By TED Staff
February 2021
Specializing in reading and literacy can put you in the driver’s seat of your teaching career. Giving children the gift of literacy is one of the most special moments in the educational process — the “aha!” moment when it finally clicks! We made this ranking of the top 20 best online Master’s in Reading and Literacy to help you achieve your dreams on a budget. Pursuing the degree online means that you can keep your current job while you pave the way to your future.
To come up with our ranking, we began by compiling a list of any and every university offering a master’s degree in Reading and Literacy which could be completed entirely online. We then narrowed down our list to just the 20 best by focusing on the points-based ranking system below. In the event of a tie in points, we placed the program with the lower annual out-of-state tuition cost in the higher-ranking position.
Student to Faculty Ratio:
10:1 and lower: 5 points
11:1 to 12:1: 4 points
13:1 to 15:1: 3 points
16:1 to 20:1: 2 points
21:1 and higher: 1 point
Estimated Program Cost (for out-of-state student):
Under $20,000: 5 points
Under $30,000: 4 points
Under $40,000: 3 points
Under $50,000: 2 points
Under $60,000: 1 point
Overall Graduation Rate:
90% and above: 5 points
75% and above: 4 points
50% and above: 3 points
25% and above: 2 points
24% and below: 1 point
20-Year Net Return on Investment (ROI):
10% and above: 5 points
8%-9%: 4 points
6%-7%: 3 points
4%-5%: 2 points
3% and below: 1 point
#20. University of West Florida
Online M.Ed. in Reading Education
Pensacola, Florida
Estimated Program Cost: $23,112
Total Points: 7
The University of West Florida offers an online Master of Education in Reading Education. The 36-credit hour program includes coursework in project management and diversity skills, among other things. The University of West Florida charges an out-of-state online graduate tuition rate of $642 per credit hour. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#19. California State University, Fresno
Online Master of Arts in Education w/ option in Reading/Language Arts
Fresno, California
Estimated Program Cost: $43,525
Total Points: 9
Fresno State offers an online Master of Arts in Education with an option in Reading and Language Arts. The 30-credit hour program includes coursework in literary processes and language issues, among others. Fresno State charges about $1,450 per credit for students who are not California residents. The school is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission.
#18. Nova Southeastern University
Online Master of Science in Education w/ a specialization in Reading Education
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Estimated Program Cost: $38,340
Total Points: 10
Nova Southeastern University offers an online Master of Science in Education with a specialization in Reading Education. The 36-credit hour program includes coursework in Assessment in Reading and Educational Measurements, to name but a couple. Nova Southeastern University charges an online graduate tuition rate of $1,065 per credit hour. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#17. East Carolina University
Online Master of Arts in Reading and Literacy Education
Greenville, North Carolina
Estimated Program Cost: $34,866
Total Points: 10
East Carolina University offers an online Master of Arts in Reading and Literacy Education. The 39-credit hour program includes coursework in reading difficulties and clinical procedures, and is focused on K-12 education. East Carolina University charges $894 per credit for out-of-state residents. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#16. University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Online M.Ed. in Reading Education
Charlotte, North Carolina
Estimated Program Cost: $30,063
Total Points: 11
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte offers an online Master of Education in Reading Education. The 33-credit hour program includes coursework in reading, technology, and expanding content. The University of North Carolina at Charlotte charges an online graduate tuition rate $911 per credit hour for out-of-state students. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#15. Concordia University Nebraska
Online M.Ed. in Literacy w/ an emphasis in Reading Specialist
Seward, Nebraska
Estimated Program Cost: $15,300
Total Points: 12
Concordia University Nebraska offers an online Master of Education in Literacy with Reading Specialist emphasis. The 36-credit hour program includes coursework in research evaluation and teaching writing. Concordia University Nebraska offers an online graduate tuition rate of $425 per credit hour, regardless of residency. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges.
#14. University of Cincinnati
Online M.Ed in Literacy and Second Language Studies
Cincinnati, Ohio
Estimated Program Cost: $24,960
Total Points: 13
University of Cincinnati offers an online Master of Education in Literacy and Second Language Studies. The 39- to 45-credit hour program has four available concentrations: preK-16 literacy and learning instruction, postsecondary literacy instruction, preK-12 Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), and adult/international teaching English as a second language (TESL). The University of Cincinnati charges a $640 per credit hour tuition rate. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges.
