Concordia University Chicago's master of arts in reading education program provides a theoretical and practical framework for literacy instruction and assessment within an emphasis on current research. The program also provides candidates the opportunity to receive a rigorous, high quality educational program that encourages the development of skills and competencies that will be needed throughout the candidates’ professional career as a reading specialist or literacy coach.
The Reading program is nationally accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) to prepare candidates for Reading Specialist/Literacy Coach credentials. Upon successful completion of the ten required courses and the Illinois 176 Specialty Test, candidates are eligible for the IL Type 10 certificate, enabling them to work in a reading professional role in early childhood, elementary, middle, and secondary school settings.
To be eligible for the Illinois Standard Special Certificate in reading (K-12) Type 10, students must meet the following requirements:
An examination of the factors involved in the beginning literacy process. Focus on current theory and research relating to issues in literacy development in grades K-3.
Principles, practices and problems in elementary school reading programs. Emphasis on application of current theory and research. Prerequisite: Undergraduate course in reading instruction or permission of instructor.
Causes and types of reading retardation, procedures for working with problem readers, experiences in administering and interpreting standardized and informal tests Prerequisite:EDU-6210 or equivalent.
Focus on current research relating to common reading problems and their correction. Prerequisite: EDU-6225.
The reading process; selection and evaluation of classroom materials; and assessment of students. Prerequisite: Admission to the College of Education.
Field experiences in reading program selection, implementation, supervision and evaluation. Ordinarily, this should be the final course in the program. This course should be taken near the end of the program. Prerequisite: EDU-6226.
Application of remedial techniques in a supervised, clinical situation. Prerequisite: EDU-6295. Limited to graduate students with a minimum of one-year teaching experience or consent of department chair.
Linguistic factors that influence the reading process, language acquisition, components of written discourse, bilingual education, the language arts and learning theory related to language. Implications for reading instruction based on current theory and research.
Examination of selected research in children’s literature. In-depth study into children’s literature. Research and implications for instruction.
The role of the reading professional in program development, implementation, supervision and assessment. Focus on ethics, censorship and vocation from a Christian perspective.
This culminating project highlights the candidate’s mastery of content throughout their studies. Capstones are traditionally a summary of work demonstrating overall growth and specific understandings of the professional standards. The capstone serves as a performance-based evaluation and promotes reflective practice. It also demonstrates the professional’s proficiency in integrating technology and their ability to interpret theory into practice.
The master of arts reading specialist program is designed to prepare certified teachers for reading specialist certification (K-12). This program will enable candidates to:
Candidates are required to complete a ten-course program of study in reading for a total of 30 graduate credit hours, including practicum experiences at both the elementary and intermediate/upper level. These requirements and experiences will support the candidate to:
To be eligible to receive this master of arts degree, students must complete 30 credit hours of coursework as well as the capstone experience, all of which are detailed below.
This program is offered in a traditional, cohort, face-to-face setting in a variety of locations and is typically completed in two years.
Classes meet at the cohort location one night per week from 4:45-8:45 p.m. Candidates take one class at a time for 8-week terms during the autumn and spring semesters and the summer session, with the exception of Practicum I which requires doubling up with another course.
Our distinctive cohort system encourages you to foster lifelong professional relationships and worthwhile friendships. You will complete the program one class at a time, according to your cohort template sequence with your group. This collaborative environment facilitates learning and reinforces achievement. In addition, we offer occasional networking opportunities for our graduates, encouraging them to interact with other cohorts, educational professionals and alumni.
Our nationally accredited program is built on the International Reading Association’s Standards for Reading Professionals. Therefore, our engaging classroom activities and discussions are supplemented with ample fieldwork. Interactive group and individual projects encourage candidates to hone their skills as future reading specialists and literacy coaches in a supported environment.
A master’s capstone is required for all master of arts in reading education candidates. This culminating project highlights the candidate’s mastery of content throughout his or her studies. Capstones are traditionally a summary of work demonstrating overall growth and specific understandings of the professional standards. The capstone serves as a performance-based evaluation and promotes reflective practice. It also demonstrates the professional’s proficiency in integrating technology and his or her ability to interpret theory into practice.
Concordia University Chicago's master of arts in reading education is nationally recognized by International Reading Association (IRA) standards through NCATE (National Council for Teacher Education) program review process.
Concordia-Chicago’s education programs received their first recognition by NCATE in 1962 and the colleges in which they are housed have been continually accredited since that time. The recognition is a highly sought distinction of excellence granted to select few programs across the country that meet the national accrediting body’s highest and most rigorous standards for the preparation of educational leaders.
Students should apply online here.
In addition to the online application, students must submit an objective statement, all academic transcripts, copies of teaching certificates, two years of lead teaching experience, two letters of recommendation and a professional résumé.
Full admission requirements for the master of arts degree program are available here.
No. Concordia University Chicago does not require a GRE score for admission.
Applicants who possess a cumulative grade point average of 2.84 or lower or who have earned a master’s degree with a GPA lower than 3.0 may receive provisional or probationary admission. Please see the admission requirements for a full description.
International students must meet all standards for the program they wish to enter, as well as fulfill additional requirements covering English, transcripts, health issues and financial support, as detailed here.
Students do not need to be admitted to their degree program in order to register for their initial semester. Students may be placed on Pending Status until all required documentation has been received and may attend classes for one semester. Pending Status status does not apply to international students.
Classes meet at the cohort location one night per week from 4:45-8:45 p.m., unless otherwise noted. The Practicum course may begin at 4 p.m. Candidates take one class at a time for 8-week terms during the autumn and spring semesters and the summer session, with the exception of Practicum I which requires doubling up with another course.
Five years.
Undergraduate courses will not count toward your master of arts degree. Graduate courses from another school will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by our graduate admission staff.
Payment is due before the start of each course.
Yes. Our financial aid advisors will be happy to discuss your options and go over the application process with you. Contact one of our advisors for more information or see our Steps for Graduate Students to Apply for Financial Aid.
Graduate students should contact Ethan Muench (Ethan.Muench@CUChicago.edu, 708-209-3234).
Currently there are no university scholarships available for students in master of arts degree programs. Students are sometimes able to obtain scholarships from an outside party.
No. Online students will complete all coursework and discussions through Blackboard, which is a web-based program that includes file posting, discussion boards, a calendar and grade posting, among other tools.
Students should be able to use whatever home computer they already own, whether a Mac or PC. You do not need to purchase a specific type of computer.
Students with technology problems or questions should call CougarNet. CougarNet is a collective group of technology services on Concordia University Chicago’s campus serving faculty, staff, and both residential, off-campus and online students. Contact the CougarNet Helpdesk at 708-209-3131 if you need personal assistance.