Master of Education (M.Ed.)

M.Ed. in Reading Online

Become a literacy leader

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Receive both a Florida reading endorsement and reading certification (with the successful passing of the Florida Teacher Certification Examination).

Complete a fully online program accredited by CAEP

Trust a program ranked among the Best Online Master's in Reading and Literacy Programs by Best Colleges

Reading, M.Ed. Overview

The Master of Education in Reading from the University of West Florida is designed to address crucial reading specialist shortages in the state of Florida. This innovative, educational program ties science-based reading research to practical classroom applications. Designed for educators who currently hold a teaching certificate, the M.Ed. in Reading can enhance your professional skills and knowledge, and, if desired, help you transition into specialized areas of reading leadership within schools and at the district level. Our program’s curriculum is based on the International Literacy Association standards which also encompass the Florida Department of Education reading endorsement and certification requirements.

Based on the International Literacy Association’s Standards for Reading Professionals, this program integrates coursework and clinical experiences to prepare graduates in the following areas:

Foundations of reading and writing processes and instruction
Instructional practices, approaches, methods and curriculum materials to support reading and writing instruction
Assessment tools and practices to plan and evaluate effective reading instruction
Integration of foundational knowledge, use of instructional practices, approaches and methods, curriculum materials and the appropriate use of assessments

The M.Ed. in Reading’s online courses incorporate high-impact, rigorous practices that can be used in a future career. In addition, the online courses feature opportunities for practicing teachers/literacy specialists to apply theory to practice through hands-on work in current classrooms. Fieldwork experience can even be completed with online resources, making this degree program flexible and convenient for working professionals or those with families. Depending on your job, some fieldwork could even be completed in your current position. Courses are taught by full-time UWF faculty who are experts and professionals in their fields.

This advanced program requires field experiences which can be completed in your classroom. Alternatively, field experiences may be arranged through the Department of Teacher Education and Educational Leadership Office of Field Placement. Upon program completion, candidates are encouraged to add the Reading Endorsement/Certification to their teaching certificate. The program is approved for both the K-12 Reading Endorsement and Reading Certification by the Florida Department of Education.

Online degrees may not be available in all states. If you are an out-of-state student, please review our State Authorization Status to confirm that the program is available in your state.

Prospective out-of-state students who will be pursuing a license in their state should check with that state’s licensing agency before enrolling. Prospective students from Alabama should review their state’s requirements for certification prior to enrolling.

Candidates for This Program Include:

Working teachers who need a master’s degree to continue teaching
Teachers seeking to gain additional experience or specialized information
Students wanting long-term growth and lifelong learning

You Will Be Able To:

Understand and teach concepts in literature, reading and literacy
Identify and prevent difficulties in reading
Administer organized and effective literacy programs
Develop comprehensive reading assessments

Accreditation

The M.Ed. in Reading is accredited based on the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) Standards through Spring 2025. CAEP is the only CHEA recognized national accreditor for educator preparation.

CAEP’s annual outcome and impact measures and their trends, candidate performance data, and additional accreditation information is available on the UWF Department of Teacher Education and Educational Leadership Accreditation web page.

Courses and Requirements

The Master of Education in Reading requires a core of 12 courses. You will learn concepts in language arts and literature, reading assessment, literacy development, differentiated instruction, literacy programs and applied research. Understanding historical and current trends in reading will ensure that you are prepared to work in diverse environments upon graduation.

