A master's in reading and literacy offers a deep dive into specialized techniques for helping kids connect with the written word. Programs typically focus on K-12 students, equipping emerging educators with advanced knowledge of literacy theory and practice.
If you're an aspiring teacher passionate about reading, this degree may offer an appealing pathway. Currently, U.S. students need help — a 2022 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) report found declining average reading scores among both fourth-grade and eighth-grade students across virtually every percentile range compared to 2019 results.
This resource explains key elements of master's programs in reading and literacy. Explore a ranked list of affordable online programs to advance your professional goals.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top 20 Most Affordable Online Master's in Reading
How We Chose These Schools
At CollegeChoice, we use reliable data to rank schools based on their academic quality, affordability, and return on investment. When determining a program's value, we consider metrics such as median student debt, graduation rate, and average student earnings after enrolling.
Still curious about how we rank schools? You can learn more about our ranking methodology here.
Why Get an Online Master's in Reading and Literacy Education?
A specialized master's in reading and literacy equips educators with targeted skills and insights that can make a difference in the classroom.
Average reading scores are declining among elementary and middle school students. Efforts to reverse the trend could signal strong job opportunities.
In many U.S. school districts, advanced education degrees qualify specialists for higher pay rates even at the entry level, compared to the salaries earned by teachers with only bachelor's degrees.
Reading and literacy specialists play a frontline role in reducing the racial and socioeconomic educational achievement gaps that have persisted for decades in the United States.
Relative to 2012, NAEP tracked a 2.8% decline in reading scores among nine-year-old students and a 2.7% drop among 12-year-olds in 2022-23.
A September 2023 Scientific American article surprisingly reported that two-thirds of U.S. students struggle to read with adequate fluency.
A 2023 Pepperdine University analysis found that teachers with master's degrees earn an average of 10-15% more money than those without advanced degrees.
What to Expect From a Reading Education Graduate Program
While advanced degrees in adult learning are available, most master's in reading and literacy programs focus on K-12 students. Curricula usually cover 30-36 semester credits. If you study full time, you'll probably have a path to graduation in about two academic years.
Graduate programs usually include practicum components involving field placements, which prompt you to apply your developing skills in a real-world environment. You'll complete these requirements in person, even if your program is otherwise fully online.
In a 2020 study, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reported an average annual tuition cost of about $5,187 per year for graduate education students attending schools offering fully online programs. However, the data sample was limited, so you can consult NCES figures on overall graduate school cost averages for additional insights.
Explore Popular Courses
Each school develops its own unique reading and literacy curriculum. However, programs tend to build similar skill sets for learners to use in their future careers.
Most reading and literacy master's programs feature these courses or similar variations:
Literacy Development Theory: Reading specialists need an advanced understanding of how children gradually build literacy skills. This course provides an overview of historical and contemporary theories.
Reading and Literacy: Assessments and Interventions: This course explains multiple methods for evaluating reading difficulties, along with designing, implementing, and evaluating interventions.
Education Research in Literacy: Learners engage with current and emerging research in literacy development. The course takes a multidisciplinary view, integrating elements of education theory with developmental psychology, linguistics, and diverse sociocultural perspectives.
Discover Degree and Specialization Options
Since master's in reading and literacy programs are already specialized, schools rarely offer narrower concentration options. Instead, the main differences among these programs relate to degree designation.
These include:
Master of Arts: MA programs tend to focus on literacy theory. As such, learners eyeing careers in education policy and curriculum development may favor this option.
Master of Science: MS programs in education are relatively rare, but some graduate schools offer them. These study paths typically emphasize quantitative analysis and the scientific method, making them a strong choice for aspiring literacy researchers.
Master of Education: Programs leading to M.Ed. degrees typically suit aspiring practitioners. They cover the real-world applications of literacy theory and align well with the learning goals of emerging classroom teachers.
Any of these degree designations can help you qualify for teaching licensure.
Understand Graduation Requirements
To qualify for graduation, you must satisfy core and elective credit requirements. Some schools also apply performance standards to core coursework. For instance, you may need at least a C grade or average in all required courses to graduate.
Additional requirements vary according to the degree designation. Reflecting their practitioner focus, M.Ed. in reading and literacy programs often include extended practicum components. Most MA and MS programs have practicum requirements but also feature thesis or capstone projects as culminating experiences.
What Can I Do With a Master's in Reading and Literacy Education?
A master's in reading and literacy can lead directly to careers in education, though your career options are not limited to becoming a teacher, though. Literacy specialists also work behind the scenes in areas like curriculum development, education policy, and institutional leadership.
