Many teachers pursue a graduate degree to more finely tune their teaching skills, gain knowledge necessary for leadership positions, and enjoy a salary increase in many states. Those who are interested specifically in teaching reading and writing may be interested in a master’s degree in Reading and/or Literacy. Persons who complete a degree in this field can advance their careers in K-12 schools, work in private reading clinics, or lead reading and writing programs as a teacher educator or coach. Many universities offer online programs to accommodate the increasing need for a flexible graduate level program for working professionals. Below is a list of the schools that offer a master’s degree in Reading and Literacy Education taking solely cost into consideration — these are the cheapest options out there. Some are Master of Education programs, some Master of Arts, and others Master of Science. Program tuition does not include fees, please check directly with the school for a list of complete costs. Our data was taken directly from the university websites and from U.S. News and World Report.
#1. University of West Georgia
The University of West Georgia is located in Carollton, with more than 12,000 students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees. They offer an online 
Master of Education with a major in Reading Instruction that requires 30 credits for completion. This program is geared towards educators already certified in teaching who want to deepen their knowledge of literacy theories, research, and instructional practices. UWG hopes that students will learn to understand literacy theory and research as they impact assessment and instruction, leading inquisitive learning through technology and culturally sensitive methods, engage students in developing critical stances through collaboration, and improve literacy curriculum, student progress, and teaching. Coursework includes methods and materials in the teaching of reading, integrating language, literacy, and technology across content area, and comprehensive literacy assessments and interventions. This degree program meets the Standards for Reading Professionals as developed by the International Reading Association. Upon completion of the program, students can choose to pass GACE exams in order to have Reading Specialist added to their teaching certificates. The University of West Georgia is ranked #66 best online graduate Education program by U.S. News and World Report.
Accreditation: The University of West Georgia is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Their Education program is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
Program Tuition: $9,360
#2. Pittsburg State University
Pittsburg State University is a public institution located in Pittsburg, Kansas with approximately 7,500 enrolled. They offer a Master of Science 
in Reading that is designed for individuals who already hold a teaching license.
Students in this program choose between two areas of emphasis: Reading Specialist or Classroom Reading. The former is designed for teachers seeking to add Reading Specialist to their licensure. Coursework for this degree program includes approaches to teaching writing, children’s and young adult literature, research methods, literary topics and trends, and developmental reading. A teaching license is required for entrance into this program. Pittsburg State University is ranked #62 best online graduate Education program by U.S. News and World Report.
Accreditation: Pittsburg State University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Their Education program is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
Program Tuition: $10,932
#3. Louisiana State University
A public university with an enrollment of 30,000, Louisiana State University has locations in Baton Rouge and Shreveport. Their online Master of Education Curric
ulum and Instruction: Reading and Literacy degree can be completed in two years if desired. Students in this program complete 36 credit hours to enable teachers to promote reading, literacy, and lifelong learning. Persons pursuing this degree will participate in courses and hands-on field experience to study current theories, models, and approaches for teaching reading. Coursework includes foundations of educational research, curriculum, learning and education, educational technology, reading assessment, and reading in content area. To be considered for admission, persons applying must have either a current teaching certification or a letter of recommendation documenting at least one year of related professional experience. This degree can be completed in as little as two years if desired.
Accreditation: Louisiana State University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Their Education program is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
Program Tuition: $11,832
#4. Southeastern University
Southeastern University is a Christian liberal arts institution located in Lakeland, Florida with almost 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students. 
They offer an online Master of Education in Reading Education that is designed for classroom teachers. Students in this program will advance their knowledge of literacy while developing relationships with their peers. Those pursuing this degree will be prepared for certification in reading education, and Florida teachers will be prepared to take the Reading K-12 Subject Area Exam of the Florida Teacher Certification Exam. Coursework includes foundational methods of teaching reading, reading assessments, instruction and intervention, reading and learning in the content areas, management of reading programs, and best practices in language arts. Students need to complete 36 hours of class credit to earn this degree, and most finish in 18 to 24 months.
Accreditation: Southeastern University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Program Tuition: $13,500
#5. University of Massachusetts – Lowell
A public research university with over 13,000 students, the University of Massachusetts – Lowell is one of several campuses part of the UMass system
. Their online Master of Education in Reading and Education requires 30 credit hours for completion. Those persons who are certified teachers in Massachusetts can participate in the licensure concentration, while out-of-state students should choose the non-licensure option. Everyone pursuing this degree will complete coursework in foundations of education, research and evaluation, teaching reading in the content area, young adult literature, language acquisition, and assessment and treatment of reading and language disabilities. The University of Massachusetts – Lowell is ranked #9
best online graduate Education program by U.S. News and World Report.