: LAE 5345 - Methods of Advanced Language Arts and Writing
3 Credit Hours
Methods of Advanced Language Arts and Writing
Students will learn inquiry-based pedagogies for teaching writing in grades K-12, how to create a classroom community of writers through a variety of evidence-based frameworks and practical strategies for effective writing instruction and effective methods for embedding meaningful stylistic and mechanical instruction to support writer/writing development.
LAE 5468 - Literature for Children and Young Adults
3 Credit Hours
Literature for Children and Young Adults
Students in this course will explore contemporary and multicultural literature, authors, illustrators and genres with a focus on selecting and evaluating quality literature for children and young adults. Topics will address literary understandings, critical perspectives and issues and trends related to the field. Students will also gain skills for integrating literature into the K-12 school curricula and programs.
RED 5515 - Classroom Reading Assessments
3.0 Credit Hours
Classroom Reading Assessments
This course is designed for students to explore theory and practices of informal reading assessments appropriate for the K-12 classroom teacher. During this course, students will administer, analyze, and interpret a variety of informal reading assessments. Course participants will generate a case study to represent how a student develops in terms of reading components.
RED 6060 - Foundations of Middle and Secondary Literacy
3.0 Credit Hours
Foundations of Middle and Secondary Literacy
Students in this course will learn about literacy theory and instruction in the middle and secondary grades based on research and classroom practice. Students will examine theories for enhancing reading, writing, speaking, and listening across various subjects in the school curriculum for middle and secondary students..
RED 6116 - Foundations of Literacy Development
3 Credit Hours
Foundations of Literacy Development
Students in this course will learn about current methods, materials, issues and trends in the teaching of literacy in early childhood and elementary classrooms. Students will examine how particular theories of literacy impact instructional practices used when teaching reading and writing in the pre-K–5 classroom.
RED 6240 - Differentiating Instruction
3.0 Credit Hours
Differentiating Instruction
Explores differentiating instruction to meet the needs of all learners and teaches how to prevent or remediate reading difficulties. The focus will be on the interpretation of reading assessment and the implementation of research based instructional practices.
RED 6546 - Identifying and Preventing Reading Difficulties
3.0 Credit Hours
Identifying and Preventing Reading Difficulties
Course work with required clinical experience to develop competence in determining causes and degrees of reading disabilities and identifying appropriate corrective or remedial instruction to meet the specific needs of students. Prerequisite: EDF 6460
RED 6747 - Research and Trends in Reading
3.0 Credit Hours
Research and Trends in Reading
Review of significant research in reading, introduction to techniques and critical analysis of reading research, review and comparison of trends in development of materials, approaches and reading programs.
RED 6866 - Reading Practicum
3.0 Credit Hours
Reading Practicum
Provides practical experience in increasing the reading performance of K-12 students with the prescription and utilization of appropriate strategies and materials. Requires demonstration of knowledge in the prevention, identification and remediation of reading difficulties. Prerequisite: RED 6240
RED 6701 - The Organization and Administration of Literacy Programs
3.0 Credit Hours
The Organization and Administration of Literacy Programs
Explores the role of a specialized literacy leader in organizing and implementing literacy programs from the pre-elementary through the college level. Includes an examination of leadership practices and advocacy that promote effective literacy practices to a variety of stakeholders, including administrators, teachers, parents/guardians, and students.
EDF 6460 - Foundations of Measurement
3.0 Credit Hours
Foundations of Measurement
Provides an understanding of the nature of instrument and test development and focuses on the information and skills needed to design, develop, analyze, and interpret tests and instruments; the use of testing or instrument results in planning, monitoring, and evaluating instruction or programs; and to evaluate student or program progress. Intended to provide a foundation in testing and instrument development skills for those who work in a variety of applied settings.
EDG 6916 - Applied Research
3.0 Credit Hours
Applied Research
This capstone course is designed for students to apply methods of scholarly inquiry and composition, synthesizing insights and findings in a scholarly product. The course goals are to provide students with hands-on experiences in the collection and analysis of data related to a specific field. Students will have options that include: 1) a comprehensive synthesis of research that answers a specific question, 2) an action research project, or 3) an instructor approved design. Prerequisite: RED 6747 OR EDG 6918
: Some UWF academic programs prepare students to sit for licensure in Florida. In order to comply with U.S. Department of Education regulations for professional licensure, UWF is required to make the following disclosure with respect to professional licensure outside the state of Florida. UWF cannot confirm whether a particular program meets requirements for professional licensure outside of the State of Florida. Please contact applicable licensure board(s) in any state you may want to pursue licensure prior to beginning the academic program in order to determine whether the program meets licensure requirements. It is the student’s responsibility to confirm program eligibility for licensure in any state outside Florida.
: Students who complete the following courses may apply to the Florida Department of Education to have the Florida Reading Endorsement added to a current teaching certificate:

RED 6116 - Foundations of Literacy Development
3.0 Credit Hours
Foundations of Literacy Development
Students in this course will learn about current methods, materials, issues, and trends in the teaching of literacy in early childhood and elementary classrooms. Students will examine how particular theories of literacy impact instructional practices used when teaching reading and writing in the pre-k-5 classroom.
RED 6060 - Foundations of Middle and Secondary Literacy Development
3 Credit Hours
Foundations of Middle and Secondary Literacy Development
Students in this course will learn about literacy theory and instruction in the middle and secondary grades based on research and classroom practice. Students will examine theories for enhancing reading, writing, speaking and listening across various subjects in the school curriculum for middle and secondary students.
RED 5515 - Classroom Reading Assessments
3.0 Credit Hours
Classroom Reading Assessments
This course is designed for students to explore theory and practices of informal reading assessments appropriate for the K-12 classroom teacher. During this course, students will administer, analyze, and interpret a variety of informal reading assessments. Course participants will generate a case study to represent how a student develops in terms of reading components.
RED 6240 - Differentiating Instruction
3.0 Credit Hours
Differentiating Instruction
Explores differentiating instruction to meet the needs of all learners and teaches how to prevent or remediate reading difficulties. The focus will be on the interpretation of reading assessment and the implementation of research based instructional practices.
RED 6866 - Reading Practicum
3.0 Credit Hours
Reading Practicum
Provides practical experience in increasing the reading performance of K-12 students with the prescription and utilization of appropriate strategies and materials. Requires demonstration of knowledge in the prevention, identification and remediation of reading difficulties. Prerequisite: RED 6240

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to UWF’s online M.Ed. Reading program, you must:

Hold professional teaching certification
Have earned an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale*
Demonstrate proficiency in ESOL via completion of an ESOL survey course or district in-service points
Demonstrate proficiency of the Additional Elements of the Florida Uniform Core Curriculum

* Applicants who do not meet the GPA requirement but submit a desired current GRE verbal or MAT score at or above the 50th percentile and meet all remaining admission requirements may be conditionally admitted to the program.