Regarding median salary, instructional coordinators — who mainly develop and evaluate school curricula — enjoy relatively high earnings. Classroom teachers appear poised to bridge that gap, though. In 2023, 29 states either raised their teacher salaries or introduced legislation to that end.
The chart below introduces six careers you can pursue with a master's in reading and literacy. You can click on the median salary or growth rate links to explore location-specific data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
| Job | Median Annual Salary | Job Growth Rate (2022-2032) |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Education or English as a Second Language Teacher | $60,560 | -13% |
| Elementary School Teacher | $63,670 | +1% |
| Middle School Teacher | $64,290 | +1% |
| High School Teacher | $65,220 | +1% |
| Special Education Teacher | $65,910 | 0% |
| Instructional Coordinator | $74,620 | +2% |
Source: BLS
Selecting the Right Reading and Literacy Master's Program
Many schools offer master's in reading and literacy programs, and choosing the right path isn't always obvious or easy. There's plenty to consider, and you may want to think about the following factors as you mull over your options:
Program Focus: MA programs emphasize theory, MS programs emphasize research, and M.Ed. programs emphasize practitioner skills.
Practicum Opportunities: Some programs place more emphasis on practicum components than others. For instance, M.Ed. degrees may include longer and more intensive field training requirements. Student teaching experiences are required to obtain a teacher's license, so keep this in mind when choosing a program.
Cost: For many students, affordability is a key consideration. Finding the right balance between cost and program quality can have a major impact on your post-graduation financial outlook.
Remember to only pursue a master's in reading and literacy at an accredited institution. If you're unsure about a school's accreditation, you can research its status through the U.S. Department of Education.
Paying for an Online Master's in Reading and Literacy
As the National Council on Teacher Quality reports, educators with master's degrees make more money. This data indicates that a master's in reading and literacy can deliver a strong return on your educational investment.
However, for many students, financing a master's is another question altogether. Beyond looking specifically for affordable programs, you can use these strategies to help pay for your graduate degree:
Seek Scholarships
Scholarship programs provide valuable funding with an added perk — you don't have to pay back the money you receive. While many scholarships are highly competitive, you can seek out niche options for aspiring literacy educators that may help boost your odds.
Take Advantage of Grant Programs
The TEACH Grant program offers up to $4,000 per year in non-repayable funding. To qualify, you must commit to teaching in a high-need area like literacy for at least four years at a school serving low-income students. However, you can bypass that requirement by having your grant converted to a regular federal loan.
Study Online
Online programs often cost less than their campus-based counterparts. Some public colleges offer in-state rates to online students no matter where they live. Other schools offer reduced flat tuition rates to distance learners.
Work (and Earn) While You Learn
You can help ease the financial sting of higher education by balancing school and work. Colleges offer many options, including flexible online programs with asynchronous schedules and part-time enrollment plans.
Earning as you learn can reduce your student debt but comes with trade-offs. For instance, part-time enrollment extends your graduation timeline, thus delaying your entry to the workforce.
Consider a Loan
As a last resort, consider federal and private loans. These options create long-term debt, so use them sparingly. If you have no other choice, it's generally better to borrow from the government instead of private lenders since federal agencies usually have more lenient repayment policies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Master's in Reading
What is a master's in reading and literacy?
A master's in reading and literacy is a specialized education degree focused on strategies and tools for improving student reading proficiency. Schools mainly offer theory-focused MA programs and practitioner-oriented M.Ed. degrees. Research-oriented MS degrees are also available.
What are the benefits of getting an M.Ed. in reading and literacy?
An M.Ed. in reading and literacy can prepare you to pursue specialist educator careers. You'll have the opportunity to help students build skills and confidence with reading, setting them up for lifelong academic success. Teachers with master's degrees also earn higher average salaries.
What courses can I teach with a master's in reading?
With a master's in reading and literacy, you can teach English as a second language, special education, and reading development classes. Reading specialists also conduct assessments and design interventions for students with literacy challenges, often working with these pupils individually or in small groups.
How much money can I make with a master's in reading and literacy?
The education careers most commonly pursued by professionals with a master's degree in reading and literacy pay median salaries in the $60,560-$74,620 range, according to BLS data from May 2023. You could earn more or less, depending on your position, location, experience, and other factors.
Is a master's in reading and literacy worth it?
It depends on your definition of "worth it," but teachers with master's degrees tend to earn more money and can make a serious difference in student's lives. From these perspectives, the degree often delivers long-term value and positive returns on investment.
