The Reading Specialist concentration of the Literacy/Reading Specialist Graduate Certificate is designed for educators with at least one year of teaching experience who already hold a master's degree and wish to now develop the expertise needed to serve as reading specialists or literacy leaders. Graduates will explore how literacy develops across the life span, study research-based instructional and assessment practices, develop the skills necessary to serve as literacy leaders, and prepare to make a profound difference in the literacy development of diverse learners.
What Is a Reading/Literacy Specialist?
A reading/literacy specialist is an educational professional focused on the literacy achievement of K–12 students. Reading/literacy specialists work with students who are experiencing difficulties with reading and writing at all levels. They also have the skills, knowledge, and dispositions to effectively collaborate with general education teachers to improve literacy instruction in the classroom.
Licensure Opportunities
Upon completion of this state-approved program, graduates can be eligible for a reading specialist endorsement in Virginia. Additional state licensure requirements include an initial teaching license, a satisfactory score on the reading assessment specified by the Virginia Board of Education (taken at the end of all course work), and the completion of at least three years of teaching under contract by the end of the certificate program.
Careers in Literacy
Graduates of this certificate program work in a variety of settings. Some choose to remain in their classrooms and apply what they've learn to support their students’ literacy development there. Others move into literacy leadership positions, including:
reading specialists
literacy or instructional coaches
reading interventionists
reading teachers
private literacy tutors
providers of literacy-related professional development
Program Format
This 21-credit certificate program is offered on a part-time basis (approximately one class is offered each semester) and can be completed in 6 semesters (including fall, spring, and summer).
Students in this certificate program study within cohorts on the same curriculum schedule. This allows for professional learning communities within each cohort.
To meet students' learning preferences and needs, the program is offered in two formats:
For students seeking admission in the fall, course work is offered in a blended format which combines face-to-face class sessions with online class sessions (both synchronous and asynchronous). In this format, classes meet face-to-face for approximately 60% of each semester and online for the other 40%. In the fall and spring, classes meet one time each week in the early evening, while summer classes meet 2 to 3 times per week. Courses are offered at Mason’s Fairfax and Arlington campuses as well as other sites across Northern Virginia, allowing you to choose the cohort location that is most convenient for you.
For students seeking admission in the spring, all course work is completed fully online, primarily in an asynchronous format.
Licensure Disclosure
George Mason University will verify completion of the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) state-approved preparation program at the graduate or undergraduate level. Such verification does not guarantee the issuance of a Virginia Collegiate Professional, Postgraduate Professional, or Pupil Personnel license from the Commonwealth of Virginia. It is solely the student's responsibility to comply with all requirements for licensure by the Commonwealth. Under Virginia law, a social security number is required for licensure.
This program has been identified by George Mason University as one that may lead to a career requiring professional licensure/certification. Federal regulations require Mason to disclose information as to whether this program meets/does not meet the educational requirements for licensure/certification in your state, or whether such a determination has not been made. Please consult our Licensure Disclosure Tool for the disclosure statement specific to your desired state/program combination.
* Priority deadline ensures consideration for the intended semester as well as financial aid options for students. Programs will continue to review applications until at capacity. Some programs do not review applications past the priority deadline.
750- to 1,000-word written statement of your goals and interest in the program
Current resume
Two letters of recommendation: Applicants should follow the instructions included in the online application to submit the recommendation forms directly to their recommenders. Mason does not accept paper recommendations. Recommendations should be professional or academic in nature.
Transcripts from all previous institutions attended in the United States. Please refer to the Office of Graduate Admissions information page for specific requirements regarding uploading unofficial transcripts.
Applicants with transcripts from institutions outside of the United States could have additional requirements. Please refer to the How To Apply page for specific requirements about submitting international transcripts, evaluations, and English language proficiency.
Admissions Requirements
Admission to graduate programs at George Mason University is competitive. Applicants are evaluated on the strength of their academic backgrounds, results of standardized exams (if required by the program), work experience, and any additional evidence of potential success in the program. Faculty admissions review is a holistic review of requirements as well as the applicant’s potential academic and professional success upon completion of the program.
At a minimum all admitted students must have:
An earned baccalaureate from a regionally accredited institution of higher education, or international equivalent, verified from official transcripts. Expectation of an earned baccalaureate prior to the first day of classes for the term for which the student is applying will also meet this requirement. See the graduate admissions policy for more information.
A minimum 3.00 GPA on a 4.00 scale in baccalaureate study. The GPA requirement may be higher for some graduate programs. The university, at its discretion, may additionally consider the difficulty of the baccalaureate degree, relevant work experience, and/or other evidence of ability to succeed in graduate study when evaluating the GPA requirement.
Total cost for VA Resident and PK-12 VA Educator enrolled in a CEHD graduate program*
$628.25 - $687.25
Graduate New Student Fee (non-refundable, one-time fee)
$60
Please Note: Refer to the Students Accounts Office website for more information on tuition and fees. Internship courses will incur a higher course fee to fund on-site assistance involving intensive clinical training/supervision.
*Mandatory Student Fee (MSF): $150.25
**VA state residents who are eligible must apply for the 15% PreK-16 VA Educators Discount in order to take advantage of the lower tuition. Eligible students receive 15% off the total tuition and mandatory student fee.
Financial Aid
For information on loans and scholarships, visit the Office of Student Financial Aid. For information regarding grants, tuition waivers, and other merit aid, please inquire with your graduate department. Also, many school districts offer tuition reimbursement options. Speak to your employer for more information.
Jennifer Hathaway
Email: jhathaw2@gmu.edu
Phone: (703) 993-5789
Have questions? Check the Literacy Program Advising Organization on Blackboard.
Each student is responsible for knowing Mason’s rules, regulations, requirements, administrative policies, and academic policies. The University Catalog, your program advisors, and the staff in the Student and Academic Affairs Office are key resources to assist you as you work toward completion of your degree requirements.
Jennifer Hathaway
Academic Program Co-Coordinator
Jennifer Drake Patrick
Academic Program Co-Coordinator
Allison Parsons