Literacy Specialization
Explore insights on literacy education, the Science of Reading, evidence-based instruction, reading intervention, and assessment. Discover strategies and resources for educators looking to strengthen literacy skills and support student success.
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Every day, educators make decisions about what students should learn and how to help them learn it effectively.
The Science of Reading has become a major focus in K–12 education as schools, states, and educators reconsider how reading is taught.
Technology plays an important role in how people learn. From online courses and digital classrooms to corporate training and artificial intelligence, organizations increasingly rely on technology to support education and professional development.
Keeping students engaged in music class takes more than choosing the right repertoire or preparing for the next concert. Students bring different interests, experiences, and confidence levels, so effective motivation starts with helping them feel capable, connected, and invested in learning.
When Daniel Jaszczak crossed the commencement stage to earn his Master of Music in Music Education from Kent State University, he wasn’t just celebrating a graduate degree—he was becoming part of a family tradition nearly three decades in the making.
When Kendall Baldwin was recently named superintendent of the Arlee Joint School District in Montana, it marked another milestone in a career dedicated to education and student success. While every educator’s journey is unique, her appointment serves as a powerful reminder that the leadership skills developed through music education can open doors far beyond the classroom.
Education is about more than lesson plans, curriculum and policy. Every educational decision is shaped by history, culture, philosophy, politics and society. Understanding those connections is what sets leaders apart—and it is the foundation of Kent State University’s online Master of Education in Cultural Foundations.
Education is about more than lesson plans and curriculum. Every classroom, policy and learning experience is shaped by culture, history, philosophy and the communities we serve. Kent State University’s 100% online Master of Education in Cultural Foundations invites students to explore those connections while preparing them to become thoughtful educators, leaders and lifelong learners.
Graduate school is about more than earning a degree—it’s about developing the expertise, confidence, and professional network needed to make an impact in your field.
Strong leaders are needed everywhere—from government agencies and nonprofit organizations to schools, healthcare systems, and the criminal justice system. As today’s communities face increasingly complex challenges, organizations need professionals who can think strategically, collaborate across disciplines, and develop solutions that make a lasting impact.
Technology continues to reshape nearly every industry—from healthcare and business to public safety, education, and government. As organizations rely more heavily on data, cybersecurity, digital systems, and emerging technologies, the demand for professionals with specialized technical skills continues to grow.
Whether you’re preparing for the CPA exam, pursuing a promotion, or looking to strengthen your expertise in financial reporting, auditing, or taxation, earning a graduate accounting degree can help you take the next step in your career.
The fashion industry is evolving faster than ever. Technology, sustainability, global supply chains, consumer behavior, and digital commerce are transforming how fashion brands operate—and organizations need professionals who can lead through change.
For professionals in the fashion industry, career growth often requires more than creativity alone. Today’s leaders need strong research skills, strategic thinking, business knowledge, and the ability to solve complex industry challenges.
Business professionals today need more than experience—they need the skills to lead teams, manage projects, analyze data, and adapt to an ever-changing workplace. Whether you’re looking to move into management, change careers, or build specialized expertise, earning an online business degree can help you reach your goals.
If you’re considering earning your degree online, you’re probably asking an important question: How do you know which online university is right for you?
For many working educators and professionals, advancing your career doesn’t mean putting your life on hold. Kent State’s online Master of Education in Cultural Foundations is designed specifically for learners who are balancing full-time jobs, family commitments, and community responsibilities — without sacrificing the quality of their graduate education.
When we think about education, schools and universities usually come to mind. But education also happens in museums, cultural centers, libraries, historical sites, community organizations, and the arts. These non-formal educational spaces play a powerful role in shaping how people understand history, culture, identity, and community — often reaching audiences far beyond traditional educational settings.
For decades, school music programs have centered on classical repertoire — and while those traditions remain vital, there’s a growing recognition of the powerful role that rock, jazz, and popular music can play in student learning. Including these genres in K–12 music curricula not only reflects the musical experiences of many students but also strengthens engagement, cultural relevance, and motivation across diverse communities.
For many people, the idea of going back to school isn’t new — it’s something that’s been sitting quietly in the background. A goal postponed. A possibility considered. A “someday” plan.
In special education, effective teaching is grounded in evidence. Research plays a critical role in shaping how educators design instruction, implement interventions, and evaluate student progress. As classrooms become more diverse and student needs increasingly complex, relying solely on experience or intuition is no longer sufficient. Research provides a framework for understanding what works, for whom, and under what conditions.
Stepping into a master’s program in Educational Psychology is an exciting opportunity to deepen your understanding of how people learn and develop across settings. Whether you’re coming from classroom teaching, counseling, curriculum development, or another professional background, Educational Psychology prepares you to apply research-based principles to support learners and improve systems. To make the most of the program, it helps to know what skills and knowledge will set you up for success — and how to prepare before your first course.
Data is transforming how organizations understand learning, performance, and outcomes. In education, workforce development, and program evaluation, new tools are enabling greater accuracy and speed in measuring impact than ever before. At the same time, core principles of research and statistics remain essential. Understanding what’s changing — and what’s not — helps professionals stay relevant in a rapidly evolving data landscape.
For many music educators considering graduate school, the word research can feel intimidating. But in Kent State’s online Master of Music in Music Education (MMME), the capstone experience is designed to be both rigorous and practical—grounded in real classroom questions, real students, and real instructional challenges.
Choosing to pursue a graduate degree is a significant step — one that reflects ambition, purpose, and a commitment to growth. But just as important as deciding to go back to school is deciding where and how to do it. The right graduate program should align with your career goals, lifestyle, and preferred learning style.
Going back to school is a powerful decision — one that often comes after careful consideration of career goals, family responsibilities, and personal priorities. Whether you’re returning to complete a degree, advancing in your current field, or preparing for a new direction, the journey can feel both exciting and uncertain.
For many professionals, the idea of earning a graduate degree doesn’t arrive all at once. It builds gradually — through moments of frustration, ambition, curiosity, and clarity. You start noticing opportunities you’re not quite positioned for. You take on responsibilities that stretch you. You begin thinking about what’s next.
A Master’s in Cultural Foundations opens doors far beyond traditional classroom roles. This interdisciplinary degree equips graduates with a deep understanding of how social, historical, and cultural forces shape education — and how to generate change across a wide range of settings.
When choosing a graduate program in public administration, quality matters—not just in coursework, but in how well the program prepares you for real-world leadership in public service. One of the strongest indicators of that quality is accreditation.
For many professionals, the desire to earn a degree doesn’t come from uncertainty — it comes from clarity. You know what you’re capable of. You see where you want to go. And you understand that continued growth is part of long-term success.
