Literacy

Register for an Upcoming Information Session

• 7/10/2025: Literacy Education MEd & Reading Specialist Graduate Certificate Online Session — — 5:30pm - 6:15pm

Literacy is everywhere! Strengthen your knowledge of scientifically-based literacy research and instructional practices.

The mission of George Mason University’s Literacy Program is to empower educators with an expansive knowledge of literacy and a capacity for building transformative experiences for others. Whether you aim to be an effective literacy teacher, leader, researcher, or advocate, we can prepare you to reach your career goal.

Who should get a degree in literacy?

Our degree programs are designed for individuals interested in graduate-level study in all areas of literacy scholarship, including reading instruction, literacy leadership, literacy coaching, and literacy research. The majority of our students are working educators. 

The master’s degree in Literacy Education provides an in-depth understanding of literacy development, scientifically-based literacy research, and evidence-based instructional, assessment, and intervention practices in literacy. Completion of the Literacy Leadership for Diverse Schools concentration may lead to eligibility for the Reading Specialist endorsement in Virginia. (Please note, this is not an initial teacher licensure program. If you are interested in a teacher licensure program, click here.)
 
The Literacy/Reading Instruction Graduate Certificate is available to educators who already hold a master’s degree but are interested in gaining additional expertise in literacy/reading instruction and leadership or in preparing to work as a Reading Specialist or literacy coach. Completion of the Reading Specialist concentration may lead to eligibility for the Reading Specialist endorsement in Virginia.
 
Literacy(ies), Culture, and Reading is available as a primary or secondary specialization in the PhD in Education degree program for those interested in conducting research in literacy, preparing other teachers in the latest literacy learning methods, or ascending to positions of leadership in K-12 school districts.

Where will a literacy degree take you?

• Enhance your skill set with research-based teaching and literacy leadership techniques.
• Develop expertise in specialized assessment and instruction for the K-12 students who need it the most.
• Learn how to support teachers’ professional learning.
• After graduation, explore new professional roles including reading teacher, interventionist, literacy or instructional coach, literacy tutor, or professional development provider in literacy.
• Expand your professional license in Virginia with opportunities for eligibility for the Reading Specialist endorsement or other add-on endorsements.

Why study literacy at Mason?

• 15% discount for Virginia educators
• Flexible schedule with both 100% online and hybrid options
• Accelerated path for program completion in as few as 4 semesters
• World-class faculty at an accessible cost
• Study at Virginia’s largest and most diverse university
• Strong alumni network

Find out more about our specific degree options in literacy under Graduate Options.