Master of Education in Reading

READ 520* Introduction to the Teaching of Reading
READ 560* Reading Assessment and Intervention (recommended to be taken directly prior to READING 553 Practicum in Reading or PROFSTUD.595)
READ 550 Organization and Administration of Reading Programs
READ 530* Reading in the Content Areas
READ 510 Literature, Literacy, and Culture
READ 530* Early Language Learning to Guided Reading and Writing
EDLD 590 Educational Research and Writing
MSED 525 Teaching Writing for Grades 4-12

Practicum Requirement (6 credits)**:
READ.570 Practicum in Reading, Writing, and Word Study or EDUC.562 Internship in Education

Appropriate testing for certification as determined by PDE. Speak to your graduate advisor.**

*Prerequisites required to be completed prior to participating in READING 570 Practicum in Reading, Writing, and Word Study or EDUC562 Internship

READ 520* Introduction to the Teaching of Reading
READ 560* Reading Assessment and Intervention (recommended to be taken directly prior to READING 553 Practicum in Reading or PROFSTUD.595)
READ 550 Organization and Administration of Reading Programs
READ 540* Reading in the Content Areas
READ 510 Literature, Literacy, and Culture
READ 530* Early Language Learning to Guided Reading and Writing

Practicum Requirement (6 credits)**:
READ.570 Practicum in Reading, Writing, and Word Study or EDUC.562 Internship in Education

Appropriate testing for certification as determined by PDE. Speak to your program advisor.**

*Prerequisites required to be completed prior to participating in READING 570 Practicum in Reading, Writing, and Word Study or EDUC562 Internship

• Masters in Reading/Reading Specialist Certification program for PA certified teachers.
• PDE provides the reading specialist certification after graduate students complete and pass the PRAXIS Reading Specialist Certification exam.

Admission Requirements

Applications are accepted for summer or fall semester starts. Applicants to this program must hold a baccalaureate degree and a Level I teaching certificate from an accredited college or university. A complete application packet includes:

• A completed graduate school application.
• Official undergraduate transcript(s) - (minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA for full admission).
• 1-2 page, typed Letter of Intent stating your professional background, experience, and rationale for wanting to be admitted to the program.
• 1 letter of recommendation from professionals who can attest to your promise as a graduate student and professional leader.
• Copy of teaching certificate.
• PA Child Abuse and Criminal Record Clearances.
• An interview with the program coordinator to clarify program requirements, discuss goals, evaluate academic records, and outline a long-range program.

All materials should be sent directly to the Office of Graduate Studies.

Transfer Credits

A maximum of nine semester hours of graduate-level coursework may be transferred from an accredited institution; a maximum of 12 semester hours may be transferred from graduate courses completed at Commonwealth University. Transfer courses must carry a grade of B or higher and must be completed no more than six years from the expected date of graduation. Transfer credits may be requested or submitted at any time during the student's six-year program, but require prior approval from the student's advisor and the assistant vice president and dean of graduate studies and research.

Retention

Students must maintain a QPA of 3.0 to remain in the program.

Graduation and Certification

Students seeking an M.Ed. in Reading must complete 30 semester hours with a cumulative QPA of 3.0. All requirements must be completed within six years from the date of admission into the program. Students must re-enroll for all courses that exceed the six-year program completion deadline outlined in the Graduate Catalog. Students seeking reading specialist certification must earn a minimum score of 570 on the PRAXIS specialty area test for reading specialists.

• Q: Is the program only offered as a master's degree? 
  A: No- it’s offered as BOTH a master’s degree and a stand-alone certificate.
• Q: How long does it take students to finish the program?
  A: The master’s degree includes 30 credits and typically takes most students roughly 18 - 24 months to complete- though students have up to six years to finish.
• Q: How is the program delivered?
  A: The program is delivered 100% online.
• Q: When can I start?
  A: Applications are accepted for the Summer, Fall, and Spring semesters.