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Reading and Literacy
Master of Science in Education
Transform the lives of children by inspiring a love for reading. The online master’s in Reading and Literacy develops a comprehensive skill set to help students read and write with confidence. This degree is designed to engage K–12 teachers with the latest developments in theory, practice, assessment, reflection, and collaboration for reading and literature instruction. We meet state-approved standards from the Minnesota Board of Teaching, using the Standards of Effective Practice and Teachers of Reading. Take the next step in your career as an educator and make a lasting impact in reading and literacy.
Classes start July 8
Apply today with no application fee.
At a glance
- Online
- CAEP-accredited
- 6 Core courses
- 5 Specialization courses
- 1 Practicum
- 45 Total quarter credits (12 Max transfer)
With Capella Tuition Cap, you won’t pay more than $12,000* in tuition costs for your degree.
*Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
Explore reading and literacy courses
- This degree requires a total of 45 quarter credits
- You’ll need to to complete six core courses, five specialization courses and one practicum
| Course number & name | Course description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ED5551 Developing Fluent Readers | Learners in this course for P-12 classroom teachers analyze educational principles relevant to the physical, social, emotional, moral, and cognitive development of P-12 students. Learners examine ways to foster development of fluency and prosody skills, including word recognition, vocabulary, and comprehension. This course requires access to a P-12 classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P-12 school or district. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning except by coursework from Minnesota schools with approved licensure programs. Prerequisite: ED5440 | 3 quarter credits |
| ED5552 Teaching Comprehension Strategies | In this course designed for education professionals, learners investigate the content literacy needs of all middle school students. Learners develop knowledge in reading theory, instructional practices, and comprehension strategies needed to develop independent readers and writers. Learners apply practices in differentiated instruction, addressing diversity, and digital technology that will translate into effective literacy instruction. This course requires access to a P-12 classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P-12 school or district. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning except by coursework from Minnesota schools with approved licensure programs. | 3 quarter credits |
| ED5553 Assessment-Based Reading Instruction | This course for P-12 classroom teachers focuses on the application of individual and group reading assessment strategies. Learners evaluate and determine the ways in which data-driven assessments inform the reading and literacy curriculum. Using quantitative and qualitative assessment data, learners select best practice strategies and instruction methods and materials for students with diverse reading backgrounds and skills. This course requires access to a P-12 classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P-12 school or district. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning except by coursework from Minnesota schools with approved licensure programs. | 3 quarter credits |
| ED5554 Sociocultural Context of Reading Instruction | The focus of this course for education professionals is to create a community in which student literacy extends beyond the classroom and includes family and society. Learners develop reading curriculum, strategies, and materials to use in a variety of sociocultural contexts that will enhance secondary students comprehension of and appreciation for narrative and informational texts. This course requires access to a P-12 classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P-12 school or district. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning except by coursework from Minnesota schools with approved licensure programs. | 3 quarter credits |
| ED5555 Foundational Theories in Reading Instruction | In this course for P-12 classroom teachers, learners develop a case study based on an analysis of how effectively their school or district's literacy program meets the needs of their diverse population of students. Using reading theory, research, best practices and resources provided by professional organizations, learners make recommendations for ways to teach literacy reading and writing across the curriculum. Learners also develop a year-long professional development plan as part of their research. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning except by coursework from Minnesota schools with approved licensure programs. | 3 quarter credits |
What you'll learn
The Master of Science in Education, Reading and Literacy specialization provides reading classroom teachers the opportunity to gain research-based knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for effective K–12 classroom reading and literacy instruction. Students study theory, practice and assessment, reflection and collaboration, and complete on-site clinical experiences and classroom observations in K–12 educational settings.
The competencies taught in the coursework and practicum and internship experiences reflect state and national standards. The reading and literacy specialization is state-approved by the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board using the Standards of Effective Practice and the Teachers of Reading standards.
This specialization was designed to help you gain the following skills related to this field:
- Instruct through the use of reading and literacy strategies for student achievement.
- Integrate reading and literacy assessments to improve student achievement.
