Reading and Literacy Education

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's 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.

M.S.Ed. Reading and Literacy Education alumnus Conor Kollar shares how he makes an impact each day in the classroom. Hear from Connor.

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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

School

School of Education

Academic Department

Instruction and Leadership in Education

Duration

2 years

Required Credit Hours

36

Modality

Hybrid

Gain Hands-On Experience

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

Prepare to Make and Impact

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.

Great Education, Great Value

Structured Literacy Certification

Our coursework prepares you to pursue 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

Tuition Award

Structured Literacy Dyslexia Interventionist Certificate

With an additional practicum and exam after graduation, you can earn Structured Literacy Dyslexia Interventionist certification through CERI.

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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.

Explore resources

Graduate Perspective

Headshot of M.S.Ed. Reading & Literacy Education graduate Lynda Reilsono

I started the program in my 50s and it was just what I needed to assist my students in their reading journey. It was so great to see my students' excitement when I would try something new I learned in my classes. Another benefit was all of the colleagues that I met.

Lynda Reilsono M.S.Ed. Reading and Literacy Education '23
Headshot of Conor Kollar

I came to Duquesne in a time in my teaching career when I wanted to make a bigger impact in my students' education...Each & every day my students reap the benefits of what I have learned at Duquesne. I implement the strategies & of course the structured literacy teaching techniques I learned...

Conor Kollar M.S.Ed Reading & Literacy Education Alumnus

Curriculum

Discover course descriptions in the University Catalog. Select this year's Graduate Catalog and navigate to course descriptions section.

View the Course Catalog
The M.S.Ed. Reading and Literacy Education program is a 36-credit program that prepares educators with advanced, research-based knowledge and skills to support literacy development across grade levels. The program includes 30 credits of coursework and two 3-credit practicum courses in the Duquesne Reading Clinic, providing hands-on experience in assessment and intervention.
  • GRLA 520 Introduction to Literacy Theories (3 credits)
  • GRLA 523 Diversity and Equity in Literacy (3 credits)
  • GRLA 526 Literacy Development and Instruction (3 credits)
  • GRLA 525 Theories, Models, and Instruction of Writing (3 credits)
  • GRLA 522 Advanced Children’s Literature and Multimodal Text (3 credits)
  • GRLA 620 Literacy Assessment and Intervention (3 credits)
  • GRLA 529 Disciplinary Literacy (3 credits)
  • GRLA 626 Structured Literacy (3 credits)
  • GRLA 630 Seminar in Literacy (3 credits)
  • GRLA 628 Reading Clinic Experience (3 credits)
  • GRLA 635 The Role of Literacy Leaders (3 credits)
  • GRLA 633 Advanced Reading Clinic Experience (3 credits)

Total M.S.Ed. Reading & Literacy Education credits = 36 credits

Application Process

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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.

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
    • Official transcripts from all institutions of higher learning attended, sent directly from the institution. We are unable to accept transcripts sent directly from applicants.
    • 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?
  • CV/resume

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 undergraduate studies, you have the opportunity to take up to five courses in this master's-level program at the undergraduate tuition rate.

We welcome you to connect with us to learn more. We will guide you through the application process. 

If you are a School of Education, reach out to your student success coach who will help to connect you to the right School of Education staff and program director to explore options and requirements specific to your academic and career goals.

Learn more about our early start programs. If you need more information or have questions, please call us at (412) 396-6093.

Our Faculty Experts

Carla Meyer

Carla Meyer

Program Director | Professor

Kimberly Davidson

Kimberly Davidson

Clinical Assistant Professor

Valerie Gresser

Valerie Gresser

Clinical Assistant Professor

Kelsey R. Jones-Greer

Kelsey R. Jones-Greer

Clinical Assistant Professor

Learning Outcomes

  1. Candidates demonstrate knowledge of the theoretical, historical, and evidence-based foundations of reading, writing, language, speaking, listening, viewing and the integral role of the reading/literacy specialist in schools.
  2. Candidates use foundational knowledge to implement literacy curricula to meet the needs of learners, especially those who experience reading and writing difficulties. Candidates will do this through small-group and individual evidence-based literacy instruction for learners with specific literacy needs.
  3. Candidates understand, select and use valid, reliable, fair and appropriate assessment tools to screen, diagnose and measure student literacy achievement; inform instruction and evaluate interventions; participate in professional learning experiences; explain assessment results and advocate for appropriate literacy practices to relevant stakeholders.
  4. Candidates demonstrate knowledge of research, relevant theories, pedagogies, essential concepts of diversity and equity; demonstrate and provide opportunities for understanding all forms of diversity as central to students' identities; create classrooms and schools that are inclusive and affirming; advocate for equity at school, district and community levels.
  5. Candidates meet the developmental needs of all learners and collaborate with school personnel to use a variety of digital and print materials to engage and motivate all learners; integrate digital technologies in appropriate, safe and effective ways; foster a positive climate that supports a literacy-rich learning environment.
  6. Candidates are self-aware, lifelong learners who collaboratively design, align and assess instructional practices and interventions that support students and professional colleagues; develop, refine and demonstrate leadership skills; engage in collaborative decision-making with and advocate on behalf of teachers, students, families and communities.
  7. Candidates complete several supervised, integrated, extended clinical experiences, focused on intervention with students. Supervision includes observation and ongoing feedback by qualified supervisors.

Learning Together in Our Accredited Program

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.

Accreditation

CAEP accreditation nationally recognizes quality in educator preparation. This signifies that our students are well equipped to meet the needs of PreK-12 students as well as their communities and schools. We are proud to be one of the select institutions in Pennsylvania to receive this accreditation.

Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)

CAEP logo badge with checkmark inside and this text: CAEP Accredited Provider; and below badge text that reads: Excellence in Educator Preparation Accreditation

It's Time for Bigger Goals

 
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Reading and Literacy Education

Aiko Yamada Mancini

Program Manager

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