Online Reading Endorsement & Master’s Degree
Earn your Reading Endorsement credential in one year and build toward your master’s degree in reading science in year two.
Flexible, practical coursework aligned to the Science of Reading.
Support your students’ reading success while continuing to grow as an educator. Marietta College’s programs in reading science are designed for practicing K–12 teachers who want practical, research‑based literacy strategies they can use right away in their classrooms. Offered fully online with multiple start dates each year, the program is flexible to fit the schedules of busy educators, supportive, and aligned with the Science of Reading—making it easier to balance professional growth with your teaching responsibilities
Through a sequence of five graduate level courses in year one (15 credit hours), you’ll develop a deeper understanding of literacy development and qualify for the Ohio Reading Endorsement upon completion. With an additional five graduate courses in year two (15 credit hours), you'll build on that endorsement to earn a master's degree in reading science.
Fully Online
8-week courses
3 starts per year
No GRE required
$14,550 total
Earn a Master’s degree + Reading Endorsement credential
Year 1: Endorsement
5 courses / 15 credit hours
$5,625 total ($375/credit hour)
COMPLETE A Reading Endorsement Credential
Year 2: Master's
5 courses / 15 credit hours
$8,925 total ($595/credit hour)
COMPLETE A Master of Arts in reading science
Built on the Science of Reading. Taught by experts.
Strong reading skills are essential for student success—academically and beyond. Ohio’s focus on the Science of Reading reflects a shared commitment to ensuring every child learns to read effectively.
The Science of Reading isn't just one course. it's at the heart of every course in the curriculum. The Master of Arts in Reading Science and Reading Endorsement programs integrate the science of reading with the science of learning, ensuring educators understand not only what to teach, but how to teach, aligned with the evidence.
Informed teachers are our best insurance against reading failure. While programs are very helpful tools, programs don't teach; teachers do.
-- Louisa Moats
The programs are designed to ground educators in evidence-based language and literacy practices in an MTSS framework. It will help you to plan for literacy interventions while strengthening core instruction to prevent reading difficulties.
Marietta’s Reading Endorsement program is fully aligned with Ohio’s Science of Reading requirements. The stackable pathway lets you build on that credential with a master’s degree in Reading Science, gaining deeper knowledge and advanced skills to make an even greater impact on student learning.
Program Director Dr. Michelle Elia is an assistant professor at Marietta College, teaching courses in the Reading Endorsement. A special educator at heart, Dr. Elia has served in diverse roles at the school, regional, and state levels, including serving as the Ohio Literacy Lead for the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, where she supported literacy initiatives from pre-K through high school. She is a nationally recognized literacy consultant and professional learning provider, partnering with schools and organizations across the country to build educators’ capacity in assessment, intervention, and data-based decision making within an MTSS framework. Dr. Elia currently serves as President of The Reading League Ohio, where she leads efforts to advance evidence-aligned literacy practices statewide and contributes to the broader national movement for reading reform.
Flexible Online Learning—With Real Connection
Professional convenience: Courses are offered in an 8‑week online format to fit the schedules of busy educators. Take two consecutive courses in fall and spring, so you are focused on one course at a time.
Personal connections: While coursework is asynchronous, students also have the option to join regular check-in live virtual sessions to meet with faculty and collaborate with classmates.
These optional 30–40 minute meetings give you time to:
- Ask questions and talk through course content
- See instructional strategies modeled
- Learn alongside other practicing educators
The conversations and examples from these sessions can also be used to support your discussion work, helping bridge theory and classroom practice.
Start When It Works for You
With three start dates each year, you can begin the program at a time that fits your school and personal schedule.
Apply now for the January 11, 2027 start!
You may also be eligible to earn Graduate Credit for Prior Learning based on certain professional development you’ve already completed—helping you move through the program more efficiently.
Course sequencing is flexible, with the exception of the practicum (EDUC 625), which is completed at the end of the program.
Reading Endorsement Coursework
- EDUC 621 – Literacy Foundations
Build a strong foundation for instructional decision‑making using evidence‑based literacy practices.
- EDUC 622 – Phonics & Linguistics
Explore explicit, systematic instruction in phonics and phonemic awareness and how it supports early and struggling readers.
- EDUC 623 – Vocabulary and Comprehension
Learn practical strategies to help students engage meaningfully with texts across content areas.
- EDUC 624 – Diagnosis and Remediation of Reading Difficulties
Develop skills in assessing reading performance, identifying areas of need, and planning targeted instruction.
