Master of Education in Multisensory Literacy & Language Programs (Online)
Why Choose GCU’s Multisensory Literacy Programs?
Exclusive, Evidence-Based Literacy Preparation
Georgian Court University’s Multisensory Literacy programs empower educators with proven, research-driven methods for teaching reading and language. As the only university in New Jersey partnered with the Wilson Reading System®, GCU offers specialized training and certification pathways that set you apart in the education field.
Stand Out with Wilson Reading System® Training
GCU is New Jersey’s exclusive university partner for the Wilson Reading System®, a leader in structured literacy. Our programs provide you with unique access to this gold-standard training, giving you the tools and credentials to make a real difference for diverse learners.
Multisensory Literacy Programs Designed for Impact
At Georgian Court University, you’ll learn to teach reading and language using a multisensory, evidence-based approach. Our partnership with the Wilson Reading System® ensures you receive advanced, practical training that’s recognized and respected by schools across New Jersey and beyond.
Advance Your Career with a Unique Literacy Degree
Prepare to lead in literacy education with GCU’s online master’s programs. Our exclusive Wilson Reading System® partnership means you’ll graduate with in-demand skills, specialized endorsements, and a competitive edge in today’s education job market.
Master of Education in Multisensory Literacy & Language (Online) Program Highlights
Flexible Online Learning
- 100% Online Format: (practicum experience done locally to student in person) Complete your degree from anywhere in New Jersey or beyond, with courses designed to fit your busy teaching schedule.
- Practical, Hands-On Learning: Apply evidence-based strategies in your own classroom right away, ensuring immediate impact for your students.
- Supportive Online Environment: Connect with dedicated faculty and a cohort of fellow educators, receiving guidance and encouragement every step of the way.
Distinctive Program Advantages
- Exclusive Wilson Reading System® Partnership: Train in the gold standard of structured literacy-GCU is the only university in New Jersey with this prestigious partnership.
- Three Specialized Endorsement Tracks: Customize your master’s degree with a focus in Reading Specialist, ESL, or Teacher of Students with Disabilities (TOSD) to match your career goals.
- Evidence-Based Multisensory Approach: Learn to engage all learners using proven multisensory methods aligned with the Science of Reading, supporting diverse student needs.
Shape Your Future
Need to learn more?
Multisensory Literacy and Language Programs
Georgian Court University is proud to be New Jersey’s exclusive university partner with the Wilson Reading System-a nationally recognized leader in structured literacy instruction. Through this unique collaboration, our students gain direct access to Wilson-certified trainers and authentic, hands-on learning experiences that set them apart in the field of literacy education. As the only university in New Jersey with this Wilson Reading System partnership, GCU offers unparalleled opportunities for educators seeking specialized literacy training.
All programs are delivered online, with practical in-person components you can complete locally, ensuring flexibility for working educators. We offer both for-credit and non-credit Wilson options, and have designed three specialized master’s degrees that seamlessly integrate Wilson coursework for maximum impact.
Master of Education in Multisensory Literacy with Reading Specialist Endorsement
Stand out as a literacy leader with this one-of-a-kind master’s degree, which combines New Jersey reading specialist certification with Wilson Level 1 credentials as a dyslexia practitioner. This evidence-based pathway integrates Wilson Reading System’s structured literacy approach and is grounded in the latest science of reading research, preparing you to support struggling readers with proven methods.
- Credits: 34
Career Paths & Salary Potential:
- Reading Specialist: $78,000–$92,000 (New Jersey average)
- Literacy Coach: $75,000–$95,000 (New Jersey average)
- Reading Interventionist: $60,000–$85,000 (varies by district)
- Curriculum Coordinator: $85,000–$100,000 (New Jersey average)
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and New Jersey Department of Labor, reading specialists and literacy coaches in New Jersey enjoy some of the highest salaries nationally, reflecting strong demand for these roles.
