The Master of Education in Reading is a graduate degree program housed in the Department of Learning and Teaching in the College of Education at the University of West Georgia.  This degree is offered to educators certified in teaching who desire graduate studies in literacy theories, research, and instructional practices.  The Reading program is fully online and consists of 30 credit hours.

For more information, please see the Academic Catalog.

  • Overview

    The Master of Education in Reading is a graduate degree program housed in the Department of Learning and Teaching in the College of Education at the University of West Georgia. This degree is offered to educators certified in teaching who desire graduate studies in literacy theories, research, and instructional practices. The Reading program is fully online and consists of 30 credit hours. The program is designed for the needs of practicing professionals, and are based on the standards of the International Reading Association and National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. Students learn strategies for developing an awareness that speaking, listening, reading, and writing are interrelated and how these skills impact a child's literacy development.

    Graduates in the program develop professional excellence by...

    • Understanding literacy theory and research and how they impact assessment and instruction for effective reading and writing best practices across all content areas.
    • Leading inquisitive learning through technology and culturally responsible thinking to motivate all students.
    • Engaging students in developing critical stances through collaborative interactions during reading, writing, speaking, listening, and viewing for life-long learning.
    • Improving literacy curriculum, student progress, and refining teaching for the betterment of society.

    The program meets the Standards for Reading Professionals as developed by the International Reading Association. While not a requirement to graduate, passing the appropriate GACE exams qualifies on to have Reading Specialist added to the teaching certificate.

    Plan of Study: M.Ed. Reading Instruction .pdf

    For more information:
    Visit Literacy and Special Education
    Phone: 678-839-6179

    Program Location

    Carrollton Campus

    Method of Delivery

    Online program available.

    Accreditation

    The University of West Georgia is accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

    Credit and transfer

    Total semester hours required: 30
    A transfer credit evaluation will be completed by the UWG Transfer Team (transfer@westga.edu). Course application to a program is subject to review by the department.

  • Cost

    This program is offered entirely online. Though a student may choose to sign-up for a face-to-face elective or core course, one can earn this degree completely online.

    Save money

    UWG is often ranked as one of the most affordable accredited university of its kind, regardless of the method of delivery chosen. In addition, online courses and programs can mean a huge cost-savings in many non-evident ways: No more high gas charges. No childcare needed. The flexibility can allow one to maintain a job while attending school. Regardless of state residency, out-of-state non-resident students are not charged non-resident tuition for online course credit hours.

    Details

    • Total tuition costs and fees may vary, depending on the instructional method of the courses in which the student chooses to enroll.
    • The more courses a student takes in a single term, the more they will typically save in fees and total cost.
    • Face-to-Face or partially online courses are charged at the general tuition rate and all mandatory campus fees, based on the student's residency (non-residents are charged at a higher rate).
    • Fully or entirely online courses are charged at the general tuition rate plus an eTuition rate BUT with fewer fees and no extra charges to non-Residents.
    • Together this means that GA residents pay about the same if they take all face-to-face or partially online courses as they do if they take only fully online courses exclusively; while non-residents save money by taking fully online courses.
    • One word of caution: If a student takes a combination of face-to-face and online courses in a single term, they will pay both all mandatory campus fees and the higher eTuition rate.
    • For the cost information, as well as payment deadlines, see the Bursar's Office website

    There are a variety of financial assistance options for students, including scholarships and work study programs. Visit the Office of Financial Aid's website for more information.

  • Courses

    Coursework

    Online program available.

    General

    • READ-7201 - Integrating Language, Literacy and Technology across Content Area

      This course is designed to help teachers communicate, integrate, and apply language, literacy, and technology strategies and skills within the content areas.

      View Instructors, Syllabi and Other Details

    • READ-7261 - Literacy Engagement through Writing

      This is an in-depth interactive course in which P-A candidates engage in literature based practices for effective writing instruction and assessment.

      View Instructors, Syllabi and Other Details

    • READ-7263 - Comprehensive Literacy Assessments and Interventions

      Introduction and implementation of formal and informal assessments to analyze P-Adult literacy strengths and needs to determine interventions for progress monitoring.

      View Instructors, Syllabi and Other Details

    • READ-7265 - Literature Based Reading

      An examination of the theoretical, research, and historical foundations of literature-based reading with particular emphasis on the process of implementing literature-based reading in the classroom.

      View Instructors, Syllabi and Other Details

    • READ-7269 - Supervision in Reading

      A study of the philosophies, responsibilities and techniques of supervision in reading programming. A field based placement is required.

      View Instructors, Syllabi and Other Details

    • READ-7271 - Literacy, Development, and Practices in the Digital Age

      This course is a seminar/discussion course dealing with the teaching of reading and writing (P- Adult) including an introduction to skills, approaches, materials, methods, philosophies, and theories. Significant literature will be reviewed from a current and historical perspective. Further, this course addresses evidenced-based elements of a comprehensive reading and writing program as suggested by the National Reading Panel (2000): phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension integrated with technology.

      View Instructors, Syllabi and Other Details

  • Faculty
  • Admissions

    Guidelines for Admittance

    • All graduate applicants must complete the online Grad Application. A one-time application fee of $40 is required.
    • Applicants should also review the Graduate Studies Website for individual program specific requirements and tasks that must be completed prior to admission. See Graduate Studies Application Process.
    • International applicants are subject to additional requirements and application deadlines. See Procedures for International Students.
    • Official transcripts from a regionally or nationally accredited institution are required and should be sent directly to the UWG Graduate Admissions Office.

    Program Specific Admittance Guidelines

    • 2.7 GPA
    • T4 clear and renewable Teaching Certificate, or the equivalent in your state
    • Resume or Vitae
    • 3 years of teaching experience

    Application Deadlines

    Specific Graduate Admissions Deadlines are available via the Graduate School

    * Application, app fee, and document deadline

    See The Scoop for more specific deadlines.

    Admission Process Checklist

    The Graduate Studies Application Process checklist is available here

    One exception: If you will not ever be traveling to a UWG campus or site, you may apply for an Immunization Exemption. Contact the Immunization Clerk with your request.

    Contact

    Graduate Admissions
    Email: graduate@westga.edu
    Phone: 678-839-1394

    College of Education
    Dr. John Ponder
    Email: jponder@westga.edu
    Phone: 678-839-6076

  • Dates

    Specific dates for Admissions (Undergraduate Only), Financial Aid, Fee Payment, Registration, Start/End of Term Dates, Final Exams, etc. are available in THE SCOOP.

    Specific Graduate Admissions Deadlines are available via the Graduate School

  • Objectives
    • Candidates understand the theoretical foundations of reading and writing processes and instruction.
    • Candidates use instructional approaches, materials, and an integrated curriculum to support student learning in reading and writing.
    • Candidates use various assessment tools and practices to plan and evaluate effective literacy instruction.
    • Candidates engage students in literacy practices that value differences in our society.
    • Candidates create a literate environment.
    • Candidates demonstrate and facilitate professional learning and leadership.