- Demonstrate the professional dispositions of a teacher of reading.
- Integrate research and theory in practice.
Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career paths to explore.
How much does the MS in Education cost?
The total cost of your degree will depend on academic performance, transfer credits, scholarships and other factors. See GuidedPath cost information below.
A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
- Based on the quarter system; 1–3 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or quarter
$15,510
MAX TRANSFER CREDITS
$21,150
AVERAGE TRANSFER CREDITS
$470 per credit, $150 resource kit fee, 45 total quarter credits, 12 max transfer credits
*This is only an estimate, effective July 8, 2024, and is subject to change. Your price will vary depending on your specialization, transfer credits and tuition discounts. Books, supplies and other fees are not included in this estimate. GuidedPath prices show the tuition you would pay if you brought in an average number of transfer credits or the maximum allowed transfer credits. New or recently revised program estimates are based on comparable programs.
Capella is committed to transparency in its tuition and pricing. In addition to tuition, you will be responsible for additional costs, which may include travel expenses and practicum costs. A resource kit fee of $50–$200, charged quarterly or per billing session, covers the cost of required books, software, and other course materials. Click here to review program-specific fee amounts in our University Catalog.
Find out more about financing and payment options to help you complete your program. Federal aid is also available to help manage the costs of higher education. Learn more about financing your education.
Questions about cost?
Contact an enrollment counselor.
Alumni Outcomes Survey, 2022–2023
“The field of education is constantly changing, so as a teacher, I need to constantly be learning as much as I can to stay on the top of my game, and then give my students the best education that I can.”
Michelle Emerson* – Master of Education graduate
*Actual FlexPath graduate compensated for appearing in Capella promotional materials.
Are there scholarships available for master's degrees?
Your education is an investment in your future. There are more ways to save than you might think.
Capella is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide evidence that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions.
Capella University's Educator Preparation Provider (EPP) is accredited based on the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) Standards through 2024. CAEP is the only recognized national accreditor for educator preparation. (CAEP, 1140 19th St NW, Suite 400 Washington, DC 20036 (202) 223-0077)
Additional information regarding offerings in the CAEP-accredited EPP at Capella may be found here.
Preparing for licensure
It is important to understand all educational and individual requirements for licensing. Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, certification, or endorsement. State regulations vary regarding professional licensure. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with requirements for your state.
What are the MS in Education admission requirements?
Admission requirements
Applicants to the MS in Education, Reading and Literacy program must provide the following information for admission:
- Bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency or an internationally recognized institution
- Your official bachelor’s transcripts, minimum grade point average of 2.3 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
- Admission application – no application fee required
- Your resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
- Admission essay
- Applicants to the MS in Education, Reading and Literacy specialization must have a current initial teaching license issued with no stipulations and have completed general education coursework equivalent to Capella’s undergraduate general education requirements.
- Applicants in this Specialization are required to complete the Minnesota Teacher Licensure Exam (MTLE), which is a requirement for licensure in the state of Minnesota. Students must complete the Minnesota Teacher Licensure Exam (MTLE) prior to enrolling in the practicum course at the end of the program which is a requirement for licensure in the state of Minnesota.
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
International student requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree, or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
- Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Attended an internationally recognized institution
- Transcript evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
What support does Capella offer online students?
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of a master’s student. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces to help you earn your degree with support from faculty, staff and online resources.
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What can you do with an MS in Education Reading & Literacy degree?
Your education can help you pursue your professional and personal goals. While Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific career outcome, such as a job title, promotion or salary increase, we encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here are some ideas and examples for a graduate with an MS Ed in Reading and Literacy.
Job titles to explore**
- Elementary reading specialist
- Learning strategist
- Reading intervention teacher
- Reading specialist
- Title 1 interventionist
Employment settings to explore*
- Elementary and secondary schools
- Exam preparation and tutoring
- All other miscellaneous schools and instruction
*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.
**Educational and professional requirements for faculty positions vary widely by employer. Understanding your target employers’ particular requirements is key in deciding on a program.