Literacy Instruction Online Programs (M.S. and Advanced Certificate, All Grades B–12)

Yes! Schools nationwide are increasingly hiring literacy specialists to address reading gaps and support evidence-based literacy instruction, offering strong career opportunities in this field.

This is a graduate degree designed to deepen your understanding of literacy assessment and instruction. The program focuses on developmental reading across all grades (childhood through adolescence), and prepares you to become a certified Literacy Specialist in New York State. All courses are online, flexible for working professionals, and emphasize hands-on learning through our Family Literacy Center and school-based practicum.

A literacy specialist is an educator with advanced training in reading and writing instruction. They assess students’ literacy skills, provide targeted support for struggling readers and writers, and collaborate with teachers to strengthen classroom instruction. Literacy specialists also help design school-wide literacy programs, engage families in supporting literacy at home, and serve as instructional leaders within schools.

A literacy specialist focuses on both reading and writing, working directly with students and supporting teachers. Reading specialists usually focus mainly on reading, while literacy coaches primarily guide teachers rather than students.

Graduates qualify for New York State professional certification as a Literacy Specialist, All Grades (Birth–12).

Yes. Candidates must hold a valid New York State teaching certification in early childhood, middle childhood, or adolescence education before beginning the program.

Graduates can go into roles such as:

• Literacy Specialists
• Teachers with with advanced expertise in literacy instruction
• Reading instructors
• Curriculum Specialists
• Reading and Writing Center Coordinators

The program’s coursework focuses on key areas of literacy education, including assessing reading and literacy development, implementing effective instructional strategies, and diagnosing and supporting reading difficulties. Students study literacy growth in children and adolescents and learn to align their teaching with current standards and best practices, such as those recommended by the International Literacy Association.

The curriculum is aligned with standards and best practices from the International Literacy Association (ILA) for Professionals.

All of the literacy courses are offered fully online and designed for working professionals, with many courses scheduled in the evening to fit around your workday. You may enroll full-time or part-time and plan your course load at your own pace. Most students complete the program in 1.5–3 years, depending on course load.

Yes. All students must complete fieldwork as part of the program. Pre-practicum hours may be completed through Niagara’s Family Literacy Center if you are in the Western New York area, or if you are online or already teaching, within your own classroom or local school district. In your final semester, you will also complete a 100-hour practicum, supervised by a veteran school faculty member selected collaboratively by you, your district, and the university. This practicum gives you the opportunity to apply your learning while further developing professional knowledge and skills in literacy instruction.

The Family Literacy Center is part of Niagara University’s College of Education and functions as a community hub on campus dedicated to promoting literacy for both youth and families. The Center provides hands-on, research-based literacy instruction and assessment, delivered by College of Education students under the close guidance of experienced university faculty who are experts in literacy instruction. All programs align with New York State standards and the International Literacy Association (ILA) standards to ensure high quality and consistency.

What It Is:

The Center is an educational resource that focuses on identifying and remediating reading challenges for children, while also supporting the literacy growth of their families. It provides intervention, diagnostic services, and enrichment programs designed to build skills in reading, writing, and listening. Its programs are evidence-based, using proven instructional strategies and guided by the latest research.

Who It Serves:

• Children in pre-kindergarten through grade 8 who may be at risk in reading or whose literacy skills need reinforcement
• Families looking for support in literacy development for both kids and adults
• College of Education students, who gain supervised, practical experience teaching, diagnosing, and supporting reading instruction

All students must complete placement hours, but there is flexibility in how you can meet this requirement. If you are a full-time teacher and already teach literacy, your current classroom hours may count toward the requirement. If literacy is not part of your teaching, you can fulfill the hours by arranging to observe or assist a colleague who does. Many students complete these hours before or after school, during planning periods, or over lunch, making it possible to meet the requirement without disrupting your job or other commitments.

Niagara’s Literacy Instruction program prepares educators to teach literacy from birth through grade 12 while offering the flexibility of online and evening courses. Students gain real-world experience through the NU Family Literacy Center and a supervised school-based practicum, all guided by faculty in small, supportive classes. With its alignment to International Literacy Association standards and strong community partnerships, Niagara provides both the personal attention and practical training that set it apart from many larger programs in New York State.

Absolutely! Students may participate in faculty-led research projects, present at local or national conferences, and engage in organizations like the New York State Reading Association (NYSRA), Literacy New York, and international organizations such as International Literacy Association (ILA).

Graduate tuition is charged per credit hour. Current rates are listed on Niagara University’s Graduate Tuition and Fees page.

Class sizes in Niagara’s Literacy Instruction program are kept intentionally small, typically ranging from 10 to 20 students per course. This allows for personalized feedback, close interaction with faculty, and strong collaboration with peers.

Often yes! New York’s literacy certification is rigorous and is commonly accepted in other states through reciprocity agreements. However, requirements vary by state. Check the licensing rules in the state where you plan to teach.

To earn literacy certification in New York, you’ll need to:

• Complete an approved literacy program (e.g., Niagara’s M.S.Ed. in Literacy Instruction) 
• Pass required New York State certification exams, including:
  • Educating All Students (EAS) exam
  • Content Specialty Test (CST) in Literacy
• Complete state-mandated workshops if not already completed (e.g., DASA training)
• Finish student teaching/practicum placements as required by your degree program

Once you’ve met these requirements, you can apply for Initial Certification in Literacy Instruction B–12 through the New York State Education Department (NYSED).