This 30-credit program is designed for certified, experienced classroom teachers looking to gain a strong foundation in literacy and the development of leadership skills. In this program, you will be prepared to not only meet the needs of struggling literacy learners, but also to assume leadership positions within your school. This program is designed for the certified teacher who wishes to be certified by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) as a Reading Specialist based on and aligned to the standards outlined by the International Literacy Association (ILA). If you want to be certified in a state or district other than Maryland as a Reading Specialist, you will need to work with your state or district to determine eligibility steps.

Candidates should complete the six courses in the literacy core before proceeding to the Reading Specialist Track. Courses within the core and the clinical block may be taken in any order unless otherwise stated.  

As courses are only offered in hybrid and/or online formats, students must have access to a device (such as a tablet or computer) that includes both internet connectivity and audio/video capability. High-speed internet connectivity access is also required.

In addition to passing all courses with a satisfactory grade, as a graduation requirement, candidates must take and earn a score of 164 or higher on the Praxis II:  Reading Specialist #5301 (discontinued November 30,2021) or #5302 (December 1 - present) during the Reading Specialist Track during the clinical block in order to graduate. For May graduates, candidates are responsible for providing Loyola official Praxis II exam scores by April 15. Similarly, January graduates are responsible for providing Loyola official Praxis II exam scores by December 15. In addition, September graduates are responsible for providing Loyola official Praxis exam scores by August 15.

Candidates must submit to Records an electronic application for graduation by the first day of their final semester.