Reading and Literacy
Master of Science in Education
Transform the lives of children by inspiring a love for reading. With the online MS in Education, Reading and Literacy, you’ll have a chance to acquire practical strategies that support student growth and strengthen literacy instruction in P–12 classrooms. Grounded in current theory, assessment and classroom practice, this program meets 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.
At a glance
- Online coursework
- 10-week courses
- CAEP accredited
- Capella Tuition Cap and transfer credit eligible
- 6 Core courses
- 5 Specialization courses
- 1 Practicum
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.
MS in Education, Reading and Literacy course requirements
This degree requires a total of 45 quarter credits in GuidedPath:
- 6 core courses
- 5 specialization courses
- 1 practicum course
Explore reading and literacy courses:
What you’ll learn in a reading and literacy master’s program
As part of the CAEP-accredited Educator Preparation Provider (EPP) unit, this specialization provides reading classroom teachers the opportunity to gain research-based knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for effective P–12 classroom reading and literacy instruction. The program covers theory, practice and assessment, reflection and collaboration – including onsite clinical experiences and classroom observations in P–12 educational settings. The competencies you will master in the coursework and field experiences reflect state and national standards. The Reading and Literacy specialization is approved by the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board according to its Standards of Effective Practice and Teachers of Reading rule.
*The Capella University Educator Preparation Provider (EPP) is accredited based on the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) Standards through 2031. CAEP is the only recognized national accreditor for educator preparation. CAEP, 1140 19th St NW, Suite 400 Washington, DC 20036 (202) 223-0077.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Instruct using reading and literacy for student achievement
- Integrate reading and literacy assessments to improve student achievement
- Plan and implement a comprehensive reading and literacy curriculum based on informed analysis of data
- Integrate research and theory in practice
- Collaborate for the improvement of reading and literacy
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.
GuidedPath
A more 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 term
$495 per credit, 45 coursework credits, 12 max transfer credits
Tuition breakdown
Total Tuition Cap
Capella Tuition Cap
$12,000 Total Tuition
- Pay no more than $12,000 in total tuition for your degree*
- Available to all students who start now through Jan. 11, 2027
*Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other fees apply. Travel expenses for residency, practicum, etc., are not covered by the tuition cap.
Capella Tuition Cap
What is the Capella Tuition Cap?$12,000 Total Tuition
- Pay no more than $12,000 in total tuition for your degree*
- Available to all students who start now through Jan. 11, 2027
*Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other fees apply. Travel expenses for residency, practicum, etc., are not covered by the tuition cap.
About tuition estimate
The cost below is an example based on general program pricing and 2026–27 Capella tuition rates. The coursework total assumes no transfer credits have been applied when a student enters into the program. Pacing and pricing information is current as of January 12, 2026. This rate is the same nationwide and may change depending on your unique circumstances, such as your program specialization, transfer credits and any applicable tuition discounts. This estimate does not include the cost of books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other expenses.
To discuss whether the specialization you’re interested in has additional factors that may affect program cost and length, contact a Capella enrollment specialist.
Tuition estimate
Cost of tuition |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $495/credit
|
$22,310.00 |
| Est. savings with Capella Tuition Cap*
|
$-10,310.00 |
|
Est. total with Capella Tuition Cap* |
$12,000.00 |
*Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details. Capella Tuition Cap is available to students who start now through Jan. 11, 2027.
Get the details
Connect with an enrollment specialist to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
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 University 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 Fall 2031. CAEP is the only recognized national accreditor for educator preparation. (CAEP, 1140 19th St NW, Suite 400 Washington, DC 20036 (202) 223-0077).
It is important to understand all education and individual requirements for licensing. Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, certification or endorsement. State regulations vary regarding professional licensure. Not all programs are offered to residents of every state due to regulatory requirements. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with requirements for your state.
Capella University is not accepting applications into the MS in Education, Reading and Literacy program from residents of the states and/or territories listed below who intend to seek professional license or certification in the restricted state.
Current students who relocate to the following states or territories may not be able to complete site-based learning or other program requirements, fulfill residency requirements, or obtain professional licensure or certification in the state or territory: AS, AR, HI, KY, MO, ND, NH, NJ, NY, RI, VI, WA.
Get licensure details or contact an enrollment counselor for more information.
What are the MS in Education admission requirements?
Applicants must provide the following information for admission to Capella programs and specializations:
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 on a 4.0 scale
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
- 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
- Transcript evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
State enrollment restrictions
Capella University is not accepting applications into the MS in Education, Reading and Literacy program from residents of the states and/or territories listed below who intend to seek professional license or certification in the restricted state.
Current students who relocate to the following states or territories may not be able to complete site-based learning or other program requirements, fulfill residency requirements, or obtain professional licensure or certification in the state or territory: AS, AR, HI, KY, MO, ND, NH, NJ, NY, RI, VI, WA.
Get licensure details or contact an enrollment counselor for more information.
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 Reading and Literacy degree?
Earn a degree built to strengthen literacy instruction and inspire your students’ lifelong love of reading. 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 in Education, Reading and Literacy.
Related job titles to explore*
- Elementary school teachers
- English teachers
- High school teachers
- Middle school teachers
- Reading specialists
- Teachers
Employment settings to explore*
- Administration of education programs
- Elementary and secondary schools
- Junior colleges
*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.