Master of Education in Multisensory Literacy with ESL Endorsement
Advance your expertise in structured literacy through Wilson Reading System training and earn an ESL endorsement to effectively serve multilingual and striving readers. Graduates are equipped to meet the needs of today’s diverse classrooms, supporting English language learners and students with varying literacy backgrounds using Wilson’s proven approaches.
- Credits: 31
Career Paths & Salary Potential:
- ESL Teacher: $68,000–$85,000 (New Jersey average)
- Literacy Specialist with ESL Focus: $70,000–$90,000
- Bilingual Education Coordinator: $75,000–$95,000
- Curriculum Developer for Multilingual Programs: $80,000–$100,000
New Jersey schools seek educators with advanced ESL and literacy skills to support increasing multilingual student populations, offering competitive salaries and career advancement opportunities.
Master of Education in Multisensory Literacy with TOSD Endorsement
Prepare to make a difference as a Teacher of Students with Disabilities (TOSD) while mastering Wilson Reading System’s structured literacy for students with dyslexia or other reading challenges. This program awards both the TOSD endorsement and Wilson Level 1 credentials, positioning you to lead in special education environments.
- Credits: 31
Career Paths & Salary Potential:
- Special Education Teacher with Literacy Expertise: $70,000–$88,000 (New Jersey average)
- Reading Interventionist for Students with Disabilities: $65,000–$85,000
- Special Education Coordinator: $75,000–$95,000
- Educational Consultant: $80,000–$100,000+
Special education roles with literacy specialization are in high demand, with New Jersey offering competitive salaries that reflect the advanced skills required.
Wilson Level 1 Credentials
Pursue Wilson Level 1 credentials through flexible for-credit or non-credit options. Introduction courses are available each summer, with practicum and advanced coursework beginning in the fall and concluding in May. Coursework is available fully online, and school districts can arrange hybrid cohorts for group training through our exclusive Wilson partnership.
Wilson Coursework Sequence:
- EDC6203 Introduction to Wilson Reading System (1 credit)
- EDC6204 Wilson Reading System Part 1 (3 credits)
- EDC6205 Wilson Reading System Part 2 (3 credits)
- EDC6206 Wilson Practicum A
- EDC6207 Wilson Practicum B
Georgian Court University’s exclusive partnership with Wilson Reading System in New Jersey ensures you receive the highest quality structured literacy training-empowering you to transform reading outcomes for all students.
Multisensory Literacy: Evidence-Based Instruction for All Learners
Our programs emphasize a multisensory approach that engages visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and tactile learning pathways. This method is proven effective for:
- Supporting struggling readers and students with dyslexia
- Aligning with the Science of Reading research
- Delivering structured, systematic literacy instruction
- Creating inclusive classrooms where all learners thrive
100% Online Format Designed for Working Educators
(practicum experience done locally to student in person)
Earn your degree without interrupting your career:
- Fully online courses with flexible scheduling
- Asynchronous learning combined with collaborative sessions
- Supportive faculty and a vibrant online community
- Assignments and projects directly applicable to your teaching context
- Cohort-based model to build professional networks
Master of Education in Multisensory Literacy & Language Programs (Online) FAQs
How long does the program take?
Most students complete the program in 2 to 3 years while working full-time, depending on their course load and personal schedule.
Is the program fully online?
Yes, all coursework is delivered 100% online. (practicum experience done locally to student in person)
What makes GCU’s program unique?
We are the only New Jersey university with a Wilson Reading System® partnership, offering specialized training you won’t find elsewhere.
Can I work while studying?
Absolutely. The program is designed for working educators with flexible online courses.
Will I be eligible for certification?
Graduates meet New Jersey state requirements to apply for the corresponding endorsement.
Program Information
Master of Education in Multisensory Literacy with Reading Specialist Endorsement Curriculum
The Master of Education–Multisensory Literacy with Reading Specialist Certification program provides a pathway for educators to fully understand the latest research and practices in multisensory literacy through courses designed to engage them in working with learners with diverse literacy and language needs. Additionally, this program prepares certified teachers to be reading specialists and to use their expertise in reading in their classrooms or as a director or coach in a reading and literacy program in a school or district.
