Master of Education in Literacy Education, Concentration in K-12 Literacy Instruction (non-licensure)
Program Summary
100% Online
Credits: 30 total
Degree:
College/School: College of Education and Human Development
Start Date: 8/25/25
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Program Description
Students will develop additional expertise in scientifically-based literacy research and evidence-based K-12 classroom literacy instruction and assessment along with an understanding of the literacy development and unique learning needs of K-12 students. Courses combine current research and theory with practical, hands-on experience.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this degree program work in a variety of settings. Most choose to remain in their classrooms and apply what they’ve learn to support their students’ literacy development there. Others move into resource positions including:
- classroom teachers of literacy
- reading interventionists
- reading teachers
- private literacy tutors
Courses
Required Courses (16 credits)
- EDRD 640: Trajectory of Literacy Research (2 credits)
- EDRD 641: Trends and Issues in Literacy (2 credits)
- EDRD 642: Foundations of Literacy Instruction: Code-Based Skills (3 credits)
- EDRD 643: Foundations of Literacy Instruction: Meaning-Based Skills (3 credits)
- EDRD 644: Literacy Assessment and Intervention (3 credits)*
- EDRD 645: Supervised Literacy Practicum (3 credits)*
*EDRD 644 and EDRD 645 must be taken concurrently.
Sequence of literacy courses may vary depending on program format. Students must earn a B- or higher in all required courses.
Concentration in K-12 Literacy Instruction (non-licensure) (14 credits)
Coursework
Select 14 credits from the following (including at least 9 credits of EDRD courses):*
- EDAT 510: Introduction to Assistive Technology (3 credits)
- EDAT 524: Universal Design for Learning (3 credits)
- EDCI 510: Linguistics for PreK-12 ESOL Teachers (3 credits)
- EDCI 516: Bilingualism and Language Acquisition Research (3 credits)
- EDCI 519: Methods of Teaching Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Learners (3 credits)
- EDCI 621: Introduction to Gifted and Talented Learners (3 credits)
- EDCI 622: Curriculum and Instructional Strategies for Gifted Learners (3 credits)
- EDCI 623: Supporting the Social Emotional Needs of Gifted Learners (3 credits)
- EDCI 630: Supporting English Learners in PK-12 Schools (3 credits)
- EDRD 625: Integrating Literacy and Technology for K-12 Learners (3 credits)
- EDRD 626: Writing Development and Instruction for K-12 Learners (3 credits)
- EDRD 627: Comprehension and Vocabulary Development for K-12 Learners (3 credits)
- EDRD 628: Word Analysis: Phonics, Vocabulary, and Spelling for K-12 Learners (3 credits)
- EDRD 646: School-Based Leadership in Literacy (3 credits)
- EDRD 647: Introduction to Literacy Coaching (2 credits)
- EDSE 501: Introduction to Special Education (3 credits)
- EDSE 502: Classroom Management and Individualized Behavior Supports (3 credits)
- EDSE 517: Computer Applications for Special Populations (3 credits)
- EDSE 540: Characteristics of Students with Disabilities who Access the General Curriculum (3 credits)
- EDSE 619: Principles and Procedures of Behavior Analysis (3 credits)
- EDUC 537: Introduction to Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Learners (3 credits)
- SEED 502: Young Adult Literature in Multicultural Settings (3 credits)
- SEED 509: Perspectives on Extraordinary Teaching (3 credits)
*Check course descriptions for prerequisites. Students may choose an alternate elective with advisor approval.
Program requirements for the online master’s in learning design program at Mason are subject to change.
New to online learning? Visit our Online Learning Tips and Strategies page to learn more about what to expect and how to succeed in an online course at George Mason.
Details
Who should apply?
This concentration of the MEd in Literacy Education is designed for educators interested in making a profound difference in the literacy development of the K-12 students they teach.
Why choose George Mason?
- Mason’s literacy program has been a “Nationally Recognized” program by the International Literacy Association since 2003.
- This 30-credit degree program is offered on both a full or part-time basis and can be completed in as few as 4 semesters (including fall, spring, and summer)
- To meet students’ learning preferences and needs, the program is offered in fully online or blended formats.
- In the fall and spring, 3-credit hour courses meet one time each week in the early evening, while summer classes meet 2 to 3 times per week. Literacy courses are offered at Mason’s Fairfax, Mason Square (Arlington), and Science and Technology (Manassas) campuses as well as other sites across Northern Virginia, allowing you to choose the cohort location that is most convenient for you.
Tuition and Fee Structure
The cost for this program is $748.50 per credit hour for VA state residents, $948.50 per credit hour for Non-VA residents. There is a 15% PreK-12 VA Educators Discount available for VA state residents who are eligible and apply. All of Mason’s tuition rates and fees can be found on our Student Accounts site.
Ready to Apply?
Application Requirements
All application materials must be submitted through George Mason’s online graduate application. In addition to meeting general university admissions requirements, applicants will need to provide the requirements below.
To be considered for graduate studies, the following items are evaluated during the admission review process:
- Graduate application and fee
- 750- to 1,000-word written statement of your goals and interest in the program
- Current resume
- Two letters of recommendation: Applicants should follow the instructions included in the online application to submit the recommendation forms directly to their recommenders. Mason does not accept paper recommendations. Recommendations should be professional or academic in nature.
- Transcripts from all previous institutions attended in the United States. Please refer to the Office of Graduate Admissions information page for specific requirements regarding uploading unofficial transcripts.
- Applicants with transcripts from institutions outside of the United States could have additional requirements. Please refer to the How To Apply page for specific requirements about submitting international transcripts, evaluations, and English language proficiency.
Admissions Requirements
- An earned baccalaureate and/or graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education, or international equivalent, verified from official transcripts. Expectation of an earned baccalaureate and/or graduate degree prior to the first day of classes for the term for which the student is applying will also meet this requirement. See the admissions policy here for information.
- A minimum 3.00 GPA on a 4.00 scale in baccalaureate study. The GPA requirement may be higher for some graduate programs. The university, at its discretion, may, in evaluating the meeting of this requirement, additionally consider the difficulty of the baccalaureate degree, relevant work experience, any/or other evidence of ability to succeed in graduate study.
- International students should reference Admission of International Students for additional requirements.
- One year teaching experience
If you have any questions during the application process, please contact the CEHD Admissions Office at [email protected] or 703-993-2892.
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Contact
Academic Advisor
Dr. Jennifer Hathaway, Academic Program Coordinator
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (703) 993-5789
Academic Program Office
| Literacy Program Thompson Hall, Suite 1500 4400 University Drive, MS 4B3 Fairfax, Virginia 22030 Phone: 703-993-7611 Fax: 703-993-5300 Email: [email protected] |
Program website: https://education.gmu.edu/literacy/med-non-licensure
Department/College contact/website: https://cehd.gmu.edu/
