The M.S. in Reading program is designed for educators who want to assume Reading Specialist/Literacy Coach roles at the school or district level. The program culminates with candidates earning a Master of Science degree and a K-12 Reading Specialist Endorsement. The purpose and intent of the program is to prepare educators to become ethical decision-makers and leaders who can provide literacy-based services within an educational community.

Candidates who already hold a master’s degree may be eligible for a focused program to earn the Reading Specialist Endorsement.

The University of St. Francis is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. College of Education programs are further approved by the Illinois State Board of Education (isbe.net).

  • Application and application fee
  • Admission essay
  • Official transcripts documenting the appropriate undergraduate degree and prerequisites from a regionally accredited institution
  • Verification of an undergraduate GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale unless noted otherwise
  • Valid teaching license
  • One (1) letter of recommendation

Applications are still being accepted for cohorts forming for the upcoming semester. For information regarding program availability and current site information or to inquire about starting a cohort in your school or district,  please contact:

Maggie Stevenson, Graduate Admissions
mstevenson@stfrancis.edu
815-740-3389

To find out if this program is offered in your state, click here and choose “Program Availability by State” under Academics.

Request more information about our graduate programs:

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Let us know if you have specific questions or if there is any program information we can provide for you.