Based on the standards of the International Reading Association (IRA) for Reading Professionals, New Jersey Student Learning Standards for English/Language Arts Literacy (NJSLS for ELAL), and New Jersey Professional Standards for Teachers (NJPST), the program builds expertise through courses in the theories and processes of reading and writing, diagnosis and remediation, assessment, best practice literacy instruction strategies, program evaluation, coaching techniques, and a practicum. These provide experiences for candidates to work with a variety of approaches and strategies and design, select, and use standard and alternate instruction, assessment, and coaching techniques that serve the needs of diverse students and educators.
All courses include a keystone assessment/artifact that demonstrates the accomplishment of course goals and the integration of acquired knowledge and skills.
Program completers earn a Master of Education degree; those who have completed two years of full-time teaching are eligible for New Jersey educational services certification as a reading specialist. Successful completion of courses and practicum will earn candidates Level 1 credentials through Wilson Reading System. This degree program is an opportunity for candidates to combine courses in Wilson Reading System with a NJ state-approved certification for reading specialists. This is an important combination of the most current literacy research with the certificate that encompasses a well-rounded preparation to work under this certification.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| M.Ed., Multisensory Literacy with Reading Specialist Certification | ||
| EDC5027 | Literacy for Multilingual Learners | 3.0 |
| EDC5201 | Nature of the Reading Process | 3.0 |
| EDC5202 | Multicultural Literature for Children | 3.0 |
| EDC5203 | Engaging Diverse Lrnrs in Rdg & Wtg | 3.0 |
| EDC5204 | Articulation Superv & Eval of Read Prog | 3.0 |
| EDC6084 | Reading Specialist Practicum | 3.0 |
| EDC6201 | Assess & Diagnosis of Read Abilities | 3.0 |
| EDC6202 | Rsrch-Based Techniq Correct Rding Chall | 3.0 |
| EDC6203 | Introduction to Wilson Reading System | 1.0 |
| EDC6204 | Wilson Reading System Part 1 | 3.0 |
| EDC6205 | Wilson Reading System Part 2 | 3.0 |
| EDC6206 | Wilson Reading System Practicum A | 1.5 |
| EDC6207 | Wilson Reading System Practicum B | 1.5 |
| Total Credits | 34.0 | |
For more information on program requirements, consult the Graduate Catalog.
Master of Education in Multisensory Literacy with ESL Endorsement Curriculum
The Master of Education–Multisensory Literacy with ESL Certification program provides a pathway for educators to fully understand the latest research and practices in multisensory literacy through courses designed to engage them in working with learners with diverse literacy and language needs. Additionally, this program prepares certified teachers to be ESL teachers in a school or district.
The English as a Second Language (ESL) program prepares teachers to provide instruction in English to students whose native language is not English and to support these multilingual learners in mastering the content designated in the New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS). The ESL program reflects the national Teachers of English to Speakers of other Languages (TESOL) standards, the New Jersey Professional Standards for Teachers (NJPST) and the Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC) standards. It leads to eligibility for endorsement to a New Jersey instructional certification as a Teacher of English as a Second Language.
All courses include a keystone assessment/artifact that demonstrates the accomplishment of course goals and the integration of acquired knowledge and skills.
Program completers earn a Master of Education degree and are eligible for New Jersey educational services certification as an ESL teacher. Successful completion of courses and practicum will earn candidates Level 1 credentials through Wilson Reading System. This degree program is an opportunity for candidates to combine courses in the Wilson Reading System with a NJ state-approved certification for ESL teachers.
