Reading (MA) |
2024-2025 GRADUATE STUDIES DRAFT CATALOG
Effective 1 June 2024 through 31 May 2025
Please see the Graduate Catalog Archives for PDF versions of past catalogs.
This program is offered by the School of Education and is available online (asynchronous).
Program Description
The Master of Arts in Reading offers a comprehensive exploration of the Science of Reading, emphasizing structured literacy methodologies. This program delves deeply into evidence-based practices, equipping learners with the tools to understand and implement effective reading instruction. Accredited by both the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) and the International Literacy Association (ILA), this online degree program ensures a rigorous yet flexible learning experience, empowering educators to address diverse literacy needs with confidence and expertise.
Students completing the 30 credit hours for the Reading (MA) qualify to earn the Graduate Certificate in Dyslexia and the Science of Reading. The inclusion of this graduate certificate provides specialized training in supporting individuals with dyslexia and other struggling reader profiles. To gain the graduate certificate, students must pay a second graduation fee.
Completion of both the Reading (MA) and the Graduate Certificate in Dyslexia and the Science of Reading results in the ability to apply to become a Certified Structured Literacy Interventionist through the Center for Effective Reading Instruction (CERI).
Completion of the Reading (MA) qualifies those who already hold initial teacher certification in the State of Missouri to apply for Special Reading K-12 add-on certification through the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
Learning Outcomes
The following are learning outcomes for this major:
- Develop a strong knowledge base in the foundation of the Science of Reading as well as Dyslexia.
- Learn about and be able to demonstrate and use best literacy practices drawn from theory and research in order to address the literacy needs of all students K-12.
- Become proficient in using a wide range of methods and materials, including visual media and technology, to meet needs of diverse learners.
- Employ formal and informal assessments to identify strengths and needs of all learners and to inform teaching of whole group, small group and individual students.
- Become effective in creating positive literacy environments to motivate and engage all learners.
- Collaborate with teachers, school leaders, families and the community to enrich or reform practices.
- Serve as a coach or supervisor to support excellence in teaching reading and as a leader to develop and support reading initiatives.
- Engage in self-reflection and assessment for ongoing professional development.
Requirements
All reading majors take the following required courses:
Core Courses (12 credit hours)
- READ 5190 Advanced Studies in Language Development and Acquisition (3 hours)
- READ 5235 Understanding Diverse Reading Profiles, Including Dyslexia (3 hours)
- READ 5412 Instructional Methods for Diverse Reading Profiles, Including Dyslexia (3 hours)
- READ 5950 Diagnosis and Correction of Reading Disabilities (3 hours)
Supporting Coursework (12 credit hours)
Supporting coursework may include: program-relevant courses such as those listed below, advisor-approved graduate courses pertinent to the student's program of study or coursework applicable to graduate certificate programs in related fields. Up to 9 hours of approved transfer graduate courses from other universities may be included in the program.
Examples of supporting course work:
- READ 5777 Literacy Coaching (3 hours)
- READ 5940 Literacy Strategies K-12 (3 hours)
- EDTC 5640 Language Arts Instruction in a Digital Classroom (3 hours)
- SPED 5270 Advocating for Persons with Disabilities (3 hours)
- SPED 5880 Integrating Resources: Community, School, and Family (3 hours)
Clinical Coursework (6 hours)
- READ 5970 Practicum in Diagnosis of Reading Problems (3 hours)
- READ 5980 Practicum in Remediation of Reading Difficulties (3 hours)
Total: 30 credit hours
A sequential MA in reading is offered as a second master's degree consisting of 21-24 hours of reading coursework.
Special Reading Certification
Completion of the Reading (MA) qualifies those who already hold initial teacher certification teachers in the State of Missouri to apply for Special Reading K-12 add-on certification through the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Additional coursework may be required to meet state requirements. Students interested in pursuing special reading certification will work with their faculty advisor and the Coordinator of Educator Certification to ensure current state requirements are met.
Admission
See the Admission section of this catalog for general admission requirements. Students interested in applying must submit their application online at www.webster.edu/apply. Transcripts should be sent from your institution electronically to transcripts@webster.edu. If this service is not available, send transcripts to:
Office of Admission
Webster University
470 E. Lockwood Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63119
Additional Requirements
Requirements for admission to the MA in reading program include:
- Receipt of all official transcripts.
- Final degree conferred GPA of 2.5 or higher.
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