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Earn Your Master’s + Advanced Credentials
Prepare for leadership roles in language and literacy within California’s K-12 education system with CSUSM’s Master of Arts in Reading, Language and Literacy. Equip yourself to support diverse monolingual and multilingual learners through contemporary, theory- and research-based practices.
Our 16-month, fully online program emphasizes social justice, equity, collaboration, critical thinking, professional ethics and reflective teaching and learning.
Earn both the Reading and Literacy Added Authorization (RLAA) and the Reading and Literacy Leadership Specialist Credential (RLLSC) alongside your master’s degree.
100% Online Courses
Complete in 16 Months
K-12 Field Experience
Application Deadlines
The reading, language and literacy master’s degree program begins every summer semester.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; apply at any time! However, priority
is given to applications that are received by the following deadline:
- Summer 2025: May 28, 2025
Quick facts
Designed for Working Educators: Complete your MA degree and earn RLAA and RLLSC advanced credentials in just 16 months
with a flexible online format that accommodates your professional life.
Immediately Applicable: Apply reading and language theory directly in your classroom to enhance your students’ literacy outcomes from day one.
Immediately Applicable: Apply reading and language theory directly in your classroom to enhance your students’ literacy outcomes from day one.
Attend an Information Session
Join an Online Information Session
Learn more about the Master of Arts in Reading, Language and Literacy program through one of these upcoming informal webinars and Q&A sessions:
Admission and Costs
Admission
Admission to the master’s in reading, language and literacy program requires a bachelor’s degree, a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.5 and a teaching credential or equivalent experience. View all admission requirements.
Costs and Financial Aid
-
- $475 per unit
- Eligible for financial aid
Who Is the Reading, Language and Literacy Master’s Program For?
Does this sound like you?
- Current educators aiming to specialize in literacy and language instruction
- Teachers seeking to deepen their understanding of reading and language development
- Education professionals focused on improving literacy outcomes in schools
- Aspiring literacy coaches and specialists looking to advance their careers
Curriculum Highlights
The Master of Arts in Reading, Language and Literacy curriculum emphasizes a research-based,
theory-to-practice approach that is immediately transferable to the classroom.
Creating Engagement and Independence in Literacy Classrooms
Explore strategies for fostering student engagement and independence in literacy. Learn techniques for advocating for students, schools and communities, with an emphasis on collaboration to achieve educational goals in diverse environments.Multilingual Learners, Literacy and Language
Gain a deep understanding of literacy and language development for multilingual learners. Study effective management of organizational structures, processes and policies that support school vision and goals, focusing on multilingual education.Designing, Developing and Evaluating Effective Literacy Programs
Examine methods for designing, developing and evaluating literacy programs using both quantitative and qualitative research approaches. Topics include measurement, assessment, statistical techniques and methods for critiquing research and program evaluations.Careers and Job Outlooks
Position Yourself for Professional Growth
Earning your master’s degree in literacy along with advanced credentials can significantly boost your earning potential in California. Here are the average annual salaries for some prominent literacy roles in the state:
Curriculum Specialist
Reading Specialist
Literacy Specialist
Potential Career Paths
Graduates of the MA in Reading, Language and Literacy program are well-prepared for
a variety of specialized roles within K-12 schools and districts. Career opportunities
include:
- Literacy Coach
- Reading Specialist
- Literacy Program Director
- Literacy TOSA Specialist
- Grade or Department Chair
- Language Arts Coordinator
- Curriculum Specialist
- Educational Consultant for Literacy
- Literacy Intervention Specialist
- Bilingual Education Specialist
What Do Our Graduates Have to Say?
This has been a rewarding program for me, and I am so happy that I am able to apply so much of what I am learning directly into my classroom.
Rachel Singer-Gallouzi
Graduate
I am grateful for all of the professors on this team who have made us feel like we are part of a bigger community and that they all are cheering us on and are invested in our learning.
Ann Hackett
Graduate
I get to help my whole district now because of this program. The program made me feel more confident. I do not just sit in a meeting and whisper an answer to my friend.
Mariah Willis
Graduate
FAQ
- What is a cohort?A cohort is a group of students who progress through a curriculum together to achieve the same academic degree. By taking classes together and graduating as a unit, cohort members form strong bonds, creating a valuable support system and professional network that benefits them both during and after the program.
- Will my diploma say "online"?No, your diploma will not specify that your degree was earned online; it will simply indicate that you received a bachelor’s degree from California State University San Marcos, the same as traditional, on-campus students.
- What are the key learning outcomes of the program?Students will gain competencies in literacy theory, instructional practices, curriculum design and assessment methods, among others.
- What services do you offer to active military, veterans and dependents?
Please visit our military and veteran services page to learn about the support and resources available to active-duty military, veterans and their dependents.
- What is Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) and how can it benefit me?
Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) allows you to earn academic credits for skills and knowledge you've acquired outside of a traditional classroom. This can help reduce the number of courses needed for your degree, saving you time and money while accelerating your path to graduation.
- How do I apply for CPL?
Start by contacting your CSUSM advisor, who will guide you through the CPL process. You’ll need to provide proof of your certifications and/or provide supporting documentation demonstrating your learning, knowledge or skill acquired through experience. Once the appropriate paperwork has been received, the department faculty will assess which credits you qualify for.
- Can other forms of experience besides certifications count towards CPL?
Yes, beyond certifications, prior experience such as work or military experience may also qualify for credit. Faculty at CSUSM will review these experiences on a case-by-case basis to determine eligibility.
Shape the Future of Literacy
Sources
Salary and job data: https://govsalaries.com/salaries/curriculum-specialist-salary/california;
https://govsalaries.com/salaries/reading-specialist-salary/california; https://govsalaries.com/salaries/literacy-specialist-salary/california
288 Campus Way San Marcos, CA 92078