Education Specialist in Reading Online
Prepare to transform student learning and pursue career advancement in literacy with this 100% online Education Specialist in Reading degree program. Cultivate the advanced knowledge that aligns with a career as a reading specialist, district literacy leader, literacy interventionist and more. Your track—Professional Practice or Advanced Perspective—will be selected for you based on your prior experience. This ensures your education builds on your strengths and supports your goals, setting you up for success.
Program Overview
Stand out as an educational leader with the online Ed.S. in Reading
The online Education Specialist in Reading degree program at Arkansas State University offers an accelerated and flexible path for educators interested in advancing their career goals in reading and literacy. The program features two noteworthy tracks, the Advanced Perspective track and the Professional Practice track, which will be selected for you based on your existing reading knowledge. Gain the following advanced specialized skills needed to positively impact reading outcomes for students and enhance student success:
- Become an expert leader in literacy and reading
- Gain the credentials to advance your career and positively impact student outcomes in this CAEP-accredited program
- Learn on your own schedule and finish in as quickly as 12 months with a 100% online, accelerated program
- Specialize your degree with two unique tracks: Advanced Perspective and Professional Practice
- Apply your knowledge with students in the classroom with support from the mentorship program
The Education Specialist in Reading degree program at Arkansas State University is an accelerated, flexible degree program for those interested in advancing their career goals in reading and literacy.
As licensure requirements may change without notice; it is the responsibility of the student to confirm the requirements for licensure in their state as it applies to the participation in an out-of-state degree program.
Two tracks are available: Advanced Perspective and Professional Practice. Upon admission, each student's previous master's degree studies are evaluated to provide personalized degree advisement, ensuring a tailored educational journey.
Advanced Perspective track
The Advanced Perspective track is designed for students who hold a master’s in reading, literacy or a related degree and want to take an in-depth look at classroom practices through research, applying reading knowledge to classroom practice, school systems and community. Through coursework focused on writing pedagogy, language acquisition theories, and literacy education research, you will graduate equipped with the research skills necessary to prepare to advance into a Ph.D. or Ed.D. program. This academically rigorous track teaches you how to use case study analyses to apply actionable learning in the classroom. You will also learn to survey existing literature and conduct independent research, culminating in submitting a paper to a peer-reviewed academic journal (optional).
In this program track, you will:
- Expand knowledge regarding complexities of school systems and legislatures
- Understand and delve into research foundations of literacy, historical studies, seminal studies, literacy and how it influences society
- Explore competing views of how literacy starts
Become an advocate for literacy in the classroom
Over 800,000 new job openings are projected each year for careers in educational instruction between 2022 to 2032.1 The Advanced Perspective track is specifically designed to prepare you for entry into a doctoral program so you can become an advocate for literacy within your school and community in careers including:
- Curriculum Director*
- ELA/Reading Curriculum Leader*
- Literacy Lead
- Ph.D. Researcher
- Adjunct University Professor
*Additional education or licensure may be required.
1https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/home.htm.
The Advanced Perspective track is designed for students who hold a master’s in reading, literacy or a related degree and want to take an in-depth look at classroom practices through research, applying reading knowledge to classroom practice, school systems and community. Through coursework focused on writing pedagogy, language acquisition theories, and literacy education research, you will graduate equipped with the research skills necessary to prepare to advance into a Ph.D. or Ed.D. program. This academically rigorous track teaches you how to use case study analyses to apply actionable learning in the classroom. You will also learn to survey existing literature and conduct independent research, culminating in submitting a paper to a peer-reviewed academic journal (optional).
In this program track, you will:
- Expand knowledge regarding complexities of school systems and legislatures
- Understand and delve into research foundations of literacy, historical studies, seminal studies, literacy and how it influences society
- Explore competing views of how literacy starts
Become an advocate for literacy in the classroom
Over 800,000 new job openings are projected each year for careers in educational instruction between 2022 to 2032.1 The Advanced Perspective track is specifically designed to prepare you for entry into a doctoral program so you can become an advocate for literacy within your school and community in careers including:
- Curriculum Director*
- ELA/Reading Curriculum Leader*
- Literacy Lead
- Ph.D. Researcher
- Adjunct University Professor
*Additional education or licensure may be required.
