M.A. Reading Specialist
Transform student literacy with West Liberty’s Reading Specialist concentration, designed to equip educators with advanced, research-based reading strategies.
Lead the way in literacy
and student success
The Reading Specialist concentration prepares educators to become experts in literacy instruction, intervention, and assessment. Through specialized coursework and hands-on application, you’ll gain the skills to support struggling readers, coach teachers, and lead literacy initiatives—while building advanced leadership and research capabilities.
Reading Specialist
Overview
The Reading Specialist concentration within the M.A. in Education program is designed to develop highly skilled literacy educators and leaders. Students gain advanced expertise in reading assessment, multi-sensory instructional methods, and evidence-based intervention strategies that support diverse learners.
This concentration emphasizes both instructional excellence and leadership, preparing graduates to improve literacy outcomes at the classroom, school, and district level. Completion of the program also aligns with requirements for Reading Specialist certification in West Virginia, providing a clear pathway to professional advancement.
Who is
This For
Licensed Teachers Seeking Specialization
Educators looking to deepen their expertise in literacy and reading instruction.
Literacy Interventionists
Professionals who want to support struggling readers with targeted, research-based strategies.
Instructional Coaches & Leaders
Educators aiming to guide curriculum development and literacy initiatives.
Career Advancers in Education
Teachers pursuing higher-level roles, endorsements, or certification.
Student Success Advocates
Individuals passionate about improving literacy outcomes for diverse learners.
What
You’ll Learn
Advanced Literacy Instruction
- Apply multi-sensory and evidence-based reading strategies
- Differentiate instruction for diverse and struggling readers
- Design literacy-rich classroom environments
Assessment & Intervention
- Conduct diagnostic reading assessments
- Develop targeted intervention plans
- Monitor student progress using data-driven approaches
Literacy Leadership
- Lead schoolwide literacy initiatives
- Coach teachers in reading instruction best practices
- Support curriculum development and implementation
Research & Evidence-Based Practice
- Analyze literacy research to inform instruction
- Apply data to improve reading outcomes
- Engage in reflective, continuous improvement practices
Skills You’ll
Develop
Literacy Expertise
- Implement advanced reading and writing instruction
- Support diverse learners with specialized strategies
Data Analysis
- Interpret assessment data to guide instruction
- Track and improve student literacy outcomes
Instructional Leadership
- Lead professional development and literacy programs
- Mentor teachers and support instructional improvement
Critical Thinking
- Evaluate research and apply best practices in literacy education
Problem Solving
- Address reading challenges through targeted intervention strategies
Curriculum
The Reading Specialist concentration integrates specialized literacy coursework within the broader MAEd framework, combining foundational education core courses with focused literacy training and applied practice.
Program Structure / Key Curriculum Features
Required courses in Education Common Core (12 hours):
- EDUC 502 Professional Writing (online every semester)
- EDUC 507 Research Methods (online every semester)
- EDUC 512 Assessment and Data Literacy (online every semester)
- EDUC 581 Capstone (16-week course during Fall or Spring only)
Required courses for this area of emphasis (18 hours):
- READ 562 Foundations of Structured Literacy
- READ 563 Multi-sensory Teaching Methods
- READ 565 Advanced Methods of Multi-Sensory Instruction
- READ 512 Advanced Literacy Assessment
- READ 575 Advanced Literacy Instruction
- READ 564 Structured Literacy Practicum
Total academic hours required for degree: 30
The West Virginia Department of Education offers stand-alone certification as a Reading Specialist, which requires completion of six reading courses, a master’s degree, and passing the WV state licensure test.
LETRS Transfer
The West Liberty University Graduate College for Teaching and Learning has developed a detailed alignment of the LETRS curriculum to the Master of Arts in Education Reading Specialist degree program. This analysis of WLU course outcomes to LETRS unit content determined that such training is equivalent to completing 12 hours of MAEd coursework within the Reading Specialist content.
Successful completion of the LETRS training will equate to the following 12 hours of transfer credit:
- READ 562 Foundations of Structured Literacy (3 Hours)
- READ 563 Multi-Sensory Teaching Methods (3 Hours)
- READ 565 Advanced Methods of Multi-Sensory Instruction (3 Hours)
- READ 512 Advanced Literacy Assessment (3 Hours)
Candidates who wish to apply for the MAEd Reading Specialist and transfer LETRS credit will complete additional degree requirements, including the core academic research components, capstone thesis, clinical field-based experience, and WVTPA through West Liberty University, totaling 18 credit hours.
- READ 575 Advanced Literacy Instruction (3 Hours)
- READ 564 Structured Literacy Practicum (3 Hours)
- EDUC 502 Professional Writing (3 Hours)
- EDUC 507 Research Methods (3 Hours)
- EDUC 512 Assessment and Data Literacy (3 Hours)
- EDUC 581 Capstone (3 Hours)
Program highlights:
- 30 total credit hours (12 core + 18 concentration)
- Flexible course delivery (online & hybrid options)
- Capstone project focused on literacy application
Careers
& Outcomes
Graduates are prepared for advanced roles in literacy education and leadership, including:
Reading Specialists
Median Wage
Job Growth
Instructional Coordinators
Median Wage
Job Growth
Elementary & Secondary Teachers (Specialized Roles)
Median Wage
Literacy Coaches / Interventionists
Median Wage
Job Growth
Curriculum Specialists (Literacy Focus)
Median Wage
Job Growth
Admissions
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
Minimum 3.0 GPA required for Reading Specialist concentration
Completed graduate application
Official transcripts from all institutions attended
The Hilltop
Advantage
West Liberty University’s M.A. in Education – Reading Specialist concentration combines:
- Flexible learning formats designed for working educators
- Small class sizes with personalized faculty support
- Research-driven curriculum with immediate classroom application
- Affordable tuition with strong return on investment
- Clear pathway to Reading Specialist certification in West Virginia
Ready to Advance
Your Career?
Take the next step toward becoming a literacy leader who makes a lasting impact. The Reading Specialist concentration at West Liberty University equips you with the advanced skills, certification pathway, and leadership expertise to help every student succeed.