Online and Distance Degrees > Degree Programs > MA in Secondary Education (Reading Specialist)

Master of Arts (MA) in
Secondary Education (Reading Specialist P-12 Certification)

Online

Program Overview

Reading specialists offer reading instruction while also promoting literacy among students, parents, other educators and their larger community. This is especially important for improving students’ overall reading performance and enhancing their future educational opportunities and outcomes.

Program Format
Online
Credit Hours
30
Tuition Per Hour
$440

Help Students Excel at Reading

The program curriculum offers theory, application, assessment and implementation of research-based instruction through a supervised practicum experience. This practicum, composed of hands-on fieldwork, is designed for educators to develop the skills necessary to teach students as well as to train other teachers in literacy.

The online format provides educators the opportunity to pursue a new career path in education while continuing to work as a classroom teacher. Graduate students who complete the program receive a master’s degree with a focus on secondary curriculum, teaching and learning. The degree is available to both elementary and secondary school teachers. P-12 reading specialist certification is recommended with successful completion of this program.

Recognized as a Leader in Online Education
Application DeadlineApplications accepted year round
Fees$10 College of Education graduate fee (per credit hour)
AccreditationNational Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Required For EntranceBachelor's-level teaching certificate and two years of teaching experience
PracticumYes

Curriculum

The MA in Secondary Education (Reading Specialist Certification) consists of 30 to 33 credit hours. Please note that courses are subject to change.

CIE 577 Second Language Acquisition
CRD 510 Expanding Reading
CRD 511 Beginning Reading in Pre-K and Primary Grades
CRD 590 Seminar in Literacy Coaching
CRD 593 Practicum in Literacy Coaching – covers students in a variety of grade levels
CRD 595 Practicum in Reading – covering pre-K through second grade
CRD 654 Re-Envisioning Reading Assessment and Instruction
CRD 695 Advanced Practicum in Reading Education – covering third through sixth grade
CRD 696 Advanced Reading Specialist Practicum – covering middle and high school students
BER 500 Introduction to Educational Research or BER 550 Evaluation of Classroom Learning (only for those who have not taken an evaluation of classroom learning course)
Special education survey course (if not previously completed)

All courses are offered online.

In order to receive master’s level Reading Specialist P-12 certification, individuals must hold bachelor’s level certification and complete the course requirements, including 300 clock-hours of supervised practicum. Additionally, students must pass a comprehensive exam and the Praxis for Reading Specialist.

Admission

Admission to the MA program requires the following:

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
An overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or a 3.0 average for the last 60 hours in a degree program
A valid bachelor’s level professional educator certificate in a teaching field
Two full years of K-12 classroom teaching experience
If the professional educator certificate is in a field other than early childhood, elementary or special education (Collaborative K-6 certification), the appropriate Praxis for Teaching Reading is also required

A completed application package includes unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended, three letters of recommendation (describing teaching ability and potential for leadership in literacy instruction), a statement of purpose, and a Graduate School application.

Experience must be verified on the notarized Supplement EXP form. Section III and V should be completed by your current and/or previous school system(s) (usually the HR department); Section IV is not required. Questions related to acceptable experience or certification should be directed to Dawn Bryant, Coordinator of Graduate Admissions and Certification, at debryant@ua.edu. The original form should be mailed to:

The University of Alabama College of Education
ATTN: Dawn Bryant
Box 870231
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0231

If you reside or intend to seek professional licensure outside of the state of Alabama, please review the requirements for that state prior to applying to this program.