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College of Education and Human Services

Literacy Specialization – M.Ed.

Course Delivery
100% online
Total Credits
34
Admissions Terms
Rolling Admissions

Kent State University’s online Literacy Specialization M.Ed. equips educators with advanced knowledge in reading instruction, writing, literacy development, and evidence-based K-12 literacy practices. Aligned with the Science of Reading, the 34-credit program deepens understanding of the reading and writing processes while preparing teachers for leadership roles in literacy education. It’s designed for working educators ready to strengthen their impact in the classroom and beyond.

Literacy Specialization M.Ed. Degree Program Overview

The Master of Education degree in Literacy Specialization develops practical and professional knowledge that is essential for educators concerned with the improvement of literacy at all instructional levels. Students study the nature of the reading and writing processes; the interrelationships between language, literature and literacy; literacy learning and teaching; the nature and needs of students who find reading and writing difficult; reading and writing as vehicles for learning and enjoyment; and the role of research in literacy instruction.

The program’s curriculum is aligned with the Science of Reading, which is large body of interdisciplinary research showing how people learn to read and identifying the most effective, evidence-based practices for teaching literacy.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate outstanding or satisfactory knowledge of the foundations of reading and writing processes and instruction.
  2. Use a wide range of instructional practices, approaches, methods and curriculum materials to support reading and writing instruction.
  3. Use of a variety of assessment tools and practices to plan and evaluate effective reading instruction.
  4. Create and engage their students in literacy practices that develop awareness, understanding, respect and valuing of differences in society.
  5. Create a literate environment that fosters reading and writing by integrating foundational knowledge, use of instructional practices, approaches and methods, curriculum materials and the appropriate use of assessments.
  6. View professional development as a career long effort and responsibility.

This program and its learning outcomes meet the requirements for “Intellectual Diversity” as outlined in Section 3345.0217 of the Ohio Revised Code.

Program Structure

  • 28-32 major requirement credits (10 courses): 1 CULT course, 1 MCED course, 8 TLCS courses
  • 6 Culminating requirement credits (2 courses): 1 CI course, 1 TLCS course

Some courses must be taken in sequence and are required for reading endorsement. MCED 50005 may be waived for students who completed a phonics course in their undergraduate program. Students who have MCED 50005 waived may graduate with 31 credit hours.

Literacy Specialization M.Ed. Degree Program Admissions Requirements

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
  • Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
  • Official transcript(s)
  • Goal statement
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:1
    • Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
    • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
    • Minimum 58 PTE score
    • Minimum 110 DET score

1International applicants who do not meet the above test scores may be considered for conditional admission.

Important Dates

Jan
12
Classes Begin
Spring 2026 Semester
May
11
Classes Begin
Summer 2026 Semester
Aug
24
Classes Begin
Fall 2026 Semester

Program Courses

Program Requirements

Major Requirements
Course List
Code Title Credit Hours
Major Requirements
CULT 69521 MULTICULTURAL EDUCATIONAL PRACTICE AND POLICY 3
CULT 69522 ETHICS IN PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE
TLCS 67353 TEACHING LITERATURE, GRADES K-12
MCED 50005 EFFECTIVE USE OF PHONICS IN READING 1 3
TLCS 60169 UNDERSTANDING EMERGENT BILINGUAL AND IMMIGRANT STUDENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES 3
TLCS 60171 TEACHING EMERGENT BILINGUAL AND IMMIGRANT STUDENTS
TLCS 67310 THEORY AND PRACTICE IN THE TEACHING OF READING 1 3
TLCS 67312 TEACHING WRITING AS A PROCESS 3
TLCS 67319 DIAGNOSIS AND REMEDIATION IN READING 1 3
TLCS 67330 LITERACY IN THE CONTENT AREAS 3
TLCS 67351 PERSPECTIVES ON EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH 3
TLCS 67352 INSTRUCTIONAL COACHING 3
TLCS 67396 INDIVIDUAL INVESTIGATION IN READING AND LANGUAGE ARTS 1-5
Culminating Requirement
CI 67692 CLINICAL PRACTICUM IN CORRECTIVE READING 1 3
TLCS 67399 TEACHER AS EDUCATIONAL RESEARCHER 3
Minimum Total Credit Hours: 34

1Courses must be taken in sequence and are required for reading endorsement. MCED 50005 may be waived for students who completed a phonics course in their undergraduate program. Students who have MCED 50005 waived may graduate with 31 credit hours.

Graduation Requirements

Licensure information

Candidates seeking Ohio licensure are required to pass specific assessments in order to apply for licensure. Students should consult their advisors for specific program requirements and refer to the Ohio Department of Education-Educator Preparation website for more information on assessments specific to licensure type.

Literacy Specialization M.Ed. Degree Program Tuition and Fees

Ohio Residents

Per Credit HourPer 3-Credit Course Approximate Tuition Cost
$612.62$1,837.86$20,800 part-time1
$13,500 full-time2

Non-Ohio Residents

Per Credit HourPer 3-Credit Course Approximate Tuition Cost
$622.62$1,867.86$21,200 part-time3
$13,700 full-time4

1The $612.62 per-credit-hour tuition rate applies to part-time Ohio resident graduate students taking fewer than 11 credit hours per semester.

2The flat-rate semester fee of $6,724.36 applies to full-time Ohio resident graduate students taking between 11-18 credit hours per semester. This amount is calculated at student completing the program in 2 semesters.

3The $622.62 per-credit-hour tuition rate applies to part-time non-Ohio resident graduate students enrolled in a fully online degree program and taking fewer than 11 credit hours per semester, PLUS a surcharge of $10 per credit hour.

4The flat-rate semester fee of $6,724.36 applies to full-time non-Ohio resident graduate students enrolled in a fully online degree program and taking between 11-18 credit hours, PLUS a surcharge of $10 per credit hour of actual credits taken each semester (between 11-18 semester credits or $110-$180). This amount is calculated at students completing the program in 2 semesters plus the surcharge of $370.

  • An additional Distance Learning fee for all students enrolled in a distance learning course is $15 per credit hour. Program tuition and costs are estimated and subject to change.
  • Actual tuition costs will vary based on a student’s chosen academic plan. The full cost of attendance consists of tuition and fees, and when applicable, food, housing, books, course materials, supplies and equipment, transportation and personal expenses for the enrolled terms. Other expenses not included in tuition and fees totals can be found on the Kent State University cost of attendance web page.
  • For a complete listing of tuition rates for approved online programs, please contact Kent State’s Financial, Billing & Enrollment Center at 330-672-6000 or via our website Contact Us link.
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