Graduate Certificate in Special Reading
Program Overview
The Special Reading graduate certificate is designed to meet the needs of the following professionals:
- Current educators, who want to more effectively teach learners who struggle with mastering skills in reading and related language arts
- Speech/language pathologists and school psychologists, who desire additional information to assist them to better support learners who experience reading deficits
- School administrators, who are interested in improving remedial / special reading programs in their school or district
- Current or future educational policy makers, who wish to enhance their understanding of the unique needs of learners who struggle in the areas of reading and related language arts
Successful completion of the K-12 Special Reading Graduate Certificate will prepare graduates for special reading licensure from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
What Will You Learn?
The need for effective educators knowledgeable of strategies for teaching learners who experience reading difficulties is becoming even more critical. Shortages of uniquely qualified reading specialists are reported locally, regionally, statewide, and nationally. In addition to learning how to advocate for effective and responsive education for learners who experience reading difficulties, graduate students should gain the following from coursework in the K-12 Special Reading Graduate Certificate program:
- A deep understanding of fundamental issues associated with teaching learners who experience reading difficulties
- Specific skills associated with formal and informal assessment and remediation of reading deficits
- Knowledge to create meaningful literacy experiences for learners who demonstrate difficulties in reading and related language arts
- Response to intervention techniques to guide instructional decision-making
- Training in analytical and critical thinking methods
- Professional licensure (for the State of Missouri and reciprocal licensure states) in K-12 Special Reading (optional)
Tuition, Fees and Time Frame
Knowing what to expect is important when planning for college costs. For more information, check our Tuition and Fees page.
Classes are 7 weeks. 6 start dates a year lets you start on your terms. 18 credit hours required in total. 4-6 optional additional hours in practicum placements to receive your State of Missouri Licensure.
FAFSA eligible. Graduate Scholarships available. No application fees or entrance exam required.
Duration
~18 Months
Admissions Requirements
Admission to the graduate program in Special Reading requires meeting all qualifications for acceptance to the Missouri Western State University Graduate Program.
- Submission of application for admission to the MoWest Graduate Program.
- Completion of an undergraduate degree in education, or a closely related discipline, from an accredited undergraduate institution.
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75.
- Statement of Purpose: A one-page narrative, which describes his/her purpose for seeking admission to a graduate program, as well as what he/she hopes to gain from the experience.
- The GRE is not required.
Program Graduation Requirement
- Earn a minimum overall GPA of 3.0, with no more than 6 credit hours of C in all required coursework.
University Graduation Requirements
- Satisfactorily complete all required coursework in the program;
- Earn a minimum of 15 credit hours.
Program Course Requirements
The following courses are required for this Graduate Certificate:
For Students Seeking the Graduate Certificate Only, but not State of Missouri Licensure:
| Course Number | Course Name 1 | Course Hours |
|---|---|---|
| EDU 511 | Content Area Literacy | 3 |
| EDU 521 | Teaching Students with Reading Deficits | 3 |
| EDU 574 | Collaborating with Families and School Personnel for Inclusion | 3 |
| EDU 675 | Assessment and the Identification Process | 3 |
| EDU 676 | Behavioral Management & Interventions | 3 |
| TSL 632 | Introduction to Linguistics | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: 18
- 1In addition to the courses listed, students will be required to take an Orientation Workshop (EDU 500).
For Students Seeking the Graduate Certificate and State of Missouri Licensure:
| Course Number | Course Name 1 | Course Hours |
|---|---|---|
| EDU 511 | Content Area Literacy | 3 |
| EDU 521 | Teaching Students with Reading Deficits | 3 |
| EDU 574 | Collaborating with Families and School Personnel for Inclusion | 3 |
| EDU 675 | Assessment and the Identification Process | 3 |
| EDU 676 | Behavioral Management & Interventions | 3 |
| TSL 632 | Introduction to Linguistics | 3 |
| EDU 583 | Practicum in Elementary Reading 2 | 3 |
| EDU 584 | Practicum in Secondary Reading 2 | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: 24
- 1In addition to the courses listed, students will be required to take an Orientation Workshop (EDU 500).
- 2EDU 583 Practicum in Elementary Reading and EDU 584 Practicum in Secondary Reading require prerequisites of EDU 150 Psychological Development for Children & Adolescents for Educators, EDU 315 Psychology and Education of the Exceptional Child, and EDU 328 Children’s Literature.
