Online Master of Arts in Reading, Language and Literacy
Overview
CSUSM’s fully online Master of Arts in Reading, Language and Literacy program provides advanced preparation in reading and language arts assessment and instruction. The coursework is immediately applicable and prepares you to work within a variety of settings to maximize learning for diverse student populations.
For more information about our program, please see our CSUSM Reading, Language, and Literacy Program Handbook.
Upcoming Online Information Sessions
- Wednesday Nov. 6, 4:00pm - Online
- Wednesday Dec. 4, 4:00pm - Online
- Wednesday Jan. 8, 4:00pm - Online
New Scholarship for K-12 Teachers in California
CSUSM’s Literacy Scholarship for K-12 Teachers will support eligible teachers from any K-12 school district in the state of California. To be eligible, five or more teachers from the same school district need to apply for and enroll in the MA in Reading, Language and Literacy for the 2022 summer semester. Visit the FAQ section on this page for details about the scholarship.
- Summer 2025: April 30, 2025
Program Details
- ADMISSION
How to Apply
Admission Requirements
- Conferred bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university
- A minimum undergraduate grade point average of 2.5 or 2.5 in the last 60 units
- Teaching credential or equivalent experience
- Statement of purpose: A typed, double-spaced, one- to two-page statement that describes you and why you wish to pursue a master’s degree in education. Things you might include are your goals, ideals and experiences, special skills, and community service.
- Two letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with your work in the field of education
- Completion of the graduate/post-baccalaureate application to the university
- No GRE required to apply
Three years of full-time teaching experience are required prior to recommendation for the California Reading and Literacy Added Authorization and the California Reading and Literacy Leadership Specialist Credential.
For California Advanced Credentials (RLAA and RLLSC) you must hold a basic California Clear Credential, fulfilled basic skills requirements and have satisfied minimum years of regular teaching experience.
All materials will be evaluated to assess an applicant’s qualification for admission; however, no one indicator shall determine acceptance of an applicant.
Please note: To be considered for admission you must reside in an approved state.
Preferred Preparation
Students should have the following skills:
- Computer literacy including email, uploading and downloading documents, Microsoft Office, etc.
- Strong reading and writing skills
- Self-motivated and independent learner
- Time management skills
NOTICE TO STUDENTS re: PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE AND CERTIFICATION
California State University programs for professions that require licensure or certification are intended to prepare the student to meet California licensure and certification requirements. Admission into programs for professions that require licensure and certification does not guarantee that students will obtain a license or certificate. Licensure and certification requirements are set by agencies that are not controlled by or affiliated with the California State University and licensure and certification requirements can change at any time.The California State University has not determined whether its programs meet other states’ educational or professional requirements for licensure and certification. Students enrolled in a California State University program who are planning to pursue licensure or certification in other states are responsible for determining whether they will meet their state’s requirements for licensure or certification. This disclosure is made pursuant to 34 CFR §668.43(a)(5)(v)(C). - Conferred bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university
- COSTS
Semester Units* Subtotal** Summer Semester 1 - Block 2 6 $2,850 Fall Semester 1 - Block 1 6 $2,850 Fall Semester 1 - Block 2 6 $2,850 Spring Semester 1 - Block 1 6 $2,850 Spring Semester 1 - Block 2 6 $2,850 Summer Semester 2 - Block 1 3 $1,425 Summer Semester 2 - Block 2 2 $950 Fall Semester 2 - Block 1 1 $475 Total 36 $17,100 *Unit rate for this program is $475
**University semester fees not included. View complete breakdown of Extended Learning fees. Semester tuition subtotals based on sample program sequence. All quoted tuition rates are based on previous academic years and are subject to change without notice.
Funding and Financial Aid
- This program is eligible for financial aid
- Visit the Extended Learning funding page or call 760-750-4850 to learn more about your funding options
- Federal VA educational benefits can be used for this program (not eligible for Cal Vet fee waiver)
- Active duty military, veterans and dependents should visit the military services page or call 760-750-8705
- COURSE SEQUENCE
View course descriptions and specific program requirements on the Reading, Language and Literacy Catalog Page.
Please note: This program has a set schedule of courses that you are expected to follow as part of your cohort.
Sample Schedule
Semester Course (units) Summer Semester 1 - Block 2 EDRL 606 (3)
EDRL 616 (3)
Fall Semester 1 - Block 1 EDRL 610 (3)
EDRL 613 (3)
Fall Semester 1 - Block 2 EDRL 614A (3)
EDRL 614B (3)
Spring Semester 1 - Block 1 EDRL 618 (3)
EDRL 619 (3)
Spring Semester 1 - Block 2 EDRL 622 (3)
EDRL 623 (3)
Summer Semester 2 - Block 1 EDRL 627 (3) Summer Semester 2 - Block 2 EDRL 698A (2) Fall Semester 2 - Block 1 EDRL 698B (1) Schedule is subject to change.
- FAQ
Who is eligible for CSUSM's Literacy Scholarship for K-12 Teachers?
CSUSM’s Literacy Scholarship for K-12 Teachers will support eligible teachers from any K-12 school district in the state of California. To be eligible, five or more teachers from the same school district need to apply for and enroll in the MA in Reading, Language and Literacy for the 2022 summer semester. Each teacher from the group will receive a $49 discount per unit for a total individual program savings of $1,764.
The great news is that no scholarship application is needed to be considered! Individuals who enroll in the 2022 summer semester as part of a group of five or more teachers from the same California school district will automatically receive the scholarship as part of their matriculation.
In addition, we encourage all applicants to fill out the CSUSM general scholarship application (between Oct. 1 and Feb. 1) as there are many other scholarships available and the process will help identify potential opportunities. Early application submission ensures students can collect all of the needed materials in time and access the support available to CSUSM scholarship applicants.
What services do you offer to active military, veterans and dependents?
Please visit our military and veteran services page to learn how we can help.
Earn your degree in just 16 months with convenient online classes
This program will prepare you for literacy TOSA positions, literacy coach, reading specialist, grade or department chair, curriculum specialist, school-based resource teacher and more
Benefit from immediate peer support, individualized attention, guaranteed placement in courses, guaranteed time to completion and more
Classes for this K-12 focused program are kept to 25 students to ensure the highest level of interaction with faculty and include clinical and field experience
The digital literacy class helped to change my mindset about what young learners can do. Taking the time to make those changes has really impacted my practice.
I have learned how to contribute to and give back to my field. The resources that I have been able to use and knowledge I have learned from experts in the field have played a central role in my work.
The change in pedagogy has made my classroom feel more like a family. My room is no longer students sitting in rows learning or not learning alone. Now they are learning together.
Take the next step in your career - APPLY NOW
New cohorts begin every Summer semester.
Extended Learning