Enable The Mind Through Reading
Reading takes time, and reading with understanding takes effort. According to the most-recent National Assessment of Educational Progress report, only 72% of high school graduates in the United States have the basic literacy skills necessary to be successful. Be part of the movement to increase literacy rates among high school graduates by earning your master’s degree in reading. Our 36-credit hour master’s program prepares you for a career in various educational settings and further graduate coursework and research. Gain greater knowledge of curriculums, instruction and literacy dynamics facing students in a dynamic global arena by earning your master’s degree in reading from A&M-Commerce.
1.5 to 2 years
Yes for MA
36 hours
Thesis is optional for MA

Emphases and Minors
Focus Your Passion
The Department of Curriculum and Instruction offers four tracks for a master’s degree in reading. Discover which reading program works best for you and your career goals.
Master of Arts (MA) in Reading: Thesis Track
Is there a specific topic that you would like to investigate while producing a publication-quality paper? Then, our Master of Arts thesis track is your answer. During our 36-credit hour program, you’ll use the knowledge you gain to develop research skills and explore your chosen topic in reading. This track prepares you for further graduate work and research.
Master of Arts (MA) in Reading: Non-thesis Track
Are you interested in helping students improve their reading skills? Our Master of Arts non-thesis track allows you to develop your expertise in reading instruction. Our 36-credit hour program gives you the flexibility to investigate an interesting trend in reading development while deepening your understanding of reading’s importance for academic and career success.
Master of Science (MS) in Reading: Non-thesis Track
If the classroom is where you want to be, our 36-credit hour program allows you to work toward a Texas teacher certificate while earning your degree. Upon successfully completing the program and passing the required TExES exam, you will be eligible to teach your desired grade level (prekindergarten-grade 12). No foreign language is required for the non-thesis track.
Master of Education (MEd) in Reading: Non-thesis Track
Are you a current educator? Enhance your teaching skills with our 36-credit hour master of education track. Learn to engage your students to become master thinkers while reading class content. If you’re interested in becoming certified in all-level reading, this track is for you. Successful completion of the Comprehensive Exam is required of all students.
Reading (MA/MED/MS):: Reading Specialist Certificate Information
READING SPECIALIST CERTIFICATE
Many children struggle with reading at a basic level and often need individualized instruction. You can help improve their literacy skills by becoming a licensed reading specialist. Your role includes assessing, diagnosing and instructing students in their reading and writing skills. Reading specialists work alongside K-12 educators and often provide one-on-one instruction for students struggling in their reading and writing comprehension. You’ll develop individualized plans for addressing their reading difficulties.
Available as part of the MED in Reading only. Not available with MS or MA in Reading or other masters programs.
MA/MS/MED in Reading :: PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
What you will learn
A master’s degree in reading will offers the opportunity to:
- Understand interrelated components of reading across all developmental stages
- Gain expertise in reading instruction at all grade levels
- Assess writing based on the needs and abilities of the class and individual
- Research classroom strategies for student comprehension, development and expression
- Learn to assess students for reading problems and enhance classroom instruction

MA/MS/MED in Reading :: INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Potential Employers
Local ISDs often seek after our graduates. Job placement and satisfaction is ranked highly in our education program. These are just a few examples of districts where our students found employment. Now’s your chance to discover where you belong.
Back to menu Scroll to topMA/MS/MED in Reading :: Course Delivery and Resources

Course Delivery and Resources
Receive your master’s degree in reading online. Our flexible programs are designed to meet the needs of working professionals and current educators. Study at your own convenience, wherever that may be!
Graduate Program Cost
PROGRAM COSTS
Tuition and fees for graduate students taking nine credit hours are $3,594 for Texas residents and $6,897 for non-residents.
Reading :: Domestic Student Requirements
Deadlines
Applications are accepted throughout the year.
If you are an H1B or H4 applicant, please contact the Graduate School for details at [email protected].
Note: This program is not available to international students.
Your Path to Becoming a Lion
Step 1. Submit Application
Submit your application through ApplyTexas.
- Select “Create a new graduate school admissions application.”
- Select “Texas A&M University-Commerce (Commerce)” as your “Target University.”
- Select one of the following as your “Major”
- Reading, MED for certified teachers
- Reading, MS seeking initial teacher certification as part of the master’s degree
- Reading, MA seeking initial teacher certification as part of the master’s degree
- Pay the $50 application fee.
*Applicants for the MS/MA in Reading must also apply for the Post Baccalaureate Teacher/Alternative Certification program.
Wait to receive an application confirmation email before proceeding to the next step.
- After you submit your application, the Graduate School will send a confirmation email within two business days to the personal email account you used for ApplyTexas.
Provisional Status
After you submit your application, you may be granted provisional status, which means you can enroll in one semester of courses. You will not be eligible for financial aid until you submit all of your documents and are accepted into the program.
Step 2. Submit Documents
Submit the following documents after you receive an application confirmation email.
- Upload your documents at myLeo > Apps > Check Admissions Application Status & Test Scores or email your documents to your graduate coordinator, [email protected], unless otherwise specified below.
Official Transcripts
Contact your previous institution(s) and request that they send your official transcripts to [email protected].
- We recommend that you request transcripts for all of your academic work.
Postal Alternative
If your institution is unable to submit a digital copy, hard copies may be mailed to:
Texas A&M University-Commerce
Attn: Graduate School
PO Box 3011
Commerce, Texas 75429-3011
We will need official/original documents. If those documents are the only copies you have, the Graduate School can mail them back to you upon request. Contact [email protected] for more information.
Statement of Goals
Describe your preparation for graduate work, your academic interests and goals in no more than 500 words.
Resume or CV
Submit a resume or curriculum vitae (CV) which includes your academic and professional history and achievements.
Test Scores or Teaching Certificate
You do not need to submit test scores if you have a valid teaching certificate. Email a copy of your valid teaching certificate to [email protected]
If you do not have a teaching certificate, you may submit your scores for one of the following tests:
- PPR, ExCet or TExES
Submit official General Test GRE scores
- Request that your GRE®scores be sent to Texas A&M University-Commerce (6188) when you register for the test. If you have already taken the GRE®, you can order additional score reports.
Look for application updates in myLeo > Apps > Check Application Status
- Once an admission decision has been made, you will receive an email to your student email account at myLeo > Apps > Leomail.
Step 3. Apply for Financial Assistance
- Apply for FAFSA and TAFSA financial aid through the state and federal governments during the admission application process. Use code 003565.
- Apply for outside scholarships once you are admitted to A&M-Commerce.
- Check your financial aid and scholarship info through myLeo > Student Resources > Financial Aid Information.
Step 4. Register for Classes
Once registration opens and you are eligible to enroll, your graduate enrollment specialist is here to help you complete registration.
- View your degree plan in DegreeWorks.
- View the Schedule of Classes.
- To register for classes, go to myLeo > Student Resources > Registration Menu.
Contact your graduate enrollment specialist if you have any questions regarding your degree plan and registration.
MA/MS/MED in Reading :: Staff
we are here to help!
Contact Us
- Department of Curriculum and Instruction
- 903.886.5537
- 903.886.5581