Master's in Literacy Education

Empowering Educators, Transforming Literacy

Earn your master’s in literacy education at Texas Woman’s University to develop skills to confidently lead literacy instruction. Our program blends research-based strategies, expert mentorship, and real-world application to help you advance in your career and make a lasting impact in schools and communities.

Why Choose TWU?

  • Flexible Learning: Hybrid format designed for working educators (70% online, 30% face-to-face)
  • Accredited & Respected: Fully accredited by the Texas Education Agency (TEA)
  • Career Advancement: Prepare for roles as a literacy leader, reading specialist, instructional coach or curriculum developer
  • Supportive Community: Learn in a cohort-based model with faculty mentorship and peer collaboration
  • Affordable Options: Financial aid, TEACH grants, and scholarships available

Two Degree Pathways for Your Goals

Master of Education (MEd) in Literacy Education

  • Designed for educators seeking advanced instructional strategies and literacy leadership skills
  • Prepares graduates for the TExES Reading Specialist Certification (All-Level K-12)

Degree Plan - MEd in Literacy Education

Master of Arts (MA) in Reading Education

  • Ideal for those interested in literacy research and advanced study
  • Emphasizes literacy theory, assessment, and instructional best practices

Degree Plan - MA in Reading Education

All-Level (K-12) Reading Specialist Certification

Master's degree coursework in literacy education can lead to certification as an All-Level (K-12) Reading Specialist.

This certificate requires previous teaching certification and, at the time of completion, a master’s degree and two years of classroom teaching experience. In addition, students must successfully complete the appropriate certification exam and related TEA requirements.

This certification is awarded by the State Board for Educator Certification.

All-Level (K-12) Reading Specialist Certification

Career Opportunities & Salary Outlook

With your Master of Education in Literacy Education, you can become a literacy leader in roles like:

  • Reading Specialist: Develop reading curricula and provide targeted intervention support
  • Literacy Coach: Mentor educators and improve reading instruction across schools
  • Curriculum Developer: Design evidence-based literacy programs for school districts and publishers
  • Instructional Coordinator: Guide literacy policy and best practices at the district level
  • Higher Education Instructor: Teach literacy education courses in colleges and universities

Salary Outlook: According to the U.S. Department of Labor, instructional coordinators (which include reading specialists) earn a median salary of $64,450.

Admission requirements

Admission to the M.Ed. in Literacy Education or MA in Reading Education

Program Contact

Heather Cato, Ph.D.
940-898-2304
hcato@twu.edu 

Application Deadlines

Rolling admission for Fall cohorts
Hybrid

Admission Requirements

  • Minimum 3.0 GPA in previous undergraduate and graduate coursework.
  • Collect and submit the following documents into the application:
    • Collect and submit the following documents to
    • Resume
    • A one-to-two page narrative answering the following questions:
      • Why do you seek an M.Ed. in Reading education?
      • What does "literacy learning" mean to you?
      • What are your strengths as a teacher.
      • Describe 2-3 learning goals related to effective literacy teaching and learning.
      • Do you plan to seek the All-Level (K-12) Reading Specialist Certification or, alternatively, if you are seeking an M.Ed. without the certification?

Graduate Admission

Begin by reviewing your program's website to see if there are additional admission requirements and application deadlines prior to applying.  

  1. Apply online.
    Apply to Graduate Programs  via the TWU Online Graduate Application Portal following instructions below.  
  2. Submit transcripts to TWU.
    • Domestic Applicants must submit official transcripts for each college or university attended, both undergraduate and graduate. See the Information on Transcripts website for more details. Original transcripts for each college/university attended must be submitted, even if referred to on another schools transcripts.
    • International Applicants are now required to provide an evaluation prepared by a NACES or AICE member evaluation service. International transcripts should not be sent directly to TWU. See the International Admissions website for more details.
  3. Submit Recommendation Requests
    If your program requires you to submit names for recommendations you will need to do it in the application. List of programs-majors.  
  4. Pay the application fee.
    The $50 fee ($75 fee for International applicants), which applies to all new and returning applicants, can be paid by:
    1. Credit card - Pay Online through the application as the last step before submitting the application. The second portion of the application will not be available until the application fee has been received.
    2. Fee Waivers - Graduate applicants who are certified McNair Scholars are eligible for a McNair Scholar Application Fee Waiver. TWU Alumni may be eligible for the Alumni Advantage Fee Waiver. Check your eligibility here: https://twu.edu/alumni-advantage/. If eligible submit the request using the Application Fee Waiver Submission
    3. Following fee payment return to the application dashboard where supplemental application documents can be uploaded. The online application will list which documents are needed to fulfill the program admission requirements. You can also check the program's website.
  5. Submit Program supplemental documents
    1. Submit all program specific materials such as: Resume, Statement of Purpose, Artist or Research Statement, Scholarly Writing Sample, Custom Essay, Portfolio Document, Video Submission, Licensure, Department Specific Application, Teaching Service Record, Teaching Certificate, etc. following submission of your application fee.

Watch for emails from your new program/department that may come to your TWU email address.

For more information or assistance with the application or graduate admissions, visit the Graduate Admissions website.

Students who wish to apply for a Graduate Assistantship must meet the General Criteria for Appointment of Graduate Assistants.

Contact Information

Heather Cato, PhD
Assistant Clinical Professor
hcato@twu.edu 
940-898-2304

Graduate Admissions Support:

About Texas Woman’s University

TWU is the nation’s largest university system focused on women, with a legacy of leadership in education, health sciences, and liberal arts. With campuses in Denton, Dallas, Houston, and online, TWU provides high-quality, accessible education designed to empower future educators and literacy advocates.

TWU by the Numbers:

  • #1 Public University in the U.S. for Best Colleges for Students with Children (BestColleges.com)
  • #3 Most Affordable Institution in Texas (College for All Texas)
  • 81% of graduates remain in Texas, contributing to education, healthcare and leadership across the state
  • Home to the Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership, which supports female educators, entrepreneurs, and policy advocates

Join TWU’s master’s in literacy education program and become a literacy leader who transforms schools, communities, and the future of education.

Page last updated 1:22 PM, March 21, 2025