1https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/home.htm.
Professional Practice track
The Professional Practice track is designed for students interested in pursuing a post-graduate degree in reading as a content specialist. Through coursework in literacy for diverse learners, adolescent literacy, and principles of literacy cognition, you’ll gain the skills needed to prepare to sit for the PRAXIS Reading Specialists test. Coursework in this track also leads to endorsement for dyslexia.
In this program track, you will:
- Examine literacy issues in the context of multicultural education and culturally responsive pedagogy with a focus on the differentiation of literacy needs among various student cultures and special needs students
- Focus on the development of literacy skills
- Explore current research on literacy cognition, reading disorders, and research-based methodologies for reading instruction
Become an expert leader in reading and literacy
Employment in educational instruction and library occupations is expected to grow as fast as the average for all occupations,2 with job growth for instructional coordinators and special education teachers expected to grow 4-7%.3 Careers in reading ensure needs are met for students in the classroom, supporting teachers to develop strategies for implementing quality reading programs. With the Professional Practice track, you’ll be prepared to sit for the PRAXIS Reading Specialist test.
Prepare for a variety of leadership roles, including:
- Reading Specialist
- Literacy Coach
- Literacy Specialist
- School or District Professional Development Provider
2https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/home.htm.
3https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/home.htm.
The Professional Practice track is designed for students interested in pursuing a post-graduate degree in reading as a content specialist. Through coursework in literacy for diverse learners, adolescent literacy, and principles of literacy cognition, you’ll gain the skills needed to prepare to sit for the PRAXIS Reading Specialists test. Coursework in this track also leads to endorsement for dyslexia.
In this program track, you will:
- Examine literacy issues in the context of multicultural education and culturally responsive pedagogy with a focus on the differentiation of literacy needs among various student cultures and special needs students
- Focus on the development of literacy skills
- Explore current research on literacy cognition, reading disorders, and research-based methodologies for reading instruction
Become an expert leader in reading and literacy
Employment in educational instruction and library occupations is expected to grow as fast as the average for all occupations,2 with job growth for instructional coordinators and special education teachers expected to grow 4-7%.3 Careers in reading ensure needs are met for students in the classroom, supporting teachers to develop strategies for implementing quality reading programs. With the Professional Practice track, you’ll be prepared to sit for the PRAXIS Reading Specialist test.
Prepare for a variety of leadership roles, including:
- Reading Specialist
- Literacy Coach
- Literacy Specialist
- School or District Professional Development Provider
2https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/home.htm.
3https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/home.htm.
Mentorship Program
Mentorship is a key component to the Ed.S. in Reading program and enables you to effectively apply theory learned throughout the program to the classroom. The mentorship component of the program helps you to participate in collaborative activities with peers, colleagues, teachers and administrators, providing you with an opportunity to integrate your acquired skills under the guidance of an experienced literacy leader. You are responsible for identifying a mentor with an advanced degree in reading who can support you in the supervision of the practicum/clinical experience. The mentor supports students to:
- Assist candidate as-needed to complete site-based activities (i.e., facilitating access to school sites, data archives, resources and personnel as needed)
- Offer additional formative feedback on candidate's key assessments (papers or shorter assignments) as indicated by course professors
- Additionally document this mentorship (along with papers or shorter assignments) as required by course professors
- Engage in communication with university faculty and candidate as needed
Note: The mentor is NOT required to grade or formally assess the candidate.
Mentorship is a key component to the Ed.S. in Reading program and enables you to effectively apply theory learned throughout the program to the classroom. The mentorship component of the program helps you to participate in collaborative activities with peers, colleagues, teachers and administrators, providing you with an opportunity to integrate your acquired skills under the guidance of an experienced literacy leader. You are responsible for identifying a mentor with an advanced degree in reading who can support you in the supervision of the practicum/clinical experience. The mentor supports students to:
- Assist candidate as-needed to complete site-based activities (i.e., facilitating access to school sites, data archives, resources and personnel as needed)
- Offer additional formative feedback on candidate's key assessments (papers or shorter assignments) as indicated by course professors
- Additionally document this mentorship (along with papers or shorter assignments) as required by course professors
- Engage in communication with university faculty and candidate as needed
Note: The mentor is NOT required to grade or formally assess the candidate.
