Program Overview
Why Our 100% Online M.S. in Education - Reading Stands Out
Make a meaningful impact on student literacy with the A-State Master of Science in Education in Reading. Designed to offer educators and educators-in-training a planned program of study that focuses on the skills and techniques of teaching reading, it includes the diagnosis and remediation of reading problems. This 100% online program also provides close interaction with experienced, graduate reading faculty and practice with K-12 diagnostic assessments, interventions and methods, to prepare you for literacy leadership within your school and district.




Arkansas State University is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), formerly known as the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), 1140 19th Street, NW, Suite 400, Washington, D.C. 20036. Phone: 202-223-0077.
Students in this degree program are required to complete 30 hours of coursework, which includes participation in the Arkansas Delta Writing Project model and clinical experiences in the correction of reading difficulties. The program can be completed in as few as 12 months.
Students in this program aligned with International Literacy Association (ILA) Standards 2017 will:
- Prepare for the reading specialist certification exam
- Learn diverse strategies to work with the struggling reader in early childhood through secondary levels
- Gain knowledge essential for roles as a school literacy coach, school or district reading intervention specialist and literacy specialist at regional education service cooperatives
As licensure requirements may change without notice, it is the responsibility of the student to confirm the requirements for licensure in his/her state as it applies to the participation in an out-of-state degree program.
State Program Approvals (.PDF)
This program requires Live Text.
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Tuition
Our Affordable Program Tuition Includes Fees
Our MSE in Reading online program offers the same affordable tuition to in-state and out-of-state students. All fees are included in the total tuition.


Per Credit Hour | Per Course | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
U.S. Resident Tuition | Required Fees | Total | U.S. Resident Tuition | Required Fees | Total |
$300.00 | $40.00 | $340.00 | $900.00 | $120.00 | $1020.00 |
Funding Your Education Degree
Calendar
Dates You Need to Know for this Online MSE Program
Our MSE in Reading online program is designed to be flexible and convenient for working professionals, with accelerated coursework and multiple start dates a year.
Next Start & Application Due Dates:


