Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction - Literacy Studies (100% Accelerated Online)

Program Overview

UTA's Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Literacy Studies is a fully online, 30 credit hour, non-thesis degree designed for teachers who want to refresh their teaching credentials with advanced coursework in literacy studies. Students in the program have the option to pursue the Reading Specialist or English as a Second Language professional certificate. 

Our M.Ed. in C&I – Literacy Studies is one of the top in Texas. Since our program was established in 1998, 100% of of our students who take the Texas Education Agency's Reading Specialist exam pass within their first two attempts -- giving our graduates the expertise they need to address the literacy-learning needs of all students.

Faculty Expertise

State-wide, our faculty members are seen as leaders in standard-setting for literacy studies. Our faculty are deeply involved in both revising State and National Reading Specialist standards and in working with the state on science of teaching reading curriculum. Additionally, we have faculty who are on the International Literacy Associations National Program Review committee.

*The M.Ed. in C&I – Literacy Studies is a master's degree program only and does not lead to initial teacher certification in Texas. Individuals interested in obtaining teacher certification or licensure should consider our Initial Teacher Certification program, our M.Ed. in Teaching with certification, or our M.Ed. in Special Education with certification. 

Two Options to Choose From 

In this program, students specialize in advanced coursework designed to meet a variety of professional goals related to literacy. For instance, eligible students may pursue one or both of the followed advanced certifications: . 

This program requires 30 credit hours (10 courses). Once students have successfully completed all coursework, they will graduate with a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction. In addition, on passing the appropriate TExES tests, eligible students will also be prepared to take the Reading Specialist Certification and/or supplemental certification in English as a Second Language. The ESL is a 12-hour, four-course program that can be taken as part of this master’s degree plan or separately in preparation for the TExES test for supplemental certification in ESL. For additional information, contact Dr. Kathryn Pole at kpole@uta.edu.

Program Advantages 

• Full AAQEP accreditation.
• 100% pass rate for the Reading Specialist exam since the program was established in 1998.
• 100% accelerated online coursework.
• Applicants may be eligible for TEACH grant funding and other forms of financial aid.
• Expanded career options and higher salary potential.
• Can be useful as a stand-alone degree or as preparation for earning your Ph.D.
• Graduates are prepared to take both the ESL and Reading Specialist certification exams upon completing our 10-course program.

Completion Time

The program can be completed in as few as 18 months. Multiple start dates are available. 

Total tuition* as low as 

$11,000

Qualified students admitted to UTA's designated accelerated online Master of Education degree programs are eligible to receive a Tuition Scholarship. No separate scholarship application is necessary. The scholarships will be offered to eligible students who are accepted into a designated program. The scholarship is for the first semester of the program, but is renewable for students who earn grades of B or better in all courses.

*View our pricing webpage for details. 

Funding Options 

UTA offers competitive funding options future teachers, including TEACH Grants of up to $3,772. For more, view our Scholarships and Paying for School page.

Eligibility and Residency

Texas Residents

The Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction ‐ Literacy Studies is an approved educator preparation program in Texas. Through this online master’s program of study, candidates/students are eligible to seek two certifications: Reading Specialist and ESL. Upon completing coursework of the program, students complete a review and practice exam to be approved for applying to take the Reading Specialist exam first.

The online Master of Education Degree in Curriculum and Instruction - Literacy Studies at the University of Texas Arlington is Nationally Recognized by the International Literacy Association. The International Literacy Association affirms that excellent teaching is delivered by excellent teachers. Professional educators need preparation that addresses the challenges of today's classrooms so all children can be successful. The International Literacy Association is a strong advocate for teacher education and actively participates in programs and organizations dedicated to producing high-quality educator programs.

To obtain Reading Specialist certification in Texas, candidates must meet a set of requirements of the Texas Education Agency:

• hold a valid Texas teacher certificate,
• document two years of classroom teaching experience in a Texas Education Agency accredited public school or Texas Education Agency accredited private school,
• complete the practicum experiences of the program in a Texas Education Agency public or Texas Education Agency accredited public or private school (which can be the same school where a candidate teaches), and
• pass the Reading Specialist TExES (upon completion of coursework).

Our program requires that candidates apply to take the exam within six months of completing the program, and if a candidate cannot do this, the candidate needs to inform the program coordinator.

Out-of-State Residents

Out-of-state students seeking certification in addition to obtaining a master's degree can review the requirements for licensure with their state education agency to determine if completion of the Curriculum and Instruction Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction – Literacy Studies at UTA meets their guidelines.

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) requires candidates seeking certification to complete all practica in a TEA-approved site. Out-of-state students who do not complete the practicum at a UTA College of Education and TEA-approved site and meet all other TEA requirements do not qualify for Texas educator certification. If seeking certification outside of Texas, please work with your state agency in the state in which you are seeking certification to determine eligibility and to complete any additional requirements. Please note that after successful completion of your UTA College of Education degree, you may request a memo indicating your degree completion. UTA cannot recommend out-of-state students for certification and cannot recommend out-of-state students to take Texas certification exam(s). Additionally, UTA faculty and staff cannot complete out-of-state form requests for individuals seeking certification, licensure, and/or endorsements in another state according to TEA.