A teacher reading a book with a student in a classroom.

Master of Science  in
Reading
Online or On Campus

Foster Literacy Skills in Children and Adults

Share your love of learning and literacy with children, teens, and adults in classroom and early childhood settings as well as nontraditional learning environments.

In the master's in reading program, you learn about language acquisition, literacy development, literacy-focused instruction across multiple subject areas, children’s and young adult literature, instruction involving technology, and intervening to prevent literacy-related difficulties. There is an emphasis on developing effective instructional methods, formats, and assessments for informing and promoting literacy development.

If you hold a NY State Initial Teaching Certification and are seeking NY State Professional Teacher Certification, please visit the NYSED Master's Degree requirement website for regulations concerning appropriate degrees. If you are a teacher with initial certification in ANY area, such as early childhood, childhood, TESOL, students with disabilities, and secondary education, you are welcome to apply.
 
If you are a literacy volunteer, international student, parent, private school provider, after school program coordinator, or counselor in prison settings and do not hold a teacher certification, you may also apply for this graduate degree, keeping in mind it does not make you eligible for teacher certification. While all students will take certain required courses, there is flexibility built into the program structure to encourage your individual interests. This program is available fully online.

Program of Study

programofstudy

The curriculum is designed to be flexible to meet your unique needs, with an emphasis on current practice standards and policies. Core required courses provide foundational knowledge, while a wide range of electives allow you to develop specialized knowledge within your area of interest.


Required Courses (18 credits)

  • Classroom Literacy Instruction OR Academic Literacy Across Instructional Contexts, 5-12
  • Children's Literature OR Young Adult Literature
  • Strategic Intervention to Prevent Literacy Difficulties OR Practicum: Instruction to Prevent Literacy Difficulties
  • Literacy in Society
  • Teaching Writing, B-6 OR Practicum: Writing in the Classroom, 1-6
  • Data Based Decision Making in Literacy, Assessment, Policy, and Practice

Literacy Elective Courses (6 credits)

  • Language Acquisition, B-2
  • Integrated Literacy Instruction, B-6
  • Early Literacy Development, B-2
  • Literacy for English Language Learners
  • Electives as advised

Final Culminating Project


Additional Information

See the Graduate Bulletin for details.

For more information, contact Reisha Rieder at [email protected] or 518-442-5100.

Careers in Literacy


Graduates usually pursue careers as New York certified teachers (with initial certification upon admission), non-certified/non-licensed reading and writing instructors in private schools, public libraries, nonprofit organizations, penitentiaries, and community learning and continuing education facilities.

Alumni frequently work as pre-school teachers, private school teachers, public school teachers, literacy tutors, and literacy volunteers.

 

 

A teacher helping a student
careers
UAlbany graduate at Commencement
Attend a Top-Ranked Program

The School of Education has been delivering exemplary online courses for more than 20 years. In 2024, UAlbany online graduate programs in education were ranked 4th in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

You can earn your master’s degree part-time or full-time through online courses and/or campus-based evening and summer classes that work with your schedule.

In this designated OpenSUNY+ program, you also have access to comprehensive support services including a 24/7 help desk, online tutoring, and personal advising.

Admissions Requirements

admissions
Deadlines
  • Fall: August 1
  • Spring: December 15
  • Summer: May 1

There is no departmental assistantship consideration for this program.

Required Application Materials
  • Transcripts from all schools attended (with at least a 3.0 GPA)
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Program-specific application questions

Special Notes

This program is available fully online.

The MS Reading program requires three letters of recommendation. At least one letter should be from a college/university professor/instructor.  The other two letters can come from individuals who have observed you in a professional context. All the recommendations should come from people who would be able to evaluate your capability for academic success.

Complete all questions on the application and take your time with the written questions. We read your responses carefully, not only for what you say but also to learn how you express your thoughts in writing. Be candid about your goals, experiences, and your own literacy abilities.

For students holding initial NY State Initial Teaching Certification and seeking NY State Professional Teacher Certification, please visit the NYSED Master's Degree requirement website for regulations concerning appropriate degrees.

Available information for International Applicants.

Student Learning Objectives


Learning objectives that UAlbany students are expected to attain through their course of study within their academic program.

Master of Science
  • Our students demonstrate an understanding of the literacy knowledge and instruction appropriate for educational and/or community settings.
  • Students apply their understanding of diversity, equity, and technology to educational and/or community settings.
  • Students apply their content knowledge and understanding of literacy practices to the education and/or community setting of their choice through a reflective essay or inquiry project.
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Careers and Advisement

The Pathways Into Education (PIE) Center is the central office on campus serving undergraduate, graduate, and prospective students interested in pursuing careers in education and programs leading to teacher certification.

Please call or email to schedule an appointment.

Graduate Advisement:
Email Graduate Advisement
518-442-3529

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