Reading and Literacy Education

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Our M.S.Ed. Reading and Literacy Education program will prepare you to meet the needs of all PreK-12 learners through whole-class, small-group or individualized instruction. This 36-credit degree program is designed for teachers with initial certification. You will explore literacy theory, issues of equity and diversity related to literacy and children literature Through coursework, action research and hands-on experience you will gain expertise in literacy instruction, reading intervention, curriculum design and the skills to provide targeted workshops for school communities.

On KDKA's Talk Pittsburgh, M.S.Ed. Reading & Literacy Education graduate student Maggie Burke. shares her insight into overcoming obstacles and gaining perspective to help her future students. Hear from Maggie.

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Program Information

With our M.S.Ed. in Reading & Literacy Education degree, you are eligible to become a certified reading specialist in Pennsylvania upon passing the Praxis exam.

Degree

Master's

Academic Department

Instruction and Leadership in Education

Duration

2-year

Required Credit Hours

36

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Graduate student with K12 reading clinic learner in reading room engaging in guided individualized lesson

Hands-On Experience

As a graduate student in our program, you will have the opportunity to work in our Reading Clinic on campus. You will have hands-on experience with K-12 reading in the tri-state region along side faculty who develop individualized and group instruction, tailored to each student's age and unique needs.

Our Curriculum

GRLA 520 Introduction to Literacy Theories
GRLA 523 Diversity and Equity in Literacy
GRLA 526 Literacy Development and Instruction
GRLA 525 Theories, Models, and Instruction of Writing
GRLA 522 Advanced Children’s Literature and Multimodal Text
GRLA 620 Literacy Assessment and Intervention
GRLA 529 Disciplinary Literacy
GRLA 626 Structured Literacy
GRLA 630 Seminar in Literacy
GRLA 628 Reading Clinic Experience
GRLA 635 The Role of Literacy Leaders
GRLA 633 Advanced Reading Clinic Experience

Great Education, Great Value

Structured Literacy Certification

Our coursework prepares you for certification as a Structured Literacy classroom teacher from the Center for Effective Reading Instruction (CERI).

25%Tuition Award

Eligible students enrolled in the M.S.Ed. Reading and Literacy Education program can receive a 25% Tuition Award

Structured Literacy Dyslexia Interventionist Certificate

With an additional practicum after graduation, you can earn a Structured Literacy Dyslexia Interventionist certificate through CERI.

Photo of School of Education teacher in curriculum center with puppets in foreground and bookshelves in background

Curriculum Center

Access a rich and diverse variety of literacy and developmental resources for young learners through the library's Curriculum Center - a collection of PreK-12 educational resources designed for our campus community that works with children.

Empowering Young Learners with Learning Disabilities

Photo of Maggie Burke at KDKA studios on set of Pittsburgh Talk with the show signage behind her

When I talk to a student who struggles in the classroom, I tell them that they are capable of anything. Every single person learns differently, and that’s okay.

Maggie Burke B.S.Ed. '23, M.S.Ed. 25
Watch Maggie on KDKA

Application Process

Bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA*

*Applicants are customarily expected to have a 3.0 grade point average, based on a four-point scale, in their undergraduate work. However, exceptions may be granted on a limited basis, in which there is substantial additional evidence of a student's academic competency.

International Applicants

TOEFL/IELTS

Duquesne University requires submission of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Duolingo English Test (DET) scores for all non-native English-speaking applicants who attended a university outside of the United States..

Transcript Credit Evaluation

If your transcript(s) is from an institution located outside of the United States, you must use a transcript credential evaluation service to obtain a course-by-course report.

The official reports must be sent directly to Duquesne University from the organization you order through and will qualify as official transcripts.

You may use the following services to request official foreign credential evaluations: World Education Services (WES) or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE).

Visit International Admissions for additional information and requirements.

Rolling Admissions

Our M.S.Ed. Reading and Literacy Education program has a rolling admissions process with entry into the program in summer and fall semesters. This means you can apply at any point during the year.

Required Documents

  • Graduate Application
  • Official transcripts
    • International applicants, please see the Transcript Credential Evaluation section in the Admission Requirements section above
  • Essay 
    • Please include an essay that addresses the following questions:
      • What does being a graduate student mean to you?
      • How do you plan to balance life, work and earning a graduate degree in reading and literacy education?

      • Our program provides completers the opportunity to apply for Reading Specialists Certification in Pennsylvania (PK-12). How will learning about developmental stages other than the one in which you teach make you a stronger reading teacher?
      • Why do you believe you and your students would benefit from you earning a M.S.Ed. in Reading and Literacy Education?

Process

Send official application materials to:

OR

  • Duquesne University
    Office of Graduate Admissions
    600 Forbes Avenue
    Pittsburgh, PA 15282

Early Start Program - Reading and Literacy Education, M.S.Ed.

Our M.S.Ed. Reading and Literacy Education program offers an early start option for School of Education undergraduate students. During your junior or senior year, you have the opportunity to take up to five courses this master's-level program at the undergraduate tuition rate. 

Connect with us to learn more and we will walk you through the application process. To get started, call (412) 396-6093.

Our Faculty Experts

Carla Meyer

Carla Meyer

Program Director | Associate Professor

Valerie Gresser

Valerie Gresser

Clinical Assistant Professor

Kelsey R. Jones-Greer

Kelsey R. Jones-Greer

Instructor of Reading and Literacy Education

Learning Together in Our Accredited Program

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International Dislexia Association logo that is a seal and reads: Meets knowledge and practice standards for teachers of reading; International Dyslexia Association; IDA Accredited Plus Program

Our M.S.Ed. Reading & Literacy Education program is accredited by the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) as a mark of quality and commitment to the Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading.

CAEP Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation Logo

CAEP Accreditation is a select honor to nationally recognize program quality for educator preparation. This represents that our students are well equipped to meet the needs of K-12 students as well as their communities and schools. We are one of the select institutions in Pennsylvania to receive this accreditation.

It's Time for Bigger Goals

 
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Reading and Literacy Education

Aiko Yamada Mancini

Program Manager

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