Become A Jaguar 
Request Info 
Apply 
MS in Reading
This degree plan is for students who do not hold a standard teaching certificate and/or do not have two years teaching experience at a public or accredited private school per TEA (Texas Education Agency) requirements. This degree plan is also for graduate students who wish not to teach but may want to work for a literacy professional development company, a literacy non-profit organization, or a local, state, or national literacy agency. This degree plan requires students to complete: 30 hours of graduate Reading courses, In the event that a student completes two years teaching experience and earns a Texas teaching certificate while enrolled in Option #2, the student may opt to move to Option #1, which will then allow them to take the Reading Specialist test after completion of the degree requirements. In the event that a student graduates under the Option #2 degree plan and later earns Texas teaching certification and two years of teaching experience, and wants to seek Reading Specialist certification, he or she may reapply to graduate school for Option #3.
MS in Reading with Reading Specialist Certification
This degree plan is for Texas certified educators who have at least two years of teaching experience at a public or private accredited school. This degree plan requires students to complete:36 hours of graduate Reading courses, 160 hours in clinical practicum and internship experiences in literacy, and135 minutes of faculty observations of the graduate student in clinical practicum and leadership experiences.
Reading Certification Only
Non-Degree Seeking This option is for students who hold a Masters degree in an area of education (e.g., Special Education, Bilingual, Early Childhood, or School Leadership/Administration), a Texas teaching certificate, and two years of teaching at a public or accredited private school and are only seeking Reading Specialist Certification. These students do not wish to pursue an additional masters degree, but will be required to complete the following: 21 hours of graduate Reading courses specified on the Option #3 plan,160 hours of clinical practicum and internship experiences in literacy, and135 minutes of faculty observations of the graduate student in clinical practicum and leadership experiences.
FAQ's
Do I have to be a certified teacher to apply for this program?
Students seeking Reading Specialist Certification must be certified and have a service record of at least 2 years. Keep in mind that you can earn your service years during the graduate program (i.e., currently you have one year of teaching on your service record. You will continue teaching through your graduate program and earn the second year needed). For more information, visit the Texas Education Agency
Is financial aid available for graduate students?
Yes, financial aid is available. Visit the link below for more information on how to apply.
I already have a master's degree but I want to get my reading specialist certification, is that possible?
Students who are certified and have a master's degree in an education field can complete 21 hours to complete the requirements for the Reading Specialist certification.
How could this degree impact my career path in education?
Literacy education is the foundation to learning in all content areas. Gaining a deeper understanding of reading and how to support students will allow you to design instruction to meet student's needs. Earning your Reading Specialist Certification would allow you to serve as a Reading Specialist, district literacy leader, advocate for literacy education.
How do I get started?
Visit the link below to apply to the Graduate Studies program at A&M-SA!
Still have questions?
Contact Reading Program Coordinator
Dr. Amanda Lindner
alindner@tamusa.edu