Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Advanced Studies – Literacy Specialization

Become a More Marketable Reading and Writing Instructor

Given the emphasis on raising reading test scores, the focus on early reading has never been greater. To meet the challenge, educators need to build practical skills, access the latest relevant learning theories and research, and gain hands-on experience applying them to help children more successfully learn to read and write. The Literacy Specialization available through John Carroll University’s Master of Education (M. Ed.) in Advanced Studies program integrates online and other flexible learning options with teacher field work – a winning combination for experienced educators looking to advance their careers.

Grow Your Skills as a Literacy Instructor

The M. Ed. in Advanced Studies – Literacy Specialization is designed to significantly improve teachers’ instruction skills in early reading and writing. Students gain an understanding of how reading and writing are learned in cognitive, neurological, social, and cultural terms. They also learn how to administer, score, and analyze results from multi-factored reading assessments and use this data to help struggling readers improve.

A Great Program Option for Working Professionals

With a significant portion of the courses offered online and the opportunity to complete field work through their current teaching position, the program provides the flexibility full-time educators need to pursue a master’s degree on a schedule that meets their needs. This program also opens additional career options, including become reading or intervention specialists.

The program consists of a minimum of 30 semester hours for degree completion including a combination of core education courses, a specialized sequence of courses, and electives. A Master of Arts course of study which includes a thesis is also available.

Accreditation

Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Ohio Department of Higher Education

An Efficient Master’s Degree Option

The M. Ed. in Advanced Studies – Literacy Specialization program requires just 30 course hours and can be completed in as little as 4 semesters.

Gain the Advantage of the Ohio Reading Endorsement

Completion of the programs qualifies students for the Ohio Reading Endorsement—a valuable differentiator that helps educators stand out from other applicants when pursuing a teaching position, especially in competitive districts.

A Growing Demand for Teachers

5% annual employment growth is projected for all teachers combined through 2028.

Earn More as An Educator

According to the National Council on Teacher Quality, a teacher can earn an additional $10,000 per year or more for holding a master's degree.

Ohio Teachers Among the Nation’s Top Paid

Ohio ranks in the top 5 states for elementary, middle school, and high school teacher salaries. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Why John Carroll for Education?

The M. Ed. in Advanced Studies – Literacy Specialization consists of 30 hours of coursework that can be completed in as few as 4 semesters. The curriculum includes a combination of core education courses, a specialized sequence of courses, electives, and required field work. All courses are offered online in an asynchronous format that enables students to view lectures and complete online coursework when it is most convenient for them.

The program also includes four-course concentration in teaching reading, which qualifies students for the Ohio Reading Endorsement. A Master of Arts course of study that includes a thesis is also available.

View Program Courses

John Carroll University is a private, Jesuit Catholic University located in Cleveland with a long tradition of training exceptional educators. JCU proudly welcomes students of all backgrounds.

JCU has been ranked #2 on U.S. News and World Report’s list of Best Regional Universities Midwest and been named a Best College Value by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance.

Through the M. Ed. in Advanced Studies – Literacy Specialization program, you will have opportunities to network and engage with other education professionals in a dynamic learning environment.

“Students in our program learn theory, assessment, and curriculum design—and they put it all together in a hands-on mentored practicum where they design and evaluate their own reading intervention for a small group of struggling readers. It’s a powerful combination.”

Dr. Dan Reynolds, Graduate Program Director and Associate Professor

JCU offers an affordable tuition rate reflecting our commitment to educators. This rate is competitive with other Northeast Ohio institutions. Tuition scholarships and a limited number of graduate assistantships that provide a partial tuition waiver are also available.

More information regarding the total cost of attendance can be found here.

Curriculum Highlights

ED 5571 Literacy Curriculum and Social Justice

An advanced study of English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum design, engaging in critical analysis and construction of K-12 ELA curriculum. Considers text selection and literacy pedagogies in practice through a social justice lens. Readings and concepts draw from ELA curriculum design fundamentals as well as current theory and practice in literacy teacher journals.

ED 5580 Literacy Internship

Provides an opportunity to apply diagnostic techniques and intervention strategies in the clinic setting under the supervision of faculty. Facilitates a richer understanding of the teaching-learning process. Tutorials include those designed to enhance teaching skills and the ability to articulate professional judgments to various audiences.

ED 5550 Literacy Perspectives

Literacy development from historical, educational, and individual learning perspectives. Changes in the definition of literacy in response to social and economic needs. Theoretical frameworks of literacy acquisition and development, and literacy as a social and cultural invention.