Graduate Programs

Master of Education in Reading Program (M.Ed.)

The Master of Education in Reading program is designed to prepare reading specialists, primarily for K-12 education, but also for community colleges, industry, adult education programs, commercial education centers and private practice. The 36-unit program is highly structured with nine required courses and three electives (two of which must be in the area of literacy). It is developmental in design. Students grow in both their knowledge and application as they proceed through the program.

The Graduate Reading Program at Towson University does not subscribe to a particular position on reading. It closely reflects the broad, comprehensive knowledge and pedagogical skills outlined in the 2003 Standards for Reading Professionals developed by the International Reading Association.

The goals of the Master of Education in Reading program are to prepare reading specialists who have a dynamic understanding of the reading process, who have a wide array of resources for enhancing literacy for all learners, and who have the competencies to coach others (classroom teachers, paraprofessionals, parents, etc).

The program is designed to prepare the degree candidate to:

1. Provide specialized literacy instruction and assessment, in cooperation with other professionals, to students at all levels.
2. Provide literacy services individually or in groups.
3. Communicate with and coach colleagues, parents and the community about literacy issues, including conducting workshops on literacy topics.
4. Provide instructional guidance to paraprofessionals.
5. Read and interpret literacy research.
6. Continue to grow professionally by reading professional journals and by participating in reading conferences and workshops.
7. Master essential dispostions of educators (caring for all students, collaboration with stakeholders, commitment to professional practice).
   

1. Literacy learning involves not only reading, but also writing, listening, speaking and viewing.
2. Literacy instruction must be research-based, and therefore requires reading specialists to be competent in interpreting and applying research findings.
3. Literacy instruction must be responsive to the individual differences among learners.
4. Literacy instruction must be inclusive and celebrate the diversity of learners.
5. Literacy instruction and assessment must be closely connected so that instruction is developed, monitored and modified using multiple sources of assessment data.

The Master of Education in Reading program can be completed on a full-time or parttime basis. Most courses are offered in the early evening (e.g. 4:20-6:50 p.m.) one night per week. All eight required courses on-campus are offered in both fall and spring semesters and many are offered during the summer.

College of Graduate Studies and Research
7800 York Road, Suite 216

Phone: 410-704-2501
Fax: 410-704-4675
E-mail: grads@towson.edu