Degree Requirements
Plan of study
The Master's in Reading is a 36 credit-hour program that includes a six-hour professional research experience.
Review the Reading Master's Advisement Guide (pre-2024) / Reading Master's Advisement Guide (Fall 2024)
Download a Master's in Reading Plan of Study Form (pre-2024) / Master's in Reading Plan of Study Form (Fall 2024) to assist you in selecting courses.
Reading Teacher Endorsement
The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) has identified six areas of study required for all teachers whose major teaching assignment is reading. All teachers assigned departmental responsibility in reading or language arts must meet this 18 semester-hour requirement. The reading program offers all the course work necessary for the reading teacher endorsement.
Reading Specialist Certificate
The Reading Master's degree at Illinois State University is approved by ISBE for the Reading Specialist Certificate. The program leading to the Reading Specialist Certificate requires the completion of 36 semester hours in reading and related educational areas. In order to work towards the certification, you must have the following:
- a Master's degree from an approved program
- a current teaching certificate
- 2 years teaching experience
- a passing score on the Reading Specialist Test