Master of Education in Literacy Education, Concentration in K-12 Literacy Instruction (non-licensure)
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- 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
This concentration of the MEd in Literacy Education is designed for educators interested in making a profound difference in the literacy development of the K-12 students they teach.
Students will develop additional expertise in scientifically-based literacy research and evidence-based K-12 classroom literacy instruction and assessment along with an understanding of the literacy development and unique learning needs of K-12 students. Courses combine current research and theory with practical, hands-on experience.
Applicants should have at least one year of teaching experience in PreK-12 classrooms or more informal settings. This concentration does not provide eligibility for the K-12 Reading Specialist endorsement in Virginia. However, some elective coursework may be applied toward a secondary graduate certificate within the College of Education and Human Development and may lead to other licensure endorsements.
Required Courses (16 credits)
- EDRD 640: Trajectory of Literacy Research (2 credits)
- EDRD 641: Trends and Issues in Literacy (2 credits)
- EDRD 642: Foundations of Literacy Instruction: Code-Based Skills (3 credits)
- EDRD 643: Foundations of Literacy Instruction: Meaning-Based Skills (3 credits)
- EDRD 644: Literacy Assessment and Intervention (3 credits)*
- EDRD 645: Supervised Literacy Practicum (3 credits)*
*EDRD 644 and EDRD 645 must be taken concurrently.
Sequence of literacy courses may vary depending on program format. Students must earn a B- or higher in all required courses.
Concentration in K-12 Literacy Instruction (non-licensure) (14 credits)
Coursework
Select 14 credits from the following (including at least 9 credits of EDRD courses):*
- EDAT 510: Introduction to Assistive Technology (3 credits)
- EDAT 524: Universal Design for Learning (3 credits)
- EDCI 621: Introduction to Gifted and Talented Learners (3 credits)
- EDCI 622: Curriculum and Instructional Strategies for Gifted Learners (3 credits)
- EDCI 623: Supporting the Social Emotional Needs of Gifted Learners (3 credits)
- EDCI 630: Supporting English Learners in PK-12 Schools (3 credits)
- EDRD 624: Teaching with Texts in K-8 Classrooms (3 credits)
- EDRD 625: Integrating Literacy and Technology for K-12 Learners (3 credits)
- EDRD 626: Writing Development and Instruction for K-12 Learners (3 credits)
- EDRD 627: Comprehension and Vocabulary Development for K-12 Learners (3 credits)
- EDRD 628: Word Analysis: Phonics, Vocabulary, and Spelling for K-12 Learners (3 credits)
- EDRD 646: School-Based Leadership in Literacy (3 credits)
- EDRD 647: Introduction to Literacy Coaching (2 credits)
*Check course descriptions for prerequisites. Students may choose an alternate elective with advisor approval.
Total Credits: 30
Many of the elective courses (or others taken with advisor approval) can be applied to secondary graduate certificates within the College of Education and Human Development including Assistive Technology; Education Assessment, Evaluation, and Data Literacy; Gifted Education; Add-On Endorsement in Special Education, General Curriculum; Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) for PK-12 Practitioners. Some of these certificates can lead to additional license endorsements. Interested students should speak with their advisor about these opportunities.
Literacy Program
Thompson Hall, Suite 1500
4400 University Drive, MS 4B3
Fairfax, Virginia 22030
Phone: 703-993-7611
Fax: 703-993-5300
Email: literacy@gmu.edu



