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The Reading Specialist (K-12) 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 are interested in developing the expertise needed to serve as reading specialists or literacy leaders. Graduates will gain an in-depth understanding of literacy development, study scientifically-based literacy research and evidence-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.
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.
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.
Please note, this is not an initial licensure program. For more information on initial licensure options in the College, contact the Office of Teacher Preparation.
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
This 21-credit certificate program is offered on a part-time basis and can be completed in 4 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:
- BLENDED: A blended format for the program is available to students seeking admission for the fall semester. When there is enough demand, blended cohort options may also be available to students seeking admission in the spring. This format combines face-to-face class sessions with online class sessions (both synchronous and asynchronous). In the blended format, 3-credit hour courses meet face-to-face for approximately 60% of each semester and online for the other 40%, while 2-credit hour courses are completed fully online in an asynchronous format. In the fall and spring, 3-credit hour courses meet one time each week in the early evening, while summer classes meet 2 to 3 times per week. Literacy courses are offered at Mason’s Fairfax and Mason Square (Arlington) campuses as well as other sites across Northern Virginia, allowing you to choose the cohort location that is most convenient for you.
- ONLINE: For students seeking admission in the spring, all course work is completed fully online, primarily in an asynchronous format. When there is enough demand, online cohort options may also be available to students seeking admission in the fall.
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 George 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.
Required Courses (21 credits)
Semester 1
Semester 2
Semester 3
Semester 4
*EDRD 644 and EDRD 645 must be taken concurrently.
Sequence of courses may vary depending on program format.
Fall Semester
(classes starting in August) |
Spring Semester
(classes starting in January) |
Summer Semester
(classes starting in May, June, or July) |
Priority*: April 1
Space Available: August 19 |
Priority*: November 1
Space Available: January 10 |
Applications not accepted for this term |
For more information and to apply, visit the admissions website.
* 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.
All application materials must be submitted through George Mason’s online graduate application. In addition to meeting general university admissions requirements, applicants will need to provide the requirements below.
To be considered for graduate studies, the following items are evaluated during the admission review process:
- Graduate application and fee
- 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.
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. Students with less than a 3.0 GPA are encouraged to apply, addressing previous academic challenges and highlighting evidence for future success in their goal statement.
- International students should reference Admission of International Students for additional requirements.
| TUITION CLASSIFICATION |
COST PER CREDIT |
| Virginia Resident |
$748.50
(includes MSF*) |
| Non-Virginia Resident |
$948.50
(includes MSF*; discounted from $1,679.50) |
| VA Resident and PK-12 VA Educator enrolled in a CEHD graduate program** |
$635.50
(includes MSF*) |
| CEHD Course Fee |
$25 - $84 |
| Total Cost for Virginia Residents per Credit |
$773.50 - $832.50 |
| Total Cost for Non-Virginia Residents per Credit |
$979.50 - $1,038.50 |
| Total cost for VA Resident and PK-12 VA Educator enrolled in a CEHD graduate program* |
$660.50 - $719.50 |
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): $159.50
**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.
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.
Academic Advisor
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.
Literacy Program
Thompson Hall, Suite 1500
4400 University Drive, MS 4B3
Fairfax, Virginia 22030
Phone: 703-993-7611
Fax: 703-993-5300
Jennifer Hathaway
Academic Program Coordinator
Allison Parsons
Jennifer Drake Patrick