Reading Specialization, M.A.

Learning to read is a fundamental right, and educators need the knowledge, skills and clinical experience to ensure literacy flourishes for all learners. As districts prioritize research-aligned instruction and targeted support for diverse students, the demand for highly trained literacy professionals continues to grow. Kean’s Reading Specialization program offers two pathways: the Reading Specialization, Master of Arts (M.A.) degree and a Reading Specialist post-master's certificate. Both are designed for educators seeking to deepen their expertise in reading development, evidence-based instruction and the Science of Reading.

In the Reading Specialization program, you will examine literacy development through cognitive, linguistic and developmental lenses while applying principles from the Science of Reading to classroom practice. Coursework addresses reading instruction, literacy assessment, and the diagnosis and remediation of reading difficulties from preschool through secondary levels. You build the capacity to support diverse learners using evidence-based methods and materials, reinforced through supervised clinical experiences that provide hands-on practice in conducting diagnostic assessments and delivering targeted tutoring.

Leadership development is also central to the curriculum. Through collaboration, program administration and literacy coaching, you strengthen your ability to guide schoolwide literacy initiatives. Upon completion, you are prepared to advance as a literacy specialist or reading coach and are eligible for New Jersey Department of Education Reading Specialist Standard certification.

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