Concentration in Literacy Leadership for Diverse Schools (LLDS)
Program Summary
75% Online
Credits: 33 total
Degree: LLDS
College/School: College of Education and Human Development
Start Date: 8/25/2025
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Program Description
The Literacy Leadership for Diverse Schools concentration is designed for teachers who would like to earn a master’s degree as they develop the expertise needed to serve as literacy leaders. Coursework helps teachers develop an in-depth understanding of literacy development across the lifespan, instructional and assessment strategies for individuals and groups of students, along with preparation as a Reading Specialist. There are also opportunities to develop more specialized knowledge to address the needs of diverse learners, including English learners or students served through Special Education programs. This concentration can lead to eligibility for the K-12 Reading Specialist license in Virginia.
Concentrations
- Literacy Leadership for Diverse Schools: K-12 Reading Specialist
Career Opportunities
Your studies will provide you with a strong foundation in literacy instruction and will develop your literacy leadership and coaching skills. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to focus on the knowledge and abilities needed to begin making a profound difference in the reading, writing, and language development of diverse learners.
Graduates of this program often find positions as reading specialists or literacy coaches in schools all over the state of Virginia. Key employers include public schools in Fairfax, Prince William, Falls Church, Loudoun, Arlington, Alexandria, Manassas City, Manassas Park, Stafford, Spotsylvania, and DC.
As a Mason student, you may contact the George Mason Career Services center for more career information and counseling.
Further Studies
The diverse learner courses required for a MEd in Literacy Leadership for Diverse Schools can also help satisfy state requirements for an additional license in Special Education or English as a Second Language.
Literacy is also available as a specialization or secondary emphasis in the Ph.D. in Education program.
Courses
Program requirements are subject to change; please refer to the Mason Course Catalog for the most up-to-date requirements.
Details
Who should apply?
This 33-credit program is designed for teachers with at least one year of teaching experience who would like to earn a master’s degree while also becoming eligible for the K-12 Reading Specialist license. Additional state requirements for the license beyond the master’s degree include having an initial teaching license, earning a satisfactory score on the Reading for Virginia Educators: Reading Specialist exam, and having at least three years of teaching experience under contract.
If you already have a master’s degree and are interested in completing coursework for eligibility as a K-12 Reading Specialist, please consider the Literacy: K-12 Reading Specialist, Graduate Certificate program.
Tuition
Please refer to the Students Accounts Office website for more information on tuition and fees. Internship courses will incur a higher CEHD course fee to fund on-site assistance involving intensive clinical training/supervision.
Financial Aid
For information on loans and scholarships, visit the Office of Student Financial Aid. For information regarding grants, tuition waivers and other merit aid, please inquire with your graduate department. Also, many school districts offer tuition reimbursement options. Speak to your employer for more information.
Why choose George Mason?
- Mason’s literacy program has been a “Nationally Recognized” program by the International Literacy Association since 2003.
- This program can be pursued on a part-time basis and completed in three years or less.
- Several fully online and hybrid online course options are available to reduce the number of required in-person meetings and allow for flexibility in your schedule.
- Face-to-face courses are offered in the late afternoons or evenings and at all three Mason campuses – Fairfax, Arlington, and Science & Technology in Manassas – to fit best into your schedule and nearest your location.
- For an early start on the program, any student accepted for Fall admission is eligible to begin taking courses in the preceding Summer semester.
- Successful completion of this program leads to a Master of Education and eligibility for licensure in Virginia as a K-12 Reading Specialist.
Ready to Apply?
All applicants should review the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) Admissions page. For international applicants, see guidelines for International Graduate Requirements.
Apply for Fall or Spring only. Any student accepted for Fall admission is eligible to take a course in the preceding summer if a required course is available.
Prerequisites
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree from a US institution that is accredited by one of the organizations found here
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 hours of study (Some applicants with a lower GPA may be admitted provisionally if there is sufficient evidence of potential success)
- One year of documented, successful teaching or related educational experience
Application Materials
- Graduate application
- Application fee
- Goals statement (750-1000 words) describing your academic and career goals related to the program that demonstrates basic writing skills
- Sealed official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended (applicants do not need to send in transcripts for courses taken at George Mason University)
- Two letters of recommendation from professional references targeting applicant’s teaching skills and academic abilities
If you have any questions during the application process, please contact the CEHD Admissions Office at [email protected] or (703) 993-2010.
Apply Now
Contact
Program Advisor
Jennifer I. Hathaway
Phone: (703) 993-5789
Email: [email protected]
Academic Program Office Literacy and Reading
Graduate School of Education
Phone: (703) 993-7611
Email: [email protected]
Program Website:
Concentration in Literacy Leadership for Diverse Schools (LLDS)
