Literacy

Register for an Upcoming Information Session

• 12/11/2025: Literacy Education MEd & Reading Specialist Graduate Certificate Online Session — Virtual — 5:30pm - 6:30pm
• 1/15/2026: Literacy Education MEd & Reading Specialist Graduate Certificate Online Session — Virtual — 5:30pm - 6:30pm
• 2/12/2026: Literacy Education MEd & Reading Specialist Graduate Certificate Online Session — Virtual — 5:30pm - 6:30pm
• 3/19/2026: Literacy Education MEd & Reading Specialist Graduate Certificate Online Session — Virtual — 5:30pm - 6:30pm
• 4/9/2026: Literacy Education MEd & Reading Specialist Graduate Certificate Online Session — Virtual — 5:30pm - 6:30pm
• 5/7/2026: Literacy Education MEd & Reading Specialist Graduate Certificate Online Session — Virtual — 5:30pm - 6:30pm
• 6/11/2026: Literacy Education MEd & Reading Specialist Graduate Certificate Online Session — Virtual — 5:30pm - 6:30pm
• 7/16/2026: Literacy Education MEd & Reading Specialist Graduate Certificate Online Session — Virtual — 5:30pm - 6:30pm

Advance Your Career and Earn Your Reading Specialist Endorsement with George Mason's Flexible MEd and Graduate Certificate Programs.

Grounded in the science of reading, our programs prepare you with knowledge and practice of K-12 evidence-based literacy instruction, assessment, and intervention. You will gain practical experience designing data-guided instruction and intervention, along with the skills to work as a literacy coach and lead professional learning. 

With 100% online (mostly asynchronous) and blended options, evening courses, and accelerated timelines, you can complete your 30-credit master's in as few as four semesters. Cohort-based learning fosters a professional learning community, guided by faculty actively engaged in literacy research and practice.

Aligned with Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) standards, our program can lead to the K-12 Reading Specialist endorsement and open doors to roles as reading specialists, literacy coaches, interventionists, and teacher-leaders across Northern Virginia school districts and beyond.

George Mason’s literacy PhD pathways prepare candidates to conduct literacy research, prepare other teachers in the latest literacy learning methods, or ascend to leadership positions in K-12 school districts.

Why Choose George Mason CEHD

Flexible formats. Working educators can take advantage of our 100% online or blended/hybrid options with evening classes and accelerated pacing.
Affordable, accessible excellence. Competitive tuition plus a 15% discount for Virginia educators at the state's largest and most diverse public university.
Cohort-based learning. Build a network of peers and mentors while you learn, reflect, and apply new practices in your classroom.
Faculty researchers. Learn from experts who practice what they research, leading evidence-based studies and school-district partnerships.
Ongoing professional learning. Stay connected through offerings like the annual Mason Coaching Institute for Math and Literacy.

What Sets Us Apart?

Science of Reading foundation. Our curriculum is centered on evidence-based literacy instruction, assessment, and intervention for diverse K-12 learners.
VDOE-aligned licensure pathway. M.Ed. (Reading Specialist) and the Reading Specialist Graduate Certificate align to state standards and can lead to advanced endorsement.
Real-world application. Course assignments encourage immediate, research-based connection in your instructional context.
Accelerated master's completion. Earn the 30-credit M.Ed. in as few as four semesters without pausing your career.