- EDUC 625 – Reading Endorsement Practicum
Apply your learning through in‑depth assessment, analysis, and instructional planning to support student growth.
Additional Master's Coursework
- EDUC 631 – Cognitive Psychology and Neuroscience of Reading
- EDUC 632, Literacy Instruction for English Learners
Build your capacity to teach reading to English learners and emergent bilinguals, connecting to the multilingual brain.
- EDUC 633, Advanced Phonics and Word Study
Develop an understanding of the history of English and morphological components of words that inform spelling, decoding, syntax, and vocabulary instruction.
- EDUC 634, Language and Literacy Development
All reading is informed by language! Learn about emergent language and literacy and the development of reading through language across the grade bands.
- EDUC 635, Language and Literacy Research Practicum
Engage in research and critical analysis of evidence-based practices in Tier 1 and Tier 2 literacy instruction. You will synthesize and demonstrate your knowledge, skills, and professional growth through the development of a comprehensive portfolio. This serves as the final evaluation of your learning in the Master of Arts in Reading Science program.
Credit for Prior Learning
Now, you can earn Marietta College graduate credit for prior completion of approved professional learning:
- LETRS
- Top Ten Tools
- Keys to Literacy
To qualify for earned graduate credit, you must apply for prior learning credit and meet the professional learning requirements listed for each course. Each course earns 3 graduate hours of transcript credit.
To earn credit for any of the graduate courses listed below, you must meet specific criteria that align with the graduate course for which you wish to earn prior learning credit. The evidence required to qualify for prior learning credit are listed with each course.
EDUC 621, Literacy Foundations (choose one option)
- Complete LETRS Units 1 & 2, then submit the certificates for the completed online modules, face to face meetings, and a digital copy of the “Bridge to Practice.” OR
- Complete the Top Ten Tools online course, then submit an the certificates for the completed online modules for all 10 tools. OR
- Complete the Keys to Beginning Literacy online course, then submit the certificates for the completed online modules.
EDUC 622, Phonics & Linguistics
- Complete LETRS Units 3 & 4, then submit the certificates for the completed online modules, face-to-face meetings, and a digital copy of the “Bridge to Practice.”
- Complete LETRS Units 3 & 4, then submit the certificates for the completed online modules, face-to-face meetings, and a digital copy of the “Bridge to Practice.”
- EDUC 623, Vocabulary and Comprehension (choose one option)
- Complete LETRS Units 5, 6, and 7, then submit the certificates for the completed online modules, face-to-face meetings, and a digital copy of the “Bridge to Practice.” OR
- Complete The Writing Revolution online training. Then, complete a book study of The Reading Comprehension Blueprint and an Explicit Instruction in Vocabulary activity.
- Complete LETRS Units 5, 6, and 7, then submit the certificates for the completed online modules, face-to-face meetings, and a digital copy of the “Bridge to Practice.” OR
Apply for prior learning graduate credit in the Science of Reading
- Complete the Graduate Studies Registration Form. Only one form is needed even if you are seeking graduate credit for prior learning multiple courses.
- Submit the application and digital documentation showing completion of professional learning requirements for the registered course(s) --as listed above-- to reading@marietta.edu.
Upon review and approval of the documentation submitted, a payment link will be provided to you via email.*
- Make a payment of $1,125 per course* ($375/credit hour)
- After payment is received, you will be provided with access to an electronic copy of your transcript showing credit for the course(s).
Completion of all requirements across the ten course program earn a Master of Arts degree in reading science.
• Transcripts
• Proof of licensure
• Proof of professional development completion, if registering for Credit for Prior Learning
PROGRAM COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS:
Curriculum
• Required Courses for Reading Endorsement (15 credits): EDUC 621, EDUC 622, EDUC 623, EDUC 624, EDUC 625
• Required Courses for Master's degree completion (15 credits): EDUC631, EDUC 632, EDUC 633, EDUC 634, EDUC 635
Students in this program will:
* Improve educator knowledge of Reading Science to better serve PreK – 12 students (Activities / Practice Exercises, Guided Notes for Language at the Speed of Sight).
*Provide opportunities for critical analysis and synthesis of educational research to make important educational decisions (Guided Notes assignment for Reader Come Home).
*Curate depth of content knowledge in language and reading development, theory, and the essential components of reading and writing instruction from PreK through grade 12 (Reading Brain Presentation).
For more information about graduate study at Marietta College, visit the graduate catalog.