program is designed for educators seeking to increase their knowledge about the science of reading and deepen their expertise in literacy instruction (including literacy practices for struggling readers) and literacy assessment.

This program equips educators with the skills and knowledge to become a reading specialist. Participants in the program will learn evidence-based literacy practices to effectively teach reading to students PreK-12, from struggling readers to those excelling in elementary or secondary education.

Why pursue a Master of Science in Education (Reading Specialist Emphasis) at Fort Hays State University?

Our program provides unmatched flexibility, a fully online format, and an affordable cost. This program equips you with the knowledge and skills to become a transformative leader. Learn from experienced faculty and develop expertise in effective evidence-based literacy practices, instructional strategies, and supporting diverse learners.

Who is this program for?

FHSU recognizes the power of educators who ignite a passion for reading in their students. This Master of Science in Education (Reading Specialist Emphasis) is designed to equip educators at all stages of their careers with the knowledge and skills to cultivate thriving literacy environments and empower all students to become successful readers.

Current educators with a bachelor’s degree and teaching license
Classroom champions
Instructional leaders
Those with a passion for supporting literacy development

Learning Outcomes

This Master of Science in Education (Reading Specialist Emphasis) equips you with the knowledge and skills to become a leading literacy expert. Throughout the program, you will develop a deep understanding of how children learn to read, practical strategies for supporting striving readers, and the tools to create inclusive and engaging learning environments:

Foundational Expertise for Effective Instruction

The program establishes a strong foundation in the science of reading and writing. You will explore the theories and research that support effective instruction and gain a comprehensive understanding of how children learn to read, comprehend, and write. This knowledge base equips you to select the most effective approaches and materials to meet your students' diverse needs.

Building a Literacy Curriculum

Moving beyond theoretical knowledge, the program provides practical tools for designing and implementing a comprehensive literacy curriculum grounded in the science of reading. You will learn to integrate various instructional approaches, from oral language fluency development and explicit phonics instruction to fostering a love of literature.

Assessment Expertise

Master the art of literacy assessment. Our program teaches you to select and use reliable tools to identify student strengths and weaknesses, evaluate the effectiveness of your interventions, and advocate for appropriate literacy practices.

Fostering a Thriving Literacy Environment

In today's classrooms, it is crucial to cultivate an appreciation for cultural differences and foster a love of reading and writing for all students. This program emphasizes creating an inclusive and engaging learning environment where students feel empowered to explore diverse texts and express themselves through writing. You will develop strategies to promote collaboration, build positive relationships with students, and ignite a passion for literacy that extends beyond the classroom walls.

Real-World Applications

Our program is designed to equip aspiring reading specialists with the knowledge and skills necessary to make a real difference in the lives of struggling readers. This graduate program goes beyond theory, providing participants with the tools to excel in education.

Program graduates gain the expertise to create engaging, systematic, cumulative, explicit, and data-driven reading instruction that caters to students' diverse needs. This program incorporates evidence-based practices in literacy education to ensure you can develop a strong reading program with a multi-modal approach.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

Developing strong literacy skills is paramount for student success. In Fort Hays State University's Master of Science in Education (Reading Specialist Emphasis) program, our curriculum is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to excel on the Reading Specialist Praxis Exam and become a leader in literacy education.

Our program curriculum is crafted to align with the latest licensure standards and the science of reading. This ensures our graduates possess relevant knowledge and skills to excel in education today, supporting your colleagues and improving literacy learning for all of your students.

Practical Activities

Students actively engage in applied coursework throughout the program, including READ 883 Clinical Reading Diagnosis and Remediation. In this course, you will have the opportunity to use various literacy assessments, evaluate their results, and develop an instructional plan. The program culminates in READ 885: The School Reading Program practicum provides a practical experience where you will collaborate with experienced educators in real-world school settings.

What You’ll Learn:

Foster a strong literacy culture in your school
Master evidence-based teaching strategies
Support students with various learning needs
Use data to improve reading outcomes
Develop a multi-model reading program

How You’ll Learn:

Online, asynchronous format (flexible pace)
Apply knowledge in authentic settings
Coursework with real-world applications
Evaluate curricular materials, programs, and assessment
Practical activities in classrooms with an emphasis on the science of reading

Courses

The Master of Science in Education (Reading Specialist Emphasis) program’s core curriculum provides a strong foundation in 21st-century education. You'll explore best practices in technology integration, research methodologies, data analysis and assessment, instructional design, and cultural diversity. These courses will prepare you to create classrooms that are not only engaging but also data-driven and culturally responsive. Below are a few of the courses in the Master of Science in Education (Reading Specialist Emphasis) program:

READ 881: Content Area Reading

This course explores the reading process and strategies to develop students’ disciplinary literacy. Participants design instruction that enhances students' use of literacy tools for deeper content understanding.

READ 883: Clinical Reading Diagnosis and Remediation

This course provides clinical practice in conducting intensive evaluations of students with reading disabilities based on the science of reading. Participants will learn to administer, score, and interpret informal and standardized tests, including parent and child interviews for background information.

READ 885: The School Reading Program (Practicum)

This practicum focuses on organizing the school reading program and its relationships with students, parents, teachers, and administrators. It includes practical experience in reading instruction and mentoring colleagues, insights from resource materials, and discussions with cooperating teachers and the reading program administrator. Participants will demonstrate the KSDE objectives for reading specialist endorsement.

Discover the full Master of Science in Education (Reading Specialist Emphasis) course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.

