Reading Education (MEd)
Change lives through literacy.
Literacy is the fundamental building block of all education. But more and more students at all levels fail to meet basic standards of literacy, as outdated one-size-fits-all methods of reading instruction allow the most in-need students to fall through the cracks. With the most current evidence-based practices, a degree in reading education can make you a literacy hero in the lives of your students, setting them on a path to success.
This program may grant an additional teaching endorsement as a Reading Specialist.
- Time to Completion18 months
- FormatOnline
- Degree(s)Master of Education
Next steps


Why Pursue a Reading Education MEd at MBU?
A love of reading can create life-long learners, setting students on the road to academic success. But many students lack these necessary skills to succeed in their educational careers, and the students most in need are often the ones that fall through the gaps. MBU’s reading education program gives experienced teachers the inquiry-based tools to improve literacy outcomes for K–12 students and make sure all students can pursue a successful educational journey.
Flexibility and Convenience
With all courses available online, you can complete coursework on your schedule and practicums in any accredited classroom. Whether you’re shifting your teaching focus or looking for an additional endorsement, the Elementary Education program at MBU rewards your time and efforts.
MEd students don’t need to be Virginia residents to seek licensure—they can complete practicums and student-teaching in any accredited school. However, all activities, competencies, and Standards of Learning that are addressed in each experience must apply to Commonwealth of Virginia guidelines.
Next steps

Teacher Education Program
Students accepted to the MEd program are automatically enrolled in MBU’s Teacher Education Program (TEP). In addition to completing their degree program and TEP requirements, Reading Education MEd students must meet the following requirements to obtain the Reading Specialist additional endorsement by Commonwealth of Virginia standards:
- Hold a current Virginia teaching license
- Completed three years of full-time teaching
- Pass the Praxis Reading Specialist assessment
MBU focuses on inquiry teaching and leadership to serve the needs of our students and school partners by enhancing the pool of quality, qualified applicants.
Dr. Pamela BaileyAssociate Dean and Director, School of Education
Curriculum
The Reading Education MEd program at Mary Baldwin stresses evidence-based reading practices and technologically enhanced literacy learning for students of all ages.
MEd students can choose to pursue this program for the degree alone, and not an additional endorsement. These students don’t need a teaching license for admission to this program.
Sample Courses
Students explore the application of contemporary technologies to advance teaching and learning through the investigation of a wide variety of media and technological resources. Students in the course will develop an understanding of how educational technology can enhance, augment, and enlarge opportunities for PK-12 student learning.
This course focuses on different genres of literature for children and adolescents. Students will learn how to select and interpret the quality of reading material at different reading levels. In addition, the course emphasizes how literature plays a role in improving literacy acquisition of students. Topics include: (a) multicultural literature, (b) censorship and protocols, (c) creating life-long readers, and (d) integrating literature into the classroom.


Our Faculty
Our program’s faculty is made up of passionate educators eager to share their insights and expertise. With their one-on-one support, you’ll graduate ready to tackle any challenges you face with confidence and competence.
Outstanding Outcomes
MBU’s reputation for producing exceptionally qualified educators means that an MEd from MBU translates into a career.
MBU is committed to training teachers for every student, no matter their financial or geographic situation. That’s why an average of 92% of Teacher Program graduates are in one of Virginia’s Top Ten Critical Shortage Areas.
Next steps

Cost & Financial Aid
A great education is worth it. Our mission is to help you level up and bring your aspirations to life.
The MEd in reading education can be completed in just a year and a half, combining online classes with in-person practicum experiences to get you your degree fast.