College of Health, Education and Social Transformation
Reading
College of Health, Education and Social Transformation
Reading
Drive Literacy Success Across K-12 —
Advance with a Reading Specialist Credential.
At NMSU, the Reading Specialist program (Specialist in Education: Reading) is designed for educators ready to take the next step in literacy leadership. With advanced coursework in reading instruction, assessment, intervention, curriculum design, and administration, you’ll prepare to serve as a specialist, literacy director, or curriculum leader within K-12 schools and districts. The program allows completion as a stand-alone specialist credential or alongside the MA in Education with a concentration in Language, Literacy and Culture.
Admission Deadlines
There are no fixed deadlines*
- Total credits: 24-33
Delivery Format
In-person
Career Pathways
Completing the Reading Specialist program at NMSU opens doors to key leadership roles focused on literacy and instructional improvement. Possible career pathways include:
- Reading specialist, working within a K-12 school to assess, design and deliver reading interventions
- Literacy coordinator or director for a school district focused on improving reading and writing outcomes
- Curriculum and instruction leader, specializing in language, literacy and culture in diverse schools
- Professional development specialist, supporting teachers with evidence-based reading practices
- Administrator in educational agencies or nonprofits focused on literacy, equity and student achievement
Degree questions, answered
Have questions about the Master of Arts in Reading? Fill out our inquiry form.
Why choose this program?
Choosing NMSU’s Reading Specialist program means joining an education community committed to equity, literacy and leadership. You’ll receive focused training in reading instruction grounded in research, with an eye toward culturally responsive practices and diverse learners. The program’s flexibility, including options to pursue it as a stand-alone credential or alongside a master’s degree, enables you to tailor your journey to your career goals. Supported by faculty experienced in K-12 literacy leadership and grounded in NMSU’s tradition of teacher preparation, you’ll graduate ready to influence literacy outcomes at the classroom, school and district levels.
The program can be completed in two forms (1) solely as a Specialist in Education; (2) simultaneously with the Master of Arts in Education with a Concentration in Language, Literacy & Culture.
No GRE Required
We’re removing barriers to graduate education, which is why we don’t require the GRE.
To become a reading specialist at New Mexico State University (NMSU), you need to complete a 24-credit Reading Endorsement program, which can be done as part of the 33-credit Master of Arts in Education: Language, Literacy, and Culture (LLC) program. The 24 credits are for the endorsement specifically, and you must take courses in reading or a related area to meet this requirement.
Reading Specialist in Education
Take classes like:
- READ 5330 - Content Area Literacy
- READ 6110 - Critical Issues in Literacy Education
- READ 6210 - Ethnography of Reading and Writing
- READ 6320 - Praxis and Reflexivity
- READ 6130 - Multiculturalism, Literature, and Inquiry
- READ 5990 - Practicum in Literacy Education
To be admitted for a reading specialist at NMSU, you need to apply to the Graduate School with a bachelor's degree and a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the Master of Arts (MA) in Education: Language, Literacy, and Culture program, which also requires a resume and a statement of purpose
Ready to take the next step?
Request Information
Scholarships and Financial Aid
At NMSU, we strive to offer competitively priced tuition to keep your tuition costs affordable. If you need financial aid, we’re ready to work with you to determine the best ways to finance your education.
Financial assistance includes loans, grants, and scholarship opportunities. To apply, use NMSU’s convenient Scholar Dollar$ one-stop scholarship application, which serves all students in the NMSU system.
NMSU students are also eligible for loans and grants. The first step in applying for financial aid is to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more about financial aid opportunities at NMSU.
Contact Financial Aid
Phone: 1-888-729-6678
Email: financialaid@nmsu.edu
Accreditation
New Mexico State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Specialized accreditation from other accrediting agencies is also granted for some programs. NMSU’s accreditation ensures that your education meets high-quality standards and that your credits are transferable.