Career Prospects

A Master of Science in Education (Reading Specialist Emphasis) equips you with the skills and knowledge to become a leader in literacy education. Graduates typically find rewarding careers within the field of education, often with significant salary increases. Many alums become reading specialists within their schools or districts, working directly with struggling readers to develop effective reading strategies. This specialized degree opens doors to a variety of fulfilling career paths. Here are just a few exciting possibilities:

Reading Specialist

As a reading specialist, you will play a vital role in identifying and supporting students who face reading challenges. You will design and implement individualized reading programs based on best practices, working with students one-on-one or in small groups. Your expertise will be instrumental in helping students develop strong literacy skills and achieve academic success.

Literacy Coach

You will play a pivotal role, working directly with classroom teachers to fortify their reading instruction. You will provide targeted professional development, coach teachers on implementing evidence-based practices grounded in the science of reading, and observe classrooms to identify areas for growth. Your expertise in classroom discourse and oral language development will be instrumental in creating engaging learning environments where all students can thrive.

Reading Program Coordinator

You will lead in shaping your school's reading curriculum and ensuring its effectiveness. You will collaborate with school leaders, teachers, and parents to develop a comprehensive reading program that aligns with state standards and best practices. Your understanding of curriculum development and reading assessment will be crucial in creating a program that meets the diverse needs of all learners.

Curriculum Developer

If you are passionate about creating educational materials, this path allows you to develop engaging and effective reading curricula. You will leverage your reading pedagogy and instructional design knowledge to craft resources that support teachers in delivering high-quality reading instruction. Your work will have a lasting impact on countless students as they embark on their literacy journey.

Reading Interventionist

Reading interventionists work directly with students and their teachers who require intensive reading support. You will use evidence-based strategies to address specific reading difficulties and help students improve their reading skills significantly.

Educational Consultant

Educational consultants provide expertise and guidance to schools and districts on various academic issues, including reading instruction. Your advanced knowledge of reading development and best practices will be valuable in helping schools improve their reading programs.

Admission Requirements

This program is ideal for educators entering the field or working professionals seeking to support their students and advance their careers. To be eligible for admission, prospective students must possess a solid academic foundation. Here's a closer look at the program requirements:

Bachelor's Degree

A completed bachelor's degree from an accredited institution is mandatory.

Strong Academic Performance

A cumulative GPA of 3.00 on your undergraduate coursework's last 60 credit hours demonstrates your commitment to academic excellence.

Current Teaching License

An active teaching license is essential, as this program equips you with specialized reading instruction skills to directly benefit students in the classroom.

Personal Statement

A personal statement describing the applicant's background and reasons for entering the program is necessary. This allows the admissions committee to understand the applicant's motivations and goals.

Letters of Recommendation

Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation as part of the application process. These should be on official letterhead and include the author's signature. Recommendations provide insights into the applicant's professional background, character, and potential for success in the program.

The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere

Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $3,047.58* (online) per semester.

*Estimated cost based on 9 credit hours at the FHSU Online Graduate tuition rate ($338.62/credit hour) for online courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.

Ready for the next step?

Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.

Apply

Related Programs

Fort Hays State University offers a variety of programs that complement your reading specialist aspirations. Here are a few to consider:

FAQ

What distinguishes the Master of Science in Education (Reading Specialist Emphasis) program?

Fort Hays State University's Master of Science in Education (Reading Specialist Emphasis) program offers flexibility with a fully online format and affordability. It caters to educators aiming to enhance their expertise in reading instruction, including literacy assessment for striving readers. The program emphasizes evidence-based literacy practices to teach reading effectively to students across all grades, from PreK-12.

How does the program cover various aspects of literacy education, including literacy assessment, intervention strategies, and literacy coaching?

The curriculum covers various aspects of literacy education, such as literacy assessment, intervention strategies, and literacy mentoring and coaching. It prepares graduates to analyze reading literacy assessment data, select practical follow-up assessments, and create engaging, systematic, and data-driven reading instruction. The program integrates best practices in literacy education, including structured literacy instruction and the science of reading, to ensure graduates are well-equipped to support their colleagues and improve literacy learning across diverse student populations.

Are there specific concentrations or areas of focus within the Master of Science in Education program, such as early literacy or special education literacy?

The program does not offer specific concentrations but provides a comprehensive foundation in literacy theory, research, and best practices. This foundation prepares educators to design and implement individualized and small-group reading instruction tailored to current research and the diverse needs of students in PreK-12 settings.

What career opportunities or roles does completing a Master of Science in Education (Reading Specialist Emphasis) offer?

The program allows you to become a reading specialist, literacy coach, Title I teacher, reading program coordinator, school literacy leader, and more.

What is the cost?

The cost of the program is $338.62 per credit hour. Since the program requires 36 credit hours, the total cost would be approximately $12,190.32.

How long will it take me to complete the program?

Thanks to its online, asynchronous format, the program is designed to be completed at your own pace. This flexibility lets you structure your learning around personal and professional obligations. Most participants complete the program in about 2 years.

Information about the Department of Advanced Education Programs

FHSU’s Department of Advanced Education Programs (AEP) is one of the most diverse and comprehensive departments, offering a wide range of programs designed to fit the unique needs of educators at every stage of their careers. Whether you aim to enhance your teaching skills, pursue a role as a building principal or community counselor, add an endorsement, or renew your license, our department is dedicated to helping you succeed in your aspirations.

AEP aims to be the leader in preparing inclusive educational and community professionals to unlock innovative potential in a rapidly advancing world, by preparing global leaders who serve in these settings. Our programs focus on the interaction among innovative technologies, relevant content, diversity, and best practices.

Accreditations

Reading Specialist

Masters
Endorsement

Online

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