How to Apply

To apply for admission to this program, you first need to submit an application for graduate admission (plus a $30 application fee) and be accepted for admission to the University of West Florida. Review application deadlines. In addition, you must:

Submit a supplemental application to assess ESOL and UCC requirements
Submit official transcripts confirming a bachelor’s degree from an institution whose accrediting agency is included on the list of UWF approved accrediting agencies
Submit GRE or MAT scores**
Submit a letter of intent that includes the following information: your background, short- and long-term goals, contributions you would like to make to your field of study and strengths you bring to the program
Submit contact information (email addresses and phone numbers) for two professional references

** The graduate admission test may be waived for applicants who have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher from an accredited institution.

To be fully admitted to the program, the following requirements must be met in addition to the requirements for provisional admission (above). Full admission is required by the fifth week of the first semester. Students will be unable to register for the second semester of coursework until full admission has been granted.

Completion of the Professional Education Applicant Disposition Scale by each person identified as a professional reference.
Students must purchase a personal copy of a data management system that will accompany them through their program of study. You will be contacted during your first semester with instructions to complete this requirement.
Completion of the Professional Education Applicant Disposition Self-rating Scale.

Have questions about this program or the admissions process? Contact our graduate admissions team at gradadmissions@uwf.edu.

Costs & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition

Component	Cost	Total*
Full Program Tuition	$384.60 per credit hour	$13,845.60
Tuition with Maximum Transfer Credits (Up to 6)	$384.60 per credit hour	$11,538.00

Component	Cost	Total*
In-State Tuition	$384.60 per credit hour	$13,845.60
In-State Tuition with Maximum Transfer Credits (Up to 6)	$384.60 per credit hour	$11,538.00
Full Out-of-State Tuition	$1,044.24 per credit hour	$37,592.64
90% Out-of-State Tuition Waiver	$478.83 per credit hour	$17,237.88

Tuition waivers cover up to 90% of the non-resident portion of your tuition and are available to non-Florida residents (including international students) admitted to online campus programs and registered for online courses in active pursuit of that degree or certificate. You must pay all other assessed tuition and fees.

Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Fees are charged per semester unless otherwise noted. This program takes up to 24 months to complete, depending on transfer credits.

* Tuition and fees are subject to change.

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Alabama Differential Out-of-State Tuition

Residents of Alabama are eligible for Alabama Differential Tuition, a reduced out-of-state tuition rate. For more information and to verify residency status for tuition purposes, new undergraduate students should contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and new graduate students should contact the Graduate School. Current enrolled students should contact the Office of the Registrar.

Active Duty Military

All active-duty members of the U.S. military who are residing or are stationed outside the state of Florida shall have all (100%) out-of-state fees waived by the university. Contact the Military & Veterans Resource Center to apply for the Active Duty Military Out-of-State Waiver.

UWF Short-Term Financial Assistance

The University of West Florida provides eligible students with an alternative to paying the full amount of tuition at the beginning of each term in the form of an installment payment plan or a short-term loan.

Military Students

UWF is a Military FriendlyⓇ School proudly serving active-duty U.S. military members and veterans. As UWF has been a participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program since 2011, you could be eligible to receive free tuition with your military benefits.

See How We Can Serve You

Financial Aid

Funding your college education should not empty your wallet. We offer various financial aid options for our online students, including loans, scholarships and grants for degree-seeking students.

Learn More About Financial Aid

Frequently Asked Questions

: You may either contact your enrollment counselor or log into your MyUWF account to view the status of your application.
: No, you may be enrolled part-time and be eligible for financial aid. Different awards have different enrollment criteria. For example, federal direct loans require at least half-time enrollment. All students are awarded assuming full-time enrollment. If you change enrollment plans, the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships must be notified immediately, and we will revise your award if necessary.
: UWF will only accept credits from institutions whose accrediting agency is included on the list of UWF approved accrediting agencies, and the amount of transfer credits allowed depends on the program. For detailed information, visit our Transfer Students page.
: Unofficial test scores or test score reports are not accepted. However, you may submit them in order to receive a preliminary idea of your chances of acceptance into a program. When the application process has begun, however, you must submit official documents.