Online Master’s in Literacy Programs
Work Full Time and Earn Your M.S. in Literacy Education Online
Online
20 months
30 Credit Hours
$490 per Credit
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Complete this form to receive information about coursework, admissions, tuition, and more.
Become a Leader in Literacy With a CAEP-Accredited Graduate Degree
- Apply By: 08/17/26
- Start Class: 08/31/26
Strengthen your literacy education skills while you continue teaching with an online master’s in literacy from Shenandoah University. Our coursework balances rigor and convenience, so you can learn cutting-edge literacy concepts on a schedule that works for you.
Plus, gain practical methods and techniques you can use in your classroom right away. This CAEP-accredited program will help you address literacy issues with quantitative and qualitative research, data analysis and inclusive learning environments.
This program is intentionally aligned with Virginia licensure requirements, and state approval is in progress.
Program Details
- Small class sizes and personalized support
- Accelerated, eight-week courses
- Flexible online programs designed to fit a teacher’s schedule
- Curriculum combines high-level theory and practical skills
- College of Distinction for SU’s Division of Education and Leadership1
M.S. in Literacy Education Concentrations
For the SU online literacy master’s, you must choose one concentration from the options below. Learn more and find the literacy specialization that advances your personal and professional goals. Whether you want to deepen your expertise or aim to improve your current classroom with a stronger literacy acumen, Shenandoah has the online program that will take you where you want to go.
M.S. Literacy Education, Early Literacy
Focus on reading development strategies for children aged 3–5 with this early literacy master’s. Graduate meeting the VA add-on endorsement requirements.
M.S. Literacy, Writing
From grammar to linguistics, this writing literacy master’s will upgrade your ability to teach creative and non-fiction writing skills to K-12 students.
More Information About This Program
Click on each tab below to learn additional details regarding the program requirements and features.
Curriculum
Use What You Learn Right Away
30 Total Credits
10 Courses
At SU, our coursework is designed to help you solve real-world education challenges. You’ll prepare to become a more caring, capable and reflective literacy educator with curriculum grounded in collaboration, problem-solving and thoughtful decision-making.
Tailor your online literacy master’s to your ideal future when you choose a required concentration from multiple options, all of which ready you for state endorsement requirements. Your elective courses are predetermined based on the required concentration selected.
See Why SU Online Is Right For You
CAEP Accredited
Receive top-tier education delivered by outstanding instructors with curriculum accredited by the Council for Accreditation and Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Children’s Literacy Conference
Learn from world-renowned authors, illustrators and literacy leaders when you attend this program’s on-site, three-day Children’s Literacy Conference.
Admissions Requirements
How To Apply for the Master’s in Literacy Education Online
Application Deadline 08/17/26
Start Date 08/31/26
Start your online M.S. in Literacy Education sooner with multiple start dates, no application fee and zero entrance exams. Check the table below to confirm your eligibility, then begin your application today.
| Online Application Form | Apply Now |
|---|---|
| Degree and Minimum GPA | Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a preferred minimum GPA of 3.0, however, applicants with GPA below a 3.0 are welcome to apply and will be reviewed holistically. |
| Transcripts | Unofficial transcripts for initial admission. Official transcripts are required prior to enrollment but may also be sent earlier if preferred. |
| Transfer Credits | 9 |
| Official GRE/GMAT Score | Not required |
| Additional Requirements | Applicants must have:
|
International Students
If you are an international student, you must demonstrate proficiency in the English language. To do so, you may be required to meet the minimum requirement for one of the following exams: TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo English Test (DET). Fill out a Request for Information form to speak to an engagement specialist and learn more.
| TOEFL Minimum Requirement | 79 |
|---|---|
| IELTS Minimum Requirement | 6.5 |
| PTE Minimum Requirement | 53 |
| Duolingo Minimum Requirement | 105 |
Online Admission Requirements
Thank you for considering Shenandoah University for your online program. Completing your online application is the first step in joining our community of lifelong learners. From the moment you apply to the moment you earn your degree, our support team is here to assist you.
AdmissionsTuition & Aid
Affordable Tuition for a High-Impact Graduate Degree
Calculate your cost for attending Shenandoah University Use our tuition calculator to help you estimate your total tuition costs.