Term | Length | Course Begin | Course End | Application Deadline | Document Deadline | Registration Deadline | Payment Deadline | Last Day to Withdraw |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Summer 2023 | 5 wk | 05/30/2023 | 06/30/2023 | 05/15/2023 | 05/19/2023 | 05/25/2023 | 05/26/2023 | 06/19/2023 |
5 wk | 07/03/2023 | 08/04/2023 | 06/19/2023 | 06/23/2023 | 06/29/2023 | 06/30/2023 | 07/21/2023 | |
Fall 2023 | 7 wk | 08/21/2023 | 10/06/2023 | 08/07/2023 | 08/11/2023 | 08/17/2023 | 08/18/2023 | 09/22/2023 |
7 wk | 10/16/2023 | 12/08/2023 | 10/02/2023 | 10/06/2023 | 10/12/2023 | 10/13/2023 | 11/17/2023 | |
Spring 2024 | 7 wk | 01/08/2024 | 02/23/2024 | 12/15/2023 | 12/19/2023 | 01/04/2024 | 01/05/2024 | 02/09/2024 |
7 wk | 03/04/2024 | 04/26/2024 | 02/19/2024 | 02/23/2024 | 02/29/2024 | 03/01/2024 | 04/05/2024 | |
Summer 2024 | 5 wk | 05/28/2024 | 06/27/2024 | 05/14/2024 | 05/17/2024 | 05/23/2024 | 05/24/2024 | 06/14/2024 |
5 wk | 07/02/2024 | 08/01/2024 | 06/18/2024 | 06/21/2024 | 06/27/2024 | 06/28/2024 | 07/26/2024 |
Admissions
Follow Our Streamlined Admission Requirements
A-State Online offers a streamlined admission process for both new students and transfers. Students who are interested in the MSE in Reading online program must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution and a valid teaching certificate. Make sure to review full admission requirements below. Applicants to the program who do not qualify for unconditional admission may qualify for conditional admission.
- Complete online application and submit a nonrefundable $30 fee
- Official transcript(s) sent from the registrar of the college/university attended. Official transcripts are sealed transcripts sent from the sending institution.
- A U.S. valid teaching certificate
- Commitment from a literacy coach or reading specialist, or other acceptable mentor who will function as your mentor during the program. The mentor must have reading/ language arts experience. "View acceptable mentors (.PDF)"
- Minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 3.00 (or 3.25 on the last 60 hours)
- 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.
Applicants to the program who do not qualify for unconditional admission may qualify for conditional admission.
- Complete online application and submit a nonrefundable $30 fee
- Official transcript(s) sent from the registrar of the college/university attended. Official transcripts are sealed transcripts sent from the sending institution.
- A U.S. valid teaching certificate
- Meet one of the following academic requirements:
- Have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale, or
- Have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 2.50 on a 4.0 scale and 3.0 GPA on the last 60 hours (admission with this GPA is contingent on a letter of recommendation from the school superintendent or principal), or
- Have at least a 3.0 grade point average (GPA) from a graduate school and a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.50 on a 4.0 scale from an accredited university.
- Conditional admission requires that the candidate make a grade of B or better during the first two classes of graduate work at Arkansas State University.
- 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.
Additional Information
- Email a written Letter of Appeal and GRE or GMAT scores (may be unofficial) to [email protected]
Up to 9 graduate hours from A-State or other higher education institutions may be credited toward a program. No course can be older than six years by graduation time. Transfer credit will be evaluated by the Director of the Program. To request prior credit be evaluated, please complete the Graduate Transfer Credit Evaluation Form.
Submit all documents to:
A-State OnlineP.O. Box 2520
State University, AR 72467
Fax: 870-972-3548
Email: [email protected]
For Non-US Postal Mail Overnight Delivery Only:
Academic Partnershipsc/o Central Receiving
2713 Pawnee St.
Jonesboro, AR 72401
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Ranked in U.S. News Best Online Master’s in Education Programs for 2022
Courses
The Degree Plan for Our Master of Science in Education – Reading Online Program
Students are required to complete 30 hours of coursework, including participation in the Arkansas Delta Writing Project model and clinical experiences in the correction of reading difficulties.
RDNG 6313: Theory and Practice in Teaching Reading
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
A study of reading and the reading process. The symbolic nature of reading is emphasized. Comparisons are made with the traditional presentations of reading and implications for instructional decision-making are suggested.
RDNG 6513: Emergent Literacy Birth
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Focuses on the development of literacy skills, birth through primary grades, including the process of exposure to words, print, and the opportunity to write as a part of the literacy process. This course maintains alignment with state and national standards.
TE 6253: Perspectives on Professionalism in Education
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
This course helps develop perspectives that are essential for educators to understand and fulfill ethical and professional responsibilities in their respective areas, including communication with various audiences, reflection, self-assessment and advocacy within the context of cultural diversity and democratic pluralism.
RDNG 6333: Reading Practicum I: Diagnosis and Intervention
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Course features clinical experiences in assessment and intervention in reading and related areas.
RDNG 6553: Adolescent Literacy
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Course analyzes current federal initiatives and reform policies related to adolescent literacy. Examines the social and cognitive processes related to adolescent literacy. The course features study of methods to facilitate literacy learning for adolescents in all curricular areas.
RDNG 6103: The National Writing Project Model: Processes of Writing
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Authentic experiences in personal and professional process writing in the National Writing Project workshop setting, and analysis of reform positions on writing instruction.
RDNG 6563: Principles of Literacy Cognition
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
This course is an examination of current research on literacy cognition, reading disorders, and research-based methodologies for reading instruction, with implications for instruction.
RDNG 6533: Literacy for Diverse Learners
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
This course examines 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. Presentation and rehearsal of explicit literacy instruction to enhance comprehension.
ELFN 6773: Introduction to Statistics and Research
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
An introductory course in methods and techniques of research, and the statistical treatment and interpretation of research data.
RDNG 6353: Reading Practicum II – Leadership in Literacy
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Clinical experiences in the correction of reading difficulties with emphasis on utilizing assessment data for professional development as a reading specialist in organizing and supervising school-wide reading reform. Prerequisite: RDNG 6333, or permission of professor.
*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 Tiffany Mosely in the Professional Education Office at [email protected] to review and see if they can get the endorsement added.
Still Undecided?
See our Master's Degree in Reading FAQ page for more information.