Reading - MS with emphasis in Reading Specialist Certification or Classroom Reading Teacher Overview
Type: Graduate
The Master of Science in Reading is offered with two emphases: Emphasis I provides Reading Specialist Licensure and is designed for the teacher seeking Reading Licensure. Emphasis I requires the Master's Degree plus an internship after the completion of the degree. The courses required for licensure are CURIN 720, 834, 845, 854, 848, 870, 871, 872, 873, 874, 891 and SSLS 738. Emphasis II is to train the Classroom Reading Teacher (no licensure included); the courses required are CURIN 870, 871, 872 and 873 with 9 additional reading or reading related hours selected in consultation with the advisor. Emphasis II is designed for the teacher who wishes to be a better classroom teacher of reading but does not wish to seek licensure.
Students may choose from two different plans when pursuing their master's degree, Option I or Option III. Option I requires 39 hours for Reading Specialist, and 33 hours for Classroom Reading Teacher, including a thesis; Option III requires 39 hours for Reading Specialist, and 36 hours for Classroom Reading Teacher, no thesis required. Students should read the information and then consult with their advisor about which plan to follow.
Admission Requirements
Students seeking admission to the Master of Science in Reading degree program must meet requirements for teaching licensure. Students must obtain a grade point average of 3.0000 in the undergraduate major field, including the student teaching semester. Conditional entry will be given if the grade point average in the undergraduate major field is below a 3.0000. A grade point average of 3.0000 must be attained within the first nine hours of coursework to gain full admission. Students must also submit a writing sample for evaluation using a topic aligned with the Reading Graduate Knowledge Base.
Students in teaching positions must submit two letters of recommendation from a P-12 administrator, peer teacher, and/or university professor. Students not in teaching positions must submit two letters of recommendation from university professors.
Mid-Point Assessment Requirements
At mid-point the overall GPA will be reviewed. A 3.000 is required.
Culminating Assessment Requirements
For those in Licensure Programs, a portfolio must be submitted for evaluation. For those in Non-Licensure Programs a comprehensive exit exam is required.
Career Opportunities
- Preschool, Kindergarten, and Elementary Teacher
- Reading Specialist
- Resource Teacher
- Director
For more information
Curriculum & Instruction
College of Education
eMail: curin@pittstate.edu
List of Courses
Graduate Admission Requirements
Reading (MS):
Admission to the Reading program requires an undergraduate GPA of 3.0. However, student's who did not earn a 3.0 undergraduate GPA are still encouraged to apply. These students can be admitted conditionally to the program with other requirements added. Student's will also need to have a current teaching license to receive licensure for the program.
For full admission to the program, students must submit the following:
- 2 letters of reference
- A writing sample directed by the department
For any questions regarding the program or these requirements, please contact the department Chair, Dr. Howard Smith, 620-235-4006, smith@pittstate.edu.