If you’re ready to upgrade your teaching skill set with a master’s degree that matters, Shenandoah has the affordable program that’s right for you. Earn a resume-boosting credential for a reasonable cost and future-proof your career.
| Cost per Credit Hour | $490 |
|---|---|
| Total Number of Credit Hours | 30 |
| Total Estimated Tuition | $14,700 |
| Additional Fees | $20 Technology and Distance Services Fee per registered course |
| Other Costs to Budget For | The estimated tuition cost does not include factors like textbooks or other expenses. |
Military Affiliated Students
Shenandoah is proud to support veterans and active duty U.S. military service members and their families as a Yellow Ribbon School. We offer an active Veterans and Supporters group and accept students funding their education through the Post-9/11 GI Bill® and the Active Duty Tuition Assistance Program.
Tuition & Financial Aid
You have options when it comes to financing your online education with Shenandoah University. We’re committed to keeping our exceptional education programs as accessible as possible through competitive and affordable tuition rates. Don’t let tuition costs hold you back from achieving your career goals. Get started on financing your Shenandoah degree today.
Tuition DetailsPursue Your Ideal Career in Education
It’s common knowledge that qualified teachers are in high demand. When you earn your master’s degree, you will be able to distinguish yourself as a well-rounded literacy educator with a unique specialization in your chosen concentration.
Education continues to be a deeply rewarding and meaningful profession. At Shenandoah, you can increase your impact on student lives with a graduate program from a school recognized for educational excellence.1
Discover the Career Setting That’s Right For You:
- Early Childhood Center
- Elementary School
- Middle School
- High School
- School District Office
“Assisting others to build bridges across languages, intercultural communication styles, and educational norms is a joy.”
–Rene D. Caputo ’07, ESL Specialist, Graduate Program in Education
What Does the Online Master’s in Literacy Teach?
Get ready to create engaging and inclusive learning environments that improve students’ literacy skills. Grow as a teacher when you deepen your understanding of these literacy topics:
- Diagnostic Teaching
- Assessment
- Media Literacy
- Speaking
- Listening
Develop Capabilities To Improve Student Learning
Review Shenandoah’s broad range of concentrations and their correlating program outcomes below.
- Understand how young children develop language and literacy from birth through early elementary years.
- Design engaging, age-appropriate instruction that fosters early reading and writing skills.
- Partner with families and community organizations to support children’s literacy at home and beyond.
- Adapt instruction to meet the diverse needs of young learners from all backgrounds.
- Apply current research to improve early literacy teaching and learning.
- Strengthen children’s speaking and listening skills as a foundation for literacy.
- Take on leadership roles in early childhood education settings and literacy programs.
- Champion policies and practices that support early literacy development in schools and communities.
- Learn to integrate writing into all areas of the curriculum to boost student learning.
- Build the skills to guide and inspire others as a literacy leader in your school or district.
- Deepen your understanding of grammar and linguistics to strengthen student writing.
- Design writing instruction that supports diverse learners and voices.
- Use writing as a tool to help students think deeply and express ideas clearly.
- Enhance writing instruction with digital tools and platforms.
- Foster peer feedback and teamwork through collaborative writing practices.
- Conduct meaningful research to improve writing instruction and literacy outcomes.
Learn from Industry-Experienced Faculty
Imagine participating in interesting conversations led by engaging professors who’ve already done what you dream of doing. You’ll be in a small class with professors who know your name, care about your success and provide advice as you pursue your academic and career goals.
Karen Huff, Ed.D., Director of Children’s Literature Program, Professor of Curriculum and Instruction
Faculty Spotlight: Karen Huff
In addition to teaching at the university level, Dr. Karen Huff has taught elementary and nursery children. She has also directed numerous workshops for parent groups and educators, including the annual Children’s Literature Conference at Shenandoah University.
Sources
- Colleges of Distinction. “Shenandoah University.” Retrieved August 20, 2025, from https://collegesofdistinction.com/school/shenandoah-university/.
- Payscale. “Average Reading Specialist Salary.” Retrieved August 20, 2025, from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Reading_Specialist/Salary.
- Payscale. “Average Curriculum Specialist Salary.” Retrieved August 20, 2025, from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Curriculum_Specialist/Salary.
- Payscale. “Average Curriculum Coordinator Salary.” Retrieved August 20, 2025, from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Curriculum_Coordinator/Salary.
- Payscale. “Average Education Coach Salary.” Retrieved August 20, 2025, from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Education_Coach/Salary.