/PublishingImages/coe-program-reading-specialist-ma-med.jpg
RandomStandardImageHeaderWH1
Cultivate the foundational skill of reading
The Reading Specialist MA/MEd is designed for practicing educators who are preparing to assume leadership roles in school systems. With a deep understanding of diverse student needs and the nature of reading difficulties, you’ll shape and promote schoolwide reading policies, provide staff with professional development, and improve curricula and programs at the school and district levels. If you are already a licensed teacher, you also have the option to add a Reading Specialist endorsement to your Illinois Teaching License (PEL).
The program can be completed in two to three years. Courses take place on DePaul’s Lincoln Park Campus.
Request More InfoAdmission EventsApply
Connect with Chicago’s young learners
The Reading Specialist MA/MEd maintains a particular focus on literacy issues concerning students in urban environments. You’ll have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in our Education and Counseling Center, where you will work with Chicago children and teens with identified reading difficulties. You will work closely with the children to implement instruction, monitor their progress and build reports for parents.
Application Deadlines
Students are admitted in the fall, winter and summer quarters. Application deadlines are as follows:
- Fall: August 15
- Winter: December 1
- Summer: May 1
Admission Requirements
Submit an online application, letter of recommendation, résumé, official transcripts, a copy of your state teaching license and evidence of at least one year of teaching experience.
Learn More
Required Courses
You’ll take three social and cultural studies courses, five core courses, two leadership courses and three practicum courses. You’ll also complete a thesis or capstone project.
Learn More
100%
of Reading Specialist graduates were employed, continuing their education or pursuing other goals within six months of graduation.
$52k
The reported median salary for master's graduates from the College of Education was $52,000.
Lifelong connections to school systems
You’ll learn from faculty members like Associate Professor Beverly Trezek, who worked as a special education teacher in public schools for 12 years. Trezek serves as a literacy intervention consultant to local public schools and nationwide programs. Her research focuses on literacy instruction and the role that phonemic awareness and phonics play in developing literacy skills for deaf and hard-of-hearing students.
“As both a world language teacher and an instructional coach, I use my graduate education from DePaul on a daily basis. DePaul also helped me build a network of professional contacts that have led me to incredible opportunities for research and collaboration.”
Rachel (’13)
Teacher and Instructional Coach, Evanston Township High School
Alumni Network
The College of Education provides its alumni network with professional development workshops and other useful resources. Over 122,500 of DePaul’s 195,500 alumni still reside in the Chicago area, creating even more opportunities for you to meet new people.
Scholarships
Graduate school is an investment in your future. Learn more about the financial aid and scholarship opportunities available to you.
Learn More
Contact Information
For more information about applying, contact The Office of Graduate Admissions for DePaul’s College of Education at
(773) 325-4405 or
edgradadmissions@depaul.edu.
Take the next step
We’ll send you information about the degree, admission requirements and upcoming info sessions. Let’s get started.
If the form fails to load or displays incorrectly,
click here to fill out an alternate form.