Additional documents
Also available:
A-State offers a variety of post-graduate programs in a convenient online format. Explore our full range of online post-graduate programs.
Accreditation
Licensure programs within A-State’s College of Education & Behavioral Science are accredited by CAEP.
Tuition
Our budget-friendly tuition can be paid as you go
Our Ed.S. in Reading online program offers the same affordable tuition to all U.S. residents. All fees are included. Tuition may be subject to change on a yearly basis.
Tuition breakdown:
Calendar
Know when to apply, when classes start, and when tuition is due
Our Ed.S. in Reading online program is designed to be flexible and convenient for working professionals, featuring accelerated coursework and multiple start dates a year.
Please note Summer 1 and Summer 2 terms are 5 weeks in duration for this program.
| Term | Program Start Date | Application Deadline | Document Deadline | Registration Deadline | Payment Due | Last Class Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer 1 | 5/27/25 | 5/12/25 | 5/16/25 | 5/22/25 | 5/23/25 | 6/26/25 |
| Summer 2 | 6/30/25 | 6/16/25 | 6/20/25 | 6/26/25 | 6/27/25 | 7/31/25 |
| Fall 1 | 8/20/25 | 8/6/25 | 8/8/25 | 8/14/25 | 8/15/25 | 10/3/25 |
| Fall 2 | 10/13/25 | 9/29/25 | 10/3/25 | 10/9/25 | 10/10/25 | 12/4/25 |
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Admissions
See the requirements for the online education specialist program
Students who are interested in our Ed.S. in Reading online program must have a master’s degree in reading or other field in education from an accredited institution. Review full admission requirements below.
Admission Requirements:
- Minimum 3.25 GPA
- Master's degree
- Valid teaching certificate
Admission requirements
- Master’s degree in reading or other field in education from an accredited institution with at least 3.25 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale
- A valid teaching certificate
- Commitment from an appropriate professional who will function as your mentor during the degree program. View acceptable mentors (PDF).
Application submission requirements
- Complete online application
- Pay the nonrefundable $30 fee
- Send official transcript(s) from the college/university attended. Official transcripts are sealed transcripts sent from the granting institution. For this program, we will only need an official transcript that shows your conferred master's degree.
Submit all documents to:
A-State OnlineP.O. Box 2520
State University, AR 72467
Fax: 870-972-3548
Email: [email protected]
Additional information
Unless otherwise noted, Arkansas State University has not confirmed if a program has met requirements for an out-of-state licensure and it is up to the Student to confirm if the program will meet the needs for licensure. Please refer to the Program Approval Map to determine which programs are eligible to be offered in States and to find relevant State Agency contact information. Eligibility to offer in a State does not guarantee the program will meet State licensure requirements.
Appeals process
- Email a written Letter of Appeal and GRE or GMAT scores (may be unofficial) to [email protected]
Transfer credits
Up to 9 graduate hours from A-State or other higher education institutions may be credited toward a program subject to department approval. No course can be older than six years by graduation time. The course must have been taken at the level of the program you are seeking. To request prior credit be evaluated, please complete the Graduate Transfer Credit Evaluation Form.
Courses
Discover what you will learn in our online education specialist classes
Students pursuing this Ed.S. program must complete a total of 30 credit hours, including five core courses (15 credit hours) and five courses (15 credit hours) specific to either the Advanced Perspective track or the Professional Practice track. The curriculum was thoughtfully designed to align with the International Literacy Reading Standards.
Visit the Course Registration page to view the course schedule for this degree.
You must take the following courses. ELFN 6773, or an equivalent course, must be taken as a prerequisite for RDNG 7613; this does not count toward total hours needed for degree completion.
All students in the Professional Practice track must take the following courses.
Note: All students graduating from the MSE Reading program since July 2018 and the EdS Reading Professional track, who took RDNG 6333, RDNG 6513, RDNG 6533, RDNG 6553 AND RDNG 6563 are eligible for the Dyslexia endorsement. Students should check their licensure to determine if they are eligible. The Professional Education department automatically submits the paperwork for the certification. After reviewing their licensure and if they meet the other criteria above they can contact Sara Woolard in the Professional Education Office at [email protected] to review and see if they can get the endorsement added.