Reading Specialist

Follow Us!

Upon completion of our 24-credit program, you will be eligible to become a certified reading specialist in Pennsylvania. In order to obtain certification, graduates must pass the Praxis exam. Our program can be completed in 18 months. You will study writing theories, literacy theories, literacy assessment and intervention and will have the opportunity in the Â鶹ֱ²¥ Reading Clinic.

Accelerate your Career with a Master's Degree

In pursuing the Reading Specialist Certificate, you will have the option to further advance in your studies through the M.S.Ed. Reading and Literacy Education program by taking 4 additional courses, which can provide additional financial aid opportunities!

M.S Ed. in Reading and Literacy Education

Program Information

Upon completion of this 24-credit program and passing the Praxis exam, you will be eligible for a K-12 Reading Specialist Certification.

Degree

Certificate

School

School of Education

Academic Department

Instruction and Leadership in Education

Duration

1.5-year

Required Credit Hours

24

Graduate student with K12 reading clinic learner in reading room engaging in guided individualized lesson

Hands-On Experience

As a graduate student in our program, you will have the opportunity to work in our Reading Clinic on campus. You will have hands-on experience with K-12 reading in the tri-state region along side faculty who develop individualized and group instruction, tailored to each student's age and unique needs.

Our Curriculum

Core and elective courses include:

  • GRLA 520 Introduction to Literacy Theories
  • GRLA 525 Theories, Models, and Instruction of Writing
  • GRLA 526 Literacy Development and Instruction
  • GRLA 635 The Role of Literacy Leaders
  • GRLA 529 Disciplinary Literacy
  • GRLA 620 Literacy Assessment and Intervention
  • GRLA 630 Seminar in Literacy
  • GRLA 628 Reading Clinic Experience

Great Education, Great Value

PDECertification

Upon completion of our 24-credit program and passing the Praxis exam, you will be eligible for a K-12 Reading Specialist Certification through the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE).

Photo of School of Education teacher in curriculum center with puppets in foreground and bookshelves in background

Curriculum Center

Access a rich and diverse variety of literacy and developmental resources for young learners through the library's Curriculum Center - a collection of PreK-12 educational resources designed for our campus community that works with children.

1.5Years

You can complete our specialist program in just 1.5 years. We offer focused coursework and hands-on field experiences to equip you to make an impact.

Application Process

Bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA*

*Applicants are customarily expected to have a 3.0 grade point average, based on a four-point scale, in their undergraduate work. However, exceptions may be granted on a limited basis, in which there is substantial additional evidence of a student's academic competency.

International Applicants

TOEFL/IELTS

Â鶹ֱ²¥ requires submission of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Duolingo English Test (DET) scores for all non-native English-speaking applicants who attended a university outside of the United States..

Transcript Credit Evaluation

If your transcript(s) is from an institution located outside of the United States, you must use a transcript credential evaluation service to obtain a course-by-course report.

The official reports must be sent directly to Â鶹ֱ²¥ from the organization you order through and will qualify as official transcripts.

You may use the following services to request official foreign credential evaluations: or .

Visit International Admissions for additional information and requirements.

Rolling Admissions

Our Reading Specialist Certificate program has a rolling admissions process with entry into the program in summer and fall semesters. This means you can apply at any point during the year.

Required Documents

  • Official transcripts
    • International applicants, please see the Transcript Credential Evaluation section in the Admission Requirements section above
  • Essay 
    • Please include an essay that addresses the following questions:
      • What does being a graduate student mean to you?

      • How do you plan to balance life, work and earning a graduate degree in reading and literacy education?

      • Our program provides completers the opportunity to apply for Reading Specialists Certification in Pennsylvania (PK-12). How will learning about developmental stages other than the one in which you teach make you a stronger reading teacher?
      • Why do you believe you and your students would benefit from you earning a Reading Specialist Certificate?

Process

Send official application materials to:

OR

  • Â鶹ֱ²¥
    Office of Graduate Admissions
    600 Forbes Avenue
    Pittsburgh, PA 15282

Our Faculty Experts

Carla Meyer

Carla Meyer

Program Director | Associate Professor

Valerie Gresser

Valerie Gresser

Clinical Assistant Professor

Kelsey R. Jones-Greer

Kelsey R. Jones-Greer

Instructor of Reading and Literacy Education

It's Time for Bigger Goals

 
Three graduate students conversing on campus with books and laptop and ring monument in background

Apply Today!

Learn about admission requirements and the application process

Admission & Aid
Graduate students sitting around table listening to lecture

Graduate Programs

Make in impact as a teacher, administrator school psychologist, counselor, and educator with our graduate programs and certificates.

Explore Your Options

Contact Us

Reading and Literacy Education

Aiko Yamada Mancini

Program Manager

Headshot of Aiko Mancini