In addition to completing the courses listed below, students must earn a passing score on oral (OPI) and written English proficiency (WPT) examinations by the end of the program.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| M.Ed., Multisensory Literacy with ESL Certification | ||
| EDC5002 | Diversity in Inclusive Education | 3.0 |
| EDC5021 | Second Language Acquisition 1 | 3.0 |
| EDC5022 | Teaching ESL Through Content 1 | 3.0 |
| EDC5023 | Hist & Culture of Multilingual Learners 1 | 3.0 |
| EDC5026 | Phonology & Structure of American Eng 1 | 3.0 |
| EDC5027 | Literacy for Multilingual Learners 1 | 3.0 |
| EDC5202 | Multicultural Literature for Children | 3.0 |
| EDC6203 | Introduction to Wilson Reading System | 1.0 |
| EDC6204 | Wilson Reading System Part 1 | 3.0 |
| EDC6205 | Wilson Reading System Part 2 | 3.0 |
| EDC6206 | Wilson Reading System Practicum A | 1.5 |
| EDC6207 | Wilson Reading System Practicum B | 1.5 |
| Total Credits | 31.0 | |
- 1
Course needed for ESL Certification.
For more information on program requirements, consult the Graduate Catalog.
Master of Education in Multisensory Literacy with TOSD Endorsement Curriculum
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| TOSD Endorsement Program | ||
| EDC5030 | Educ Students w/Disab in LRE | 3.0 |
| EDC5031 | Curr Plan Accom & Mod Students w/Disab 1 | 3.0 |
| EDC5032 | Comm Serv for Stdts at-Risk & w/ Except 1 | 3.0 |
| EDC5034 | Understanding Learning Disabilities 2 | 3.0 |
| EDC5037 | Psych & Ed Assess of Studnts w/ Disabl | 3.0 |
| EDC5302 | Strategies Teach Students w/Aut & DevDis 2 | 3.0 |
| EDC5303 | Soc Communic Intervent Students w/ASD | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 21.0 | |
- 1
Requires 15 hours of clinical experience.
- 2
Requires 10 hours of clinical experience.
Additional courses required for master’s degree:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDC5014 | Methods of Res for Leaders in Incl Sch | 3.0 |
| EDC5304 | Assess & Curr Inter for Autism Spec Dis | 3.0 |
| EDC5305 | Intervent & Supports Level 1 Char ASD | 3.0 |
| EDC6095 | Project Applied Thesis I | 3.0 |
| EDC6099 | Project Applied Thesis II | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 15.0 | |
Admissions Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Valid teaching certification (for endorsement tracks)
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Application, official transcripts, personal statement, resume/CV, and two letters of recommendation
Education Faculty
Timothy Briles, Ed.D.
Associate Professor
School of Arts, Sciences, and Education
Raymond Hall (104)
tbriles@georgian.edu
732-987-2656
Richard V. Caldes, Ed.D.
Lecturer of Administration & Leadership
School of Arts, Sciences, and Education
Raymond Hall
rcaldes@georgian.edu
732-987-2742
Tamara Cella, Ed.D.
Assistant Professor of Early Childhood Education
School of Arts, Sciences, and Education
Raymond Hall
tcella@georgian.edu
Denise A. Furlong, Ed.D., Ed.M.
Assistant Professor – Director of Advanced Programs for Reading Specialist & ESL
School of Arts, Sciences, and Education
207 Raymond Hall
dfurlong@georgian.edu
Stephen H. Genco, Ed.D.
Lecturer of Administration & Leadership
School of Arts, Sciences, and Education
Raymond Hall
genco@georgian.edu
732-987-2701
Amuhelang Magaya, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
School of Arts, Sciences, and Education
Raymond Hall West
amagaya@georgian.edu
732-987-2313
Lindiwe Magaya, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
School of Arts, Sciences, and Education
Raymond Hall West
lmagaya@georgian.edu
732-987-2703
Nancy B. Sardone, Ph.D.
Professor of Education
School of Arts, Sciences, and Education
Raymond Hall
nsardone@georgian.edu
732-987-2754
Hyuksoon Song, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
School of Arts, Sciences, and Education
Raymond Hall 208
hsong@georgian.edu
732-987-2751
Request more information or start your application today to join Georgian Court University and become a leader in literacy instruction through our specialized, evidence-based multisensory literacy programs.
Georgian Court University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The School of Education is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Have questions? Contact us
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900 Lakewood Avenue
Lakewood, NJ 08701
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Office of Graduate Admissions
Phone: 732-987-2770
E-mail: gps@georgian.edu
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