Reading and Literacy

San Diego State University's reading and literacy programs prepare you to become a reading/language arts specialist in schools, clinics, or community colleges. You'll gain the knowledge and skills to teach, tutor, develop curriculum, and direct reading centers for students from Pre-K through community college.

Made for Working Teachers

Our programs are ideal for elementary and secondary teachers who plan to remain in the classroom but who wish to deepen their theoretical and practical understandings about the teaching of reading and language arts.

Reading and Literacy Program Options

• M.A. + RLLSC: the most selected option is to earn a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Reading and Literacy Education in combination with the Reading and Literacy Leadership Specialist Credential (RLLSC)
• M.A. Only: earn the M.A. in Reading and Literacy Education
• RLLSC Only: earn the Reading and Literacy Leadership Specialist Credential (RLLSC)
• RLAA Only: earn the Reading and Literacy Added Authorization (RLAA)

How to Apply

For the latest admissions deadlines, application instructions and info session dates, visit:

How to Apply

Key Topics Addressed in Our Programs

Our programs advance literacy knowledge and leadership skills, empowering educators to transform literacy practices and support diverse learners. Key topics include:

• Broadening Literacy Concepts: Explore how literacy is defined within and beyond traditional K-12 curricula to encompass diverse learning contexts.
• Empowerment: Understand how inclusive literacy practices can support and empower all children, including those from marginalized communities.
• Children’s Literacy Experiences: Delve into how students encounter and engage with literacy, shaping their educational journeys.
• Deepening Literacy Understanding: Develop a comprehensive view of what it means to have a profound, multifaceted literacy knowledge base.
• Effective Assessment: Learn techniques for accurately assessing students' literacy skills and understanding to inform tailored instruction.
• Applying Research to Literacy Practices: Integrate the latest research findings into literacy teaching, enhancing instructional methods.
• Aligning with Common Core Standards: Discover best practices for implementing the Common Core Standards for English Language Arts effectively.
• Supporting Educators in Literacy: Gain insights into successful approaches for literacy coaching and providing instructional support to K-12 teachers.

Advising

Ixchel Samson

Reading and Literacy Graduate Advisor & Lecturer[email protected]

PLEASE NOTE: Faculty are slower to reply to program-related inquiries during the summer months. Admission cycles open in October each year and close in February. Students are not admitted to any Reading/Literacy programs outside of this admission cycle.

Course Sequence and Nesting

Combined M.A./Credential – 16 months (Summer 1, Fall, Spring, Summer 2)
RLLSC Only – 16 months (Summer 1, Fall, Spring, Summer 2)
RLAA – 13 months (Summer, Fall, Spring)

Learning Outcomes

1. Plan and implement instruction based on students’ reading and literacy thinking.
2. Use a variety of appropriate methods of reading and literacy representations, including technology, oral language, written symbols, pictures, concrete materials/models, real-world situations/phenomena.
3. Use best practices associated with the Common Core Standards for English Language Arts.
4. Plan and implement reading or literacy instruction in developmentally and culturally responsive ways to meet specific student needs.
5. Develop an understanding about what it means to learn reading and literacy deeply.
6. Develop strategies for classroom discourse in reading or literacy. 
7. Use assessments in reading and literacy for uncovering students' reasoning.
8. Demonstrate professional competency with professional presentations and action research.
9. Actively read and interpret research in ways that influence practice.