Master of Science in Education: Literacy Education

Invest in your knowledge of literacy instruction and leadership, so you can become a literacy leader and build curricula teachers can use with the next generation of learners.

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School of Education | On-Campus

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What You'll Learn

Literacy shapes all aspects of a student’s education: how they read, grasp new concepts, solve challenges, and express their ideas. Drake University’s Master of Science in Education (MSE) in Literacy Education prepares you to lead literacy instruction in today’s diverse classrooms and shape schoolwide initiatives that improve student outcomes.

In the program core, you’ll learn the theoretical foundations of literacy and immerse yourself in the latest research on effective instruction. Drawing from a wealth of practical experience, your professors help you leverage research on best practices and real-world scenarios, so you can immediately start your literacy leadership practice and apply techniques in the curriculum used across your district.

Based on how you structure your degree, coursework can fulfill the requirements for Iowa’s Reading Specialist endorsement and/or reading endorsements. Upgrade your qualifications and job opportunities with electives, which enhance your expertise in the areas that match your interests.

About the MSE in Literacy Education program

Become a leader in literacy instruction, curriculum development, and learn new strategies for improving literacy in schools.
Target your education to match your goals. Available endorsements include K-8 Reading, 5-12 Reading, and K-12 Reading Specialist.
Upgrade your skills while you work, with course schedules and delivery methods designed for busy professional educators.
Develop relationships with faculty and peers with small class sizes that foster dynamic interaction.

Program Facts

Hybrid program delivery
Part-time program for working educators
Complete in 2 years
Start in fall, spring, or summer
32 total credits

Admission Requirements

MSE in Literacy Education

Lay the groundwork for greater impact and increased responsibility. You’ll complete coursework for the Reading Specialist endorsement plus additional electives, preparing to lead positive change and help teachers with literacy curriculum.

K-12 Iowa Reading Specialist Endorsement

Understand how to promote literacy in your classroom and better serve the diverse needs of students. In this seven-course (21-credit hour) endorsement program, you’ll gain the skills to teach reading, design interventions, lead learning plans, and collaborate with colleagues to strengthen instruction across your school.

Jill Johnson, Ph.D.

Professor, Education

Lindsay Woodward, Ph.D.

Associate Dean, Teaching and Learning; Associate Professor

A professor working with students in an soe classroom

Reading and Reading Specialist Endorsements

The core of the master’s in literacy education program includes coursework for earning a Reading Specialist endorsement. Use electives to add a Reading endorsement to further enrich your training.

Our Local Connections

Study in a program with strong regional ties. Drake has ongoing connections with urban, rural, suburban, public, and private schools to help you practice your skills and assist students in diverse environments.

Nelson Urban Endowed Scholarship

Awarded each year to a graduate student at Drake, this scholarship supports those preparing to serve at-risk youth through education, psychology, social services, or law.

Careers & Skills

Turn theory into practice. You’ll gain a strong foundation in literacy theory and hands-on strategies. Graduates become leaders and literacy coordinators for their districts.

Job Titles

District reading coordinator
Instructional coach
Literacy coach
Reading coordinator
Reading interventionist
Adult literacy instructor

Skills

Accessing and assessing research to inform practice
Coaching fellow educators
Gathering and analyzing data to shape reading instruction
Knowledge of literacy instruction models
Leading program change
Literacy program design and implementation

Salary & Growth Outlook

The average salary for instructional coordinators as of 2024. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Take the Next Step

Literacy is embedded throughout students’ education. Understand how to integrate this fundamental skill and set all students up for success in Drake’s MSE in Literacy Education program.

Contact

Dr. Jill Johnson
Professor of Literacy Education
jill.johnson@drake.edu
1-800-44-DRAKE, X3992
515-271-3992

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Three students sitting at a table outside under a tree talking to each other