Reading Specialist Graduate Programs (Online)
Become a Literacy Leader-Online at Georgian Court University
Unlock the power of reading for every child. With Georgian Court University’s fully online M.Ed. in Multisensory Literacy with Reading Specialist Certification, you’ll gain the advanced skills to help students of all backgrounds become confident, lifelong readers.
Whether you want to lead in your classroom, coach fellow educators, or drive literacy initiatives across your district, this program will prepare you to make a lasting impact.
Why Choose GCU’s Online Reading Specialist Program?
100% Online Flexibility
Balance your studies with your teaching career and personal life. Access coursework anytime, anywhere-designed for working educators seeking a master’s in education online.
New Jersey Certification
Already a certified teacher with three years of experience? You’ll be eligible for New Jersey’s Reading Specialist Endorsement upon completion.
Multisensory Literacy Focus
Learn proven, research-based methods to reach diverse learners-including those with dyslexia and other reading challenges.
Career-Ready Pathways
Choose from multiple options:
- M.Ed. in Literacy/Reading Specialization (30 credits)
- M.Ed. in Multisensory Literacy with Reading Specialist Endorsement (34 credits) includes Wilson Level 1 credentials as a dyslexia practitioner
- Post-Master’s Reading Specialist Endorsement (30 credits with credit for prior learning as applicable)
- Early Literacy Specialist Certificate (19 credits)
Built on National Standards
Our curriculum aligns with International Literacy Association (ILA) standards, New Jersey Student Learning Standards for ELA, and the New Jersey Professional Standards for Teachers.
Supportive GCU Community
Join a close-knit, mission-driven university with a legacy of preparing educators to serve and lead.
Master of Education with Reading Specialist Certification (Online) Program Highlights
Instructional Expertise
- Expertise in Reading & Writing: Master the theories and processes that underpin literacy development.
- Diagnosis & Remediation: Learn to identify, assess, and address reading difficulties in students at all levels.
- Personalized, Student-Centered Instruction: Gain the skills to tailor literacy strategies to meet the unique needs of each learner, ensuring every student can succeed.
Leadership & Professional Growth
- Data-Driven Instruction: Design and implement literacy interventions using the latest assessment tools and best practices.
- Coaching & Leadership: Build the skills to mentor teachers and lead school- or district-wide literacy initiatives.
- Practicum Experience: Apply your learning in real-world settings, guided by experienced faculty and literacy leaders.
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.
Career Opportunities
With a Reading Specialist Certification and advanced literacy training, you’ll be ready to:
- Serve as a Reading Specialist in K-12 schools
- Become a Literacy Coach or Instructional Leader
- Direct or develop Reading and Literacy Programs
- Support students with diverse needs, including multilingual learners and those with reading disabilities or challenges
- Pursue roles in curriculum development, assessment, or educational consulting
GCU’s alumni are making a difference in classrooms, schools, and communities throughout New Jersey and beyond.
Master of Education with Reading Specialist Certification (Online) FAQs
Who should apply?
Certified teachers who want to deepen their expertise in literacy, support struggling readers, and advance their careers as reading specialists or literacy leaders.
Is the program fully online?
Yes! All courses are delivered online for maximum flexibility, making it easy to fit your master’s in education into your busy life.
What are the admission requirements?
- Bachelor’s degree and teaching certification
- Master’s degree and instructional certificate for the Post-Master’s Endorsement
- Three years of full-time teaching for Reading Specialist Endorsement
How long does it take to complete the program?
Most students complete the M.Ed. in Literacy/Reading Specialization in as little as two years part-time. Certificate and endorsement options may be completed more quickly, and multisensory programs may take additional time.
What makes GCU’s program unique?
Our focus on multisensory literacy strategies, commitment to social justice, and strong outcomes for graduates set us apart. You’ll join a vibrant online community and benefit from faculty who are experts in literacy education. Our partnership with Wilson Reading System is the only Wilson university collaboration in New Jersey.
Program Information
Curriculum
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. As candidates progress toward program completion, their course artifacts are archived in an electronic or e-portfolio and monitored by program faculty to ensure and the state’s standards for novice reading specialists.
M.Ed.Reading/Literacy Specialization
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| M.Ed. Reading/Literacy Specialization | ||
| EDC5002 | Diversity in Inclusive Education | 3.0 |
| EDC5027 | Literacy for Multilingual Learners | 3.0 |
| EDC5034 | Understanding Learning Disabilities | 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 |
| Total Credits | 30.0 | |
Post-Master’s Reading Specialist certification
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Post-Master’s Reading Specialist Certification | ||
| 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 |
| Choose at least 9 credits from among the following: | 9.0 | |
EDC5002 | Diversity in Inclusive Education | |
EDC5027 | Literacy for Multilingual Learners | |
EDC5034 | Understanding Learning Disabilities | |
EDC5301 | Nature & Needs Indivs w/Aut&PervasDevDis | |
EDC6203 | Introduction to Wilson Reading System | |
EDC6204 | Wilson Reading System Part 1 | |
EDC6205 | Wilson Reading System Part 2 | |
| Total Credits | 30.0 | |
Exit Requirements for Post-Master’s Reading Specialist Certification:
- At least three years of documented successful teaching experience; and
- A minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
For more information on program requirements, consult the Graduate Catalog.
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 for Georgian Court University’s online Master of Education in Multisensory Literacy with Reading Specialist Certification.
Georgian Court University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and recognized for its commitment to educational excellence and social impact. Located in Lakewood, New Jersey, GCU has been empowering educators for over a century.
Have questions? Contact us
Georgian Court University
900 Lakewood Avenue
Lakewood, NJ 08701
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Contact Information
Office of Graduate Admissions
Phone: 732-987-2770
E-mail: gps@georgian.edu
Office Hours
- Monday-Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Saturday: *By appointment only
- Sunday: Closed
*Check tour schedule for specific dates/times.