Overview
Program Coordinator: Lisa Buckler
Program Delivery Format: Online, 8-week sessions.
Total Credits: 36-37
Specializations:
- TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Language)
- Dyslexia (Wilson Reading Certification)
Average Completion Time: 24 months
Admission Cycle: Fall, Spring, and Summer (two admission options each semester, six entry points a year)
Admissions Contact: Crystal Perry, Assistant Director, Graduate Enrollment Management (cperry@mcdaniel.edu | 410-386-4833)
GPS Student Support Liaisons: gpsadvising@mcdaniel.edu | 410-857-2500
The graduate program for to prepare teachers to pursue reading specialist is designed to create contemporary leaders in literacy education. The program offers a comprehensive approach to reading instruction and incorporates current research, theoretical perspectives, informed practice, and thoughtful reflection. Candidates implement a repertoire of assessment procedures and instructional techniques to address the needs of diverse learners. In addition, graduate candidates develop the capacity to coordinate and enhance school-wide literacy through professional development initiatives, literacy coaching, mentoring experiences, and collaboration with professional colleagues, support teams, parents, and students. In addition to core reading specialist coursework, candidates select an area of specialization: teaching English learners or dyslexia.
This comprehensive 36-credit graduate reading program has been evaluated and approved by the International Literacy Association (ILA), and the Maryland State Department of Education. Pennsylvania State Department of Education guidelines are addressed during the advisement process for students seeking employment and/or licensure in Pennsylvania. The RDS program adheres to the ILA Standards for the Preparation of Literacy Professionals (2017). Embedded in course content and program level assessments are the seven standards: 1) Foundational knowledge, 2) Curriculum and instruction, 3) Assessment and evaluation, 4) Diversity and equity 5) Learners and the literate environment, 6) Professional learning and leadership, 7) Practicum/clinical experiences.
McDaniel College is a member in good standing of the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), a national accrediting organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. The Master of Science in Reading Specialist: Literacy Leadership program has been awarded initial accreditation status by AAQEP through June 30, 2029. Accreditation acknowledges that a program prepares effective educators who continue to grow as professionals and has demonstrated the commitment and capacity to maintain quality.
Program Completion
In addition to successfully completing the practicum and fulfilling the 36-credit course requirements with a 3.00 GPA, candidates must pass a comprehensive written examination or complete a thesis as approved by the Program Coordinator.
Candidates may consider writing a thesis as a culminating experience for program completion. This option is particularly valuable for students considering the pursuit of a doctorate or those with a well-defined research interest. Successful completion of the thesis is used in place of the comprehensive exam and credits earned from work on the thesis may count as the 3-credit program elective.
State Authorization
McDaniel is an approved institutional member of the National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (NC-SARA). Membership in SARA is intended to make it easier for students to take online courses/programs offered by postsecondary institutions based in another state. For more information about SARA, including the states currently participating in the agreement, visit http://www.nc.sara.org.
SARA membership allows McDaniel to accept and deliver our programs/courses online to students in 49 States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Students who reside in California, currently the only state not a member of SARA, should contact the admissions office prior to application to verify if you are eligible to participate in the online program of interest.
For more information about state authorization requirements and complaint resolution, visit https://www.mcdaniel.edu/academics/graduate-professional-studies/state-authorization-requirements-complaints-resolution
Professional Licensure
Requirements for professional licensure in fields such as accounting, education, counseling, nursing, psychology, and social work vary from state to state. McDaniel’s academic programs are designed to meet Maryland’s licensure requirements and may not meet requirements from other states. Before beginning any academic program that leads to licensure, McDaniel highly recommends that you contact the appropriate state licensing board where you wish to seek licensure to determine whether the program you are considering will meet that state’s licensing requirements. You may also contact McDaniel’s Professional Licensure Representative at gps@mcdaniel.edu to inquire.
For more important information regarding professional licensure and the completion of McDaniel degrees, please review our Professional Licensure webpage.
Students who complete this program and are seeking certification in the state of Maryland must meet all Maryland-specific requirements in addition to completing this Maryland approved program. The requirements may include but are not limited to any of the following:
- Meeting licensure requirements for early childhood education, elementary education, special education, or a secondar education area
- Passing scores on specific content assessments (i.e. - Praxis) (required for those who meet requirements for a teaching license in secondary education)
- Effective teaching or clinical experience
- Additional special education coursework
- Payment of application or processing fees
More information about Maryland State Department of Education requirements can be found at https://marylandpublicschools.org/about/Pages/DEE/Certification/areas/Reading-Specialist.aspx
