Master of Education in Reading

For educators interested in literacy development from Kindergarten through Grade 12, this program provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed for successful employment as a reading specialist and/or literacy coach. Teachers are prepared to provide specialized reading and writing instruction, to assess and diagnose literacy behavior, and to serve as resource persons in K-12 settings.

In order to download a fact sheet about the program click here.

In order to obtain a checksheet for the program click here.

The BGSU Master of Education in Reading consists of the following three phases:

Phase I: Endorsement Program

Phase One consists of 15 semester hours (the Ohio K-12 reading endorsement courses). For full-time students, these courses are taken on campus during the Summer Literacy Institute, which begins in May each year. These courses are available online in fall, spring, and summer. EDTL 6220 is partially a practicum class that requires candidates to assess students at the early childhood, middle childhood, and adolescence/young adult levels.  EDTL 6280 is a 3-semester-hour supervised practicum course that requires candidates to provide intervention for children in each grade band (early, middle, secondary). Once these courses are completed, candidates take the state-required licensure exams (Ohio Assessment for Educators 038, 039), and apply to have the reading endorsement attached to the teaching license.  

Phase II: Tools for Engagement

Phase Two is a Tool Collecting phase (12 semester hours) where candidates gather tools needed to transition from the reading specialist role to the literacy coaching role. During this phase, they complete EDTL 6240 (field-based practicum), EDTL 6270 (technology), EDTL 6440 (literacy research), and EDFI 6410 (statistics). All classes are available online.

Phase III:  Engagement as a Reading Specialist and Literacy Coach

Phase Three is the Literacy Coaching phase. Candidates complete EDTL 6100 (methods and materials), 6400 (advanced language arts), 6290 (coaching practicum). The comprehensive exam takes place during EDTL 6290. Candidates participate in a 3-semester-hour supervised practicum in a school setting. For full-time students, these courses would be taken in a block during spring semester. For other students, EDTL 6400 and EDTL 6100 can be taken online in the spring or summer. EDTL 6290 is offered in both spring and fall, but must be taken last. The Ohio Assessment for Educators 038 & 039 is a prerequisite for EDTL 6290.  The courses are all available online.

Click here to see a list of courses and more details about the program click here.

We offer full time study with the program starting in May and ending the following May. Click here to apply for graduate study.

There are also opportunities for tuition scholarships and stipends in exchange for reading/literacy-related work for up to 20 hours per week. Click here to find out more about assistantships.

For more information, see frequently asked questions, or contact the program coordinator.

Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the graduate degree, students in Reading are expected to be able to:

• Graduates of the program will be able to write a research paper addressing an essential component of reading.
• Graduates of the program will be able to conceptualize literacy and design a research-based (potentially interdisciplinary) unit that operationalizes the construct, incorporating the 6 language arts in authentic ways and present the project as professional development. 
• Graduates of the program will be able to create a professional development presentation for multiple grade bands based on school and district reading data.
  
• Graduates of the program will be able to develop recommendations for home and school supported by assessment and research.  
• Graduates of the program will be able to construct 2 case reports and share findings with teachers and administrators.  
• Graduates of the program will be able to conduct a coaching conference, identify next steps for both coach and teacher.  
• Graduates of the program will show their comprehensive knowledge of reading on the State Required Content Knowledge Exam, OAE O38/039.  

Accreditation and/or Program/Cluster Review
Bowling Green State University [BGSU] is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.  BGSU has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 01/01/1916. The most recent reaffirmation of accreditation was received in 2022 - 2023. Questions should be directed to the Office of Institutional Effectiveness.

The Reading program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and is in good standing.

Professional Licensure (If applicable)

Bowling Green State University programs leading to licensure, certification and/or endorsement, whether delivered online or face-to-face, satisfy the academic requirements for those credentials set forth by the State of Ohio.

Requirements for licensure, certification and/or endorsement eligibility vary greatly from one profession to another and from state to state. The Reading program requires professional licensure.

Gainful Employment (If applicable)     

Under the Higher Education Act Title IV disclosure requirements, an institution must provide current and prospective students with information about each of its programs that prepares students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation.

The Reading program is not a recognized occupation that requires a Gainful Employment disclosure.