#13. University of Northern Iowa
Online Master of Arts in Education in Reading Education
Cedar Falls, Iowa
Estimated Program Cost: $17,815
Total Points: 13
The University of Northern Iowa offers an online Master of Arts in Education in Reading Education. The minimum 35-credit hour program includes coursework in educational research and advanced literacy studies, among other things. The University of Northern Iowa offers an online graduate tuition rate of $509 per credit hour, regardless of residency. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
#12. Minnesota State University – Mankato
Online Master of Science in Reading
Mankato, Minnesota
Estimated Program Cost: $15,096
Total Points: 13
Minnesota State University – Mankato offers an online Master of Science in Reading. The 34-credit hour program includes coursework in reading practicum and topics in teaching writing. Minnesota State University – Mankato offers an online graduate tuition rate of $444 per credit hour. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
#11. University of Georgia
Online M.Ed. in Reading Education
Athens, Georgia
Estimated Program Cost: $22,644
Total Points: 14
The University of Georgia offers an online Master of Education in Reading Education. The 36-credit hour program includes coursework in integrating digital resources and new literacies, to name but a couple. Each credit hour of this online program costs $629, regardless of residency. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#10. University of Kansas
Online Master of Science in Education in Reading Education
Lawrence, Kansas
Estimated Program Cost: $19,635
Total Points: 14
University of Kansas offers an online M.S. in Education in Reading Education, with tracks for either licensure or non-licensure. The 30- to 33-credit hour program consists of 11 courses which students can complete in as few as two years. The University of Kansas offers an online graduate tuition rate of $595 per credit hour, regardless of residency. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges.
#9. University of Memphis
Online Master of Science in Instruction and Curriculum Leadership w/ a concentration in Literacy
Memphis, Tennessee
Estimated Program Cost: $17,910
Total Points: 14
University of Memphis offers an online Master of Science in Instruction and Curriculum Leadership with a concentration in Literacy. The 30-credit hour program includes coursework in educational research and literacy assessment, among other things. The University of Memphis charges an online graduate tuition rate of $597 per credit hour. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#8. Old Dominion University
Online M.S.Ed. in Reading w/ a Reading Specialist Endorsement
Norfolk, Virginia
Estimated Program Cost: $17,850
Total Points: 14
Old Dominion University offers an online Master of Science in Education in Reading with an endorsement in Reading Specialist. The 30-credit hour program includes a supervised practicum in your local school area. Old Dominion University charges an out-of-state online graduate tuition rate of $595 per credit hour for this program. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#7. University of North Dakota
Online Master of Science in Reading Education
Grand Forks, North Dakota
Estimated Program Cost: $15,584
Total Points: 14
University of North Dakota offers an online Master of Science in Reading Education. The 32-credit hour program includes coursework in Foundations of Literacy and Methods Assessment. University of North Dakota offers an online graduate tuition rate of $487 per credit hour, regardless of residency. A Master of Education in Reading Education is also available. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
#6. University of Missouri – Columbia
Online M.Ed. in Literacy Education
Columbia, Missouri
Estimated Program Cost: $13,903.50
Total Points: 14
The University of Missouri offers an online Master of Education in Literacy Education. The 33-credit hour program includes coursework in classroom research and language acquisition. The University of Missouri offers an online graduate tuition rate of about $464 per credit hour, regardless of residency. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
#5. University of Nevada, Reno
Online M.Ed. in Literacy Studies
Reno, Nevada
Estimated Program Cost: $9,536
Total Points: 14
The University of Nevada, Reno offers an online Master of Education in Literacy Studies. The 32- to 33- credit hour program consists of both thesis and non-thesis options. The University of Nevada, Reno charges an online graduate out-of-state tuition rate of $298 per credit hour. The school is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
#4. University of Maine
Online M.Ed. in Literacy Education
Orono, Maine
Estimated Program Cost: $19,008
Total Points: 15
The University of Maine offers an online Master of Education in Literacy Education that focuses on writing and the teaching of writing. The 33-credit hour program including coursework in digital writing and blogging, among other things. It is important to note that a few classes require an on-campus presence. The University of Maine offers an out-of-state, graduate online tuition rate of $576 per credit hour. The school is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.
#3. University of Dayton
Online Master of Science in Education in Literacy
Dayton, Ohio
Estimated Program Cost: $17,730
Total Points: 15
University of Dayton offers an online Master of Science in Education in Literacy. The 18-credit hour program includes coursework in the assessment of reading difficulties and professional development. The University of Dayton charges an online graduate tuition rate of $985 per credit hour, though some discounts are available. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges.
#2. Ohio University
Online Master of Education in Reading Education
Athens, Ohio
Estimated Program Cost: $15,655
Total Points: 15
Ohio University offers an online Master of Education in Reading Education. The 31-credit hour program includes coursework in the Teacher as Action Researcher and Children’s Literature, to name but two. Ohio University offers an online graduate tuition rate of $505 per credit hour for this program. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
#1. University of Massachusetts – Lowell
Online M.Ed. in Reading and Language
Lowell, Massachusetts
Estimated Program Cost: $14,100
Total Points: 15
UMass Lowell offers an online Master of Education in Reading and Language. The 30-credit hour program includes coursework in Practitioner Action Research and Program Evaluation, among other things. UMass Lowell offers a tuition rate of $470 per credit hour for this program, regardless of residency. The school is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.
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