Reading Specialization, M.S.
Program Director: Ellen Koitz, Ed.D. koitz@hood.edu; 301-696-3466
The Master of Science in Reading Specialization degree program provides the understanding and competencies necessary for the reading specialist certificate. Open to certificated teachers who will have three or more years of teaching experience by the time the Master of Science degree is conferred, it is directed to the reading needs of all school children (K-12). A supervised experience in a reading clinic is the capstone to a course sequence that provides both breadth and depth in reading specialization. Graduation from this program leads to Maryland certification as a reading specialist.
Application Requirements
Submit the online application including one official transcript reflecting the highest degree conferred and a copy of the applicant's teaching certificate. Qualified applicants will be contacted for an interview with the program director of the M.S. in Reading Specialization program. Program expectations and requirements are explained to the applicant at this time. In addition, applicants must produce an acceptable writing sample during the interview process.
For additional admission information, see Graduate Admission.
Professional Education Core Courses
1. Maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade point average in the following three required courses:
| EDUC 502 | Technology for Teaching, Learning & Leadership | 3.0 |
| EDUC 577 | Introduction to Educational Research | 3.0 |
| EDUC 582 | Educational Philosophy in a Diverse Society | 3.0 |
2. Show evidence of taking a Processes and Acquisition of Reading course as an undergraduate or through an in-service course.
3. Show evidence of completion of at least 3 credits of Special Education coursework as required by the Maryland State Department of Education.
This should be indicated in the Ancillary Credits section of the teaching certificate. If the teaching certificate does not indicate that 3 credits of special education coursework has been taken, then the applicant will be required to complete
EDUC 561,
EDUC 571 or
EDUC 573 at some point during the degree process.
Reading Specialization Courses
1. Maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade point average in the following courses:
| EDUC 517 | Materials for Teaching Reading: Instruction & Methods | 3.0 |
| EDUC 518 | Reading Instruction: Elementary | 3.0 |
| EDUC 519 | Reading Instruction: Secondary | 3.0 |
| EDUC 520 | Reading Diagnosis | 3.0 |
| EDUC 529 | Literacy Leadership | 3.0 |
Students may apply any of the EDUC 599LETRS courses not already applied to program requirements, to replace
EDUC 518.
2. Pass comprehensive examination and maintain a 3.0 grade point average in:
| EDUC 523 | Reading Diagnosis & Prescription: Clinical | 3.0 |
Capstone Courses
1. Maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade point average in:
| EDUC 521 | Contemporary Issues in the Teaching of Reading | 3.0 |
| EDUC 524 | Advanced Clinical Reading Experiences: Elementary | 3.0 |
| EDUC 525 | Advanced Clinical Reading Experiences: Secondary | 3.0 |
2. Successful evaluation from the lead teachers and director of the practicum courses.
3. An Exit Folio is required.
Program Completion
Program completion in the M.S. in Reading Specialization program will complete the following activities:
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Receive a distinguished or proficient rating on the exit folio.
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Program Evaluation Survey at the completion of the exit folio requirement.
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Program Survey one year after program completion.