Accreditation: The University of Massachusetts – Lowell is regionally accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. Their school of Education is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
Program Tuition: $14,100
#6. University of Nebraska – Kearney
The University of Nebraska – Kearney is a public research ins
titution with almost 7,000 undergraduate and graduate students. They offer a Master of Arts in Education/Reading that prepares educators for professional certification with a Reading PK-12 endorsement in the state of Nebraska. Students from other states are also welcome in the program but need to check with their State Department of Education for certification requirements. Persons pursuing this degree will engage in coursework in children’s and adolescent literature, language and composition, educational research, philosophy of education, curriculum development and technology told for teachers. Online courses are often highly interactive with students and faculty engaging in work through email, discussion forums, and chat groups, but are not usually tied to a specific class time. A standard teaching certificate is required for entrance into this degree program. The University of Nebraska – Kearney is ranked #25 best online graduate Education program by U.S. News and World Report.
Accreditation: The University of Nebraska – Kearney is regionally accredited by. Their school of Education is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
Program Tuition: $14,580
#7. Eastern Kentucky University
A regional institution offering general and liberal arts programs, Eastern Kentucky University is located in Richmond and enrolls almost 14,000 
students. Their online Master of Arts in Literacy equips teachers to better help students struggling with reading and writing. This program leads to certification as a Literacy Specialist P-12 and requires 30 credit hours for completion. Students will participate in coursework that includes leadership skills, curriculum, diagnostic assessment, language arts in curriculum, and writing and teaching writing. Persons pursuing this degree will also complete an action research project as part of the capstone seminar. A teacher certification at the elementary, middle grade, or high school level is required for admission into this program. Those who do not hold a teacher certification in Kentucky should consult their state’s licensing agency to determine whether this degree program meets state requirements. Eastern Kentucky University is ranked #78 best online graduate Education program by U.S. News and World Report.
Accreditation: Eastern Kentucky University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Their school of Education is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
Program Tuition: $15,000
#8. Hamline University
Hamlin University is a private liberal arts college located in Saint Paul, Minnesota. They offer an online Master of Arts in Literacy Education that 
prepares its students to teach the literacy skills needed to learn, communicate, and problem-solve in today’s world. Persons pursuing this degree will gain knowledge of theory and practice that includes critical and digital literacy, develop the skills needed to reach diverse groups of students, and become advocates for literacy by deepening their understanding of literacy development, process, and instruction. Students will take courses that include essentials in literacy and learning, new literacies of the 21st century, literacy leadership and coaching, educational policy, and critical literacy. This 34 credit program can be completed in two years if desired.
Accreditation: Hamline University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Their school of Education is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
Program Tuition: $15,368
#9. Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
A public comprehensive institution, Edinboro University enrolls over 6,500 students and is located in Edinboro, Pennsylvania. Their Master of Education 
in Reading program requires 30 credits for completion. Coursework includes research and design in reading, comprehensive literacy curriculum, foundations of literacy, and organization and administration of reading programs. Students who complete this degree will be qualified for certification as a reading specialist upon the passing of the PRAXIS exam. This degree can be completed in as little as 20 months if desired. A teaching certificate is required for admission into this program and admissions are rolling. Edinboro University is ranked #110 best online graduate program in Education by U.S. News and World Report.
Accreditation: Edinboro University of Pennsylvania is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Their school of Education is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
Program Tuition: $15,510 Out-of-state/ $14,100 In-state
#10. Wilmington University
Wilmington University is a private institution that offers undergradu
ate and graduate programs throughout Delaware, enrolling over 20,000 students. They offer a Master of Education in Reading that requires 35 credit hours for completion. Students in this program will be prepared for certification as a Reading Specialist in grades K-12. They will develop mastery in theory, curriculum and instruction, assessment and evaluation, diversity, literate environments, and professional learning and leadership. Required coursework includes language development, process and acquisition of literacy, strategies and materials for teaching reading and writing, and literature for children and adolescents. A valid teaching certificate is required for admission into this program.
Accreditation: Wilmington University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Their school of Education is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
Program Tuition: $15,540
