Reading is the foundation of everything else a student learns. GCU's Reading/Literacy Specialization M.Ed. prepares certified NJ teachers to become reading specialists — experts in diagnosing literacy difficulties, designing targeted interventions, and leading literacy programs that work for every learner.
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This program leads directly to eligibility for New Jersey educational services certification as a reading specialist — one of the most valuable and in-demand credentials in NJ schools. Once you have three years of full-time teaching experience, you're eligible to pursue that certification as soon as you complete your M.Ed.
The field of literacy instruction has evolved dramatically in the last decade. GCU's program is built on the standards of the International Reading Association (IRA), the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for English/Language Arts Literacy, and the NJ Professional Standards for Teachers — ensuring you graduate with the knowledge and skills that reflect the current science of reading, not outdated methods.
Each course in the program includes a keystone assessment — a real, polished artifact that demonstrates your mastery of course goals. These artifacts are archived in an electronic portfolio monitored by program faculty, so you graduate with a documented record of your expertise that you can show to hiring committees, curriculum directors, and district administrators.
Beyond the standard M.Ed., GCU offers Multisensory Literacy tracks that combine the core reading specialist preparation with additional certification: with ESL endorsement, with Reading Specialist certification, or with TOSD certification. There's also a Post-Master's Reading Specialist Certification path for candidates who already hold a master's degree. One program — multiple directions, depending on where you want to grow.
Literacy is not just one teacher’s job — it’s every school’s most important work. GCU’s M.Ed. in Reading/Literacy Specialization prepares you to be the expert your school or district needs: the professional who understands how reading develops, what gets in the way, and exactly what to do about it.
The 30-credit program draws on the standards of the International Reading Association (IRA) for Reading Professionals and aligns with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for English/Language Arts Literacy. You’ll develop deep expertise in the theories and processes of reading and writing, diagnosis and remediation, assessment, best-practice literacy instruction strategies, program evaluation, coaching techniques, and clinical practicum. Every course is designed to give you experience with a range of approaches and strategies — standard and alternate instruction, assessment, and coaching techniques — so you can meet the needs of every student and every educator you work with.
The integration of Wilson Reading System training makes GCU’s program distinctive. The Wilson Reading System is a multisensory, structured literacy approach with strong evidence behind it — particularly for students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences. Candidates who complete the Wilson coursework earn Level 1 credentials, a recognized marker of expertise in structured literacy instruction that opens additional doors in district-level literacy work.
The M.Ed. also sits within a family of Multisensory Literacy programs. If you want to pursue ESL certification, Reading Specialist certification, or TOSD certification alongside your master’s degree, GCU offers integrated tracks that accomplish all of it together. For teachers who already hold a master’s degree, the Post-Master’s Reading Specialist Certification (30 credits) provides the coursework needed to pursue NJ certification without repeating a full degree program.
GCU’s M.Ed. in Reading/Literacy Specialization is a great fit if you:
Reading specialists are needed at every school level — and in New Jersey, the role often comes with significant compensation and leadership responsibilities.
| Entry Level / New Specialist Role | NJ Median (Instructional Coordinators) | Experienced / District-Level |
|---|---|---|
| $60,000–$75,000 | $83,490 | $95,000–$115,000+ |
Reading specialists in NJ public schools often receive additional compensation above the base teacher salary guide, particularly those serving as literacy coaches or district-wide literacy coordinators.
Job Outlook
Instructional coordinator and specialist positions are projected to grow 6% from 2023 to 2033 — faster than the national average — with approximately 21,200 job openings per year nationally. Demand for qualified reading specialists is particularly strong in the current policy environment, as states nationwide respond to the science of reading movement with new legislation, assessment requirements, and intervention mandates.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| M.Ed. Reading/Literacy Specialization | ||
| EDC5026 | Phonology & Structure of American Eng | 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 Lit Child & Adolescents | 3.0 |
| EDC5203 | Responsive Rdg & Wtg in Content Areas | 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 | |
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Post-Master’s Reading Specialist Certification | ||
| EDC5201 | Nature of the Reading Process | 3.0 |
| EDC5202 | Multicultural Lit Child & Adolescents | 3.0 |
| EDC5203 | Responsive Rdg & Wtg in Content Areas | 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:
M.Ed. in Reading/Literacy Specialization — Requirements:
Post-Master’s Reading Specialist Certification — Additional Requirements:
Contact Graduate Admissions at 732-987-2770 or [email protected] with any questions.
Graduates of GCU’s Reading/Literacy Specialization M.Ed. will be able to:
Q: How long do I need to teach before I can apply for NJ Reading Specialist certification? A: Three years of full-time teaching experience are required by the NJ DOE before you can apply for the Reading Specialist educational services certificate — even after completing the M.Ed. You can complete the degree before meeting this requirement and apply to the state when you reach three years.
Q: What’s the difference between the standard Reading/Literacy M.Ed. and the Multisensory Literacy tracks? A: The standard M.Ed. focuses on the full scope of reading specialization — assessment, diagnosis, intervention, program leadership, and research — without the Wilson coursework. The Multisensory Literacy tracks add the Wilson sequence plus a second certification (ESL, Reading Specialist, or TOSD) alongside the M.Ed. If you want Wilson credentials and a second NJ certification in addition to your degree, a Multisensory Literacy track is the right choice.
Q: What does the Reading Specialist Practicum involve? A: EDC6084 Reading Specialist Practicum is a supervised clinical experience where you work directly with students who have reading difficulties in a real school or clinical setting. You’ll conduct assessments, plan and implement targeted interventions, document progress, and reflect on your practice — all under the guidance of a faculty supervisor.
Q: Can I become a literacy coach with this degree? A: Yes — literacy coaching is one of the primary career paths for Reading Specialist certificate holders. The curriculum specifically includes EDC5204 Articulation, Supervision & Evaluation of Reading Programs, which develops the program leadership and teacher coaching skills you’ll need in that role.
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