MSEd Reading Specialist

Teach Children to Read & Succeed

The Reading Specialist Program at Shenandoah University is committed to the preparation of caring, reflective professionals who view themselves as researchers of learning, and who can apply their academic training and pedagogical skills to the needs of our diverse society. The program is designed to prepare teachers who can connect theory to practice, and who create classroom and school communities where all students learn in meaningful ways. The program offers candidates licensure through a balanced preparation in the vitally important areas of assessment, reading instruction, literature, research and the use of educational technology.

The Reading Specialist Program operates on a trimester (three-term) system, with an additional Summer II session, and candidates attend evening classes from August through the end of July. Candidates complete the required number of Reading courses, and then are able to select several electives in related areas of interest. A Professional Studies Certificate in Reading, with licensure, is available for teachers who already have a master's degree. Candidates will:

  • Develop a plan of study with an advisor upon filing for matriculation.
  • Complete no more than 9 credits of course work toward the degree before matriculation.
  • Complete prescribed course work and other requirements within six years of matriculation.
  • Maintain a cumulative GPA average of 3.0 or better with no more than two grades below B-.

Listed below is the order in which the courses will be offered.

Program of Study

Course Title Semester Hrs.
RDG 523 Foundations of Reading Instruction Fall 3
RDG 533 Reading in the Content Areas Spring 3
RDG 524 Analysis & Remedial Techniques in Reading Summer I 3
RDG 530 Clinical Diagnosis & Treatment of Reading Difficulties Summer II 3
RDG 535 Language Development Fall 3
RDG 602 Organization & Supervision of the Reading Program Spring 3
RST 678 Action Research I Summer I 3
RDG 680 Graduate Reading Seminar Summer II 3
The following courses can be taken at any time during the program.
EDU 585 Educational Technology Applications TBD 3
Two electives of 3 credits each: Selected from areas such as Administration, Diversity, English, Measurement, Reading, Special Education, or TESOL.
Total 33
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