The master's degree program in reading conforms to Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) certification requirements for P-12 and is approved by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP). Graduates are qualified to work as reading specialists, literacy coaches and reading interventionists. Students completing this program receive the M.Ed. degree and, with successful completion of three years of classroom teaching experience, are eligible for certification from MSDE as reading specialists.
The Reading Specialist program offers a hybrid instructional model and a sustained focus on equity and diversity. We offer flexibility in our graduate coursework through class sessions that are online/synchronous and face-to-face class sessions on campus. Our program emphasizes multiple approaches to equity, including best practices for multilingual learners; digital and technology literacies; multicultural literature; critical literacies; and culturally responsive approaches to assessment and instruction.
Students applying for admission to the program must have: (a) a 3.0 undergraduate GPA; (b) statement of purpose outlining their professional goals and objectives; (c) official transcripts; (d) 3 letters of recommendation; and (e) resume. In addition, three years of classroom teaching are required for Certification as a Reading Specialist by the Maryland State Department of Education. Applicants may complete this teaching requirement before, during, or after completion of the M.Ed. program. Applicants must be certified teachers with a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. At least one basic course in reading is required for entrance into the program. Most students have such a course in their undergraduate record (i.e., reading methods). If no such course has been taken or if the course was taken more than five years ago, appropriate course offerings should be discussed with your advisor.
For information on graduate admission please visit: https://gradschool.umd.edu/education/edci-med
Please refer to the Guide to Applying for instructions on how to apply for graduate admission. If you have questions or concerns, we ask you to first review our list of Frequently Asked Questions. International applicants should visit the International admissions webpage for additional information.
For questions about the application process, or to check on the completion of your application, please contact the Coordinator of Graduate Studies at tlpl-admissions@umd.edu or (301) 405-3118.
For questions related to the admissions process, prospective students may contact Kay Moon, TLPL Graduate Coordinator, at (301) 405-3118 or kmoon@umd.edu.
For academic advising on the M.Ed. Reading Specialist program, please contact Dr. Ayanna Baccus at baccusa@umd.edu
Financial assistance for graduate study is generally divided into two categories:
- Merit-Based Assistance and Need-Based Assistance
- Fellowships and Scholarships Loans
- Graduate Assistantships
For more details about the various types of financial assistance offered by the campus please visit the Office of Student Financial Aid
There are also a number of fellowships and scholarships offered through the College of Education, the University, and through external sources which may provide tuition support and/or living allowance. Students must apply for these awards on their own, but the links that follow provide valuable information on searching for fellowships and scholarships.
For more information concerning fellowships and scholarships, please visit:
The College of Education Financial Aid & Scholarship webpage
Applicants are encouraged to contact the Hobson’s online application’s helpdesk for any technical issues.
For questions related to the admissions process, prospective students may contact Kay Moon, TLPL Graduate Coordinator, at (301) 405-3118 or kmoon@umd.edu.
For Program-specific questions, prospective students may contact Dr. Ayanna Baccus at baccusa@umd.edu.