Reading Specialist (M.Ed.)
Important: This degree plan is effective for those starting this degree program in fall 2026 through summer 2027. This degree plan will remain in effect for students who do not break enrollment or who do not change degree programs, concentrations, or cognates.
Before students begin this program, they must hold a current initial teaching license and the accompanying two years of experience with that license in which the teaching of reading was an important responsibility. If the initial teaching license is not from Virginia, a Virginia initial teaching license must be obtained during the program. After completion of the required program coursework (including internship), the passing of licensure tests, and a third year of experience, the graduate of this program would be eligible for adding the VA state licensure endorsement. Please refer to www.liberty.edu/advisingguide
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Program Courses | ||
| Advanced Education Courses | ||
| EDAS 641 | Supervision of Instruction | 3 |
| EDAS 645 | Foundations for Educational Leaders | 3 |
| EDUC 518 | Educational Research and Assessment | 3 |
| EDUC 622 | Educational Assessment and Intervention | 3 |
| EDUC 672 | Curriculum Development (Elementary/Secondary) | 3 |
| Reading Specialist Courses | ||
| EDLC 651 | Language and Literacy for Diverse Populations | 3 |
| EDLC 656 | Literacy Across the Curriculum | 3 |
| EDRS 650 | School Based Literacy Leadership | 3 |
| EDRS 652 | Trends and Inquiry for the Reading Specialist | 3 |
| EDRS 659 | Foundation and Theories of Literacy Instruction | 3 |
| EDUC 669 | Literacy for Middle Level Learners | 3 |
| Gate Courses | ||
| EDGT 601 | School of Education Gate 1 – Graduate Advanced Licensure | 0 |
| or EDGT 616 | School of Education Gate 1 - Graduate Advanced Licensure - Opt Out | |
| EDGT 602 | School of Education Gate 2 – Graduate Advanced Licensure | 0 |
| or EDGT 626 | School of Education Gate 2 - Graduate Advanced Licensure - Opt Out | |
| EDGT 603 | School of Education Gate 3 – Graduate Advanced Licensure 1 | 0 |
| Field Experience Courses | ||
| EDRS 688 | Reading Specialist Practicum 2,3 | 0 |
| EDRS 699 | Internship-Reading Specialist 2,3 | 3 |
| Total Hours | 36 | |
- 1
Passing score for Praxis Reading Specialist Assessment required.
- 2
Background check clearance required.
- 3
Field experience required.
All applicable prerequisites must be met
Graduation Requirements
- Complete 36 hours
- A maximum of 50% of the program hours may be transferred if approved and allowable, including credit from an earned degree from Liberty University on the same academic level
- 3.0 GPA
- No more than two grades of C may be applied to the degree (includes grades of C+ & C-)
- No grade of D or below may be applied to the degree (includes grades of D+ & D-)
- Degree must be completed within 5 years
- Submission of Degree Completion Application must be completed within the last semester of a student's anticipated graduation date
Program Offered in Online Format
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| First Semester | Hours | |
| EDAS 641 | Supervision of Instruction | 3 |
| EDGT 601 or EDGT 616 | School of Education Gate 1 – Graduate Advanced Licensure or School of Education Gate 1 - Graduate Advanced Licensure - Opt Out | 0 |
| EDLC 656 | Literacy Across the Curriculum | 3 |
| EDUC 518 | Educational Research and Assessment | 3 |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| EDAS 645 | Foundations for Educational Leaders | 3 |
| EDGT 602 or EDGT 626 | School of Education Gate 2 – Graduate Advanced Licensure or School of Education Gate 2 - Graduate Advanced Licensure - Opt Out | 0 |
| EDUC 622 | Educational Assessment and Intervention | 3 |
| EDUC 672 | Curriculum Development (Elementary/Secondary) | 3 |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Third Semester | ||
| EDLC 651 | Language and Literacy for Diverse Populations | 3 |
| EDRS 659 | Foundation and Theories of Literacy Instruction | 3 |
| EDRS 688 | Reading Specialist Practicum | 0 |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fourth Semester | ||
| EDGT 603 | School of Education Gate 3 – Graduate Advanced Licensure | 0 |
| EDRS 652 | Trends and Inquiry for the Reading Specialist | 3 |
| EDUC 669 | Literacy for Middle Level Learners | 3 |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Fifth Semester | ||
| EDRS 650 | School Based Literacy Leadership | 3 |
| EDRS 699 | Internship-Reading Specialist | 3 |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Total Hours | 36 | |