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Professional Reading Specialist

What can I do with a concentration as a Professional Reading Specialist?

The M.Ed. in C&I with a concentration as a professional reading specialist is designed for professionals who seek expertise in reading instruction. Reading Specialists work collaboratively with classroom teachers/Master Reading Teachers to plan and deliver instruction to meet the needs of individuals with reading difficulties.

What are some interesting courses I’ll be taking while in the program?

• Foundations of Reading – In this course, you’ll examine the theoretical models of the reading/writing process and bridge theory and practice for teaching students the ‘why and how’ of learning to read and write.
• Literacy Instruction – In this course, you’ll read and critically evaluate and discuss current and past reading and education research, and develop competence in identifying the varied learning needs of all students through assessment so instruction employs appropriate methods and resources.
•  Educational Media & Technology – In this course, you’ll examine and utilize Web 2.0 technologies for their appropriate applications for a variety of educational settings.

*See the C&I Graduate Handbook for complete course requirements.

How much will it cost?

Students at Tarleton enjoy one of the lowest tuition and fee rates in the state of Texas. A 3-hour graduate course costs approximately $873*.

*Cost is subject to change, and varies by location and modality. For example, a 3-hour course in Fort Worth costs approximately $731. A 3-hour online course costs approximately $851.

How long will it take?

Students have the flexibility to finish the degree in as little as 18 months, or as long as six years.

What are the course formats?

In an effort to provide flexibility for our students, we have designed online, hybrid, and face-to-face course offerings for you to choose from while in the program.

• Fully online courses do not have face-to-face meetings, and instead all course work is completed in the Blackboard learning management system.
• Hybrid courses may have anywhere from four to eight face-to-face meetings, with online content provided in Blackboard in between. All face-to-face sessions are offered on nights and/or weekends for convenience.
• Finally, traditional face-to-face courses meet every week, and may or may not have online components.

How will advising work while I’m in the program?

Once you’ve applied to graduate school and are admitted, your concentration advisor will mentor you through your course work, and answer questions you may have about course options, locations, and modalities (online, hybrid, or face-to-face), and assist you in developing a committee to guide you through your capstone project.

Why choose Tarleton?

Earning your graduate degree from Tarleton means you will have engaged with knowledgeable and respected faculty who present meaningful and relevant content, and formed long-lasting relationships with peers to broaden your skill-sets and expand opportunities in your career. Simply put, a degree from Tarleton is not just a piece of paper; it means you’ve expanded your horizons to become a leader in the field of Education.

What other resources can I use to get started and find out more?

• Our C&I Graduate Handbook will provide you with information about specific program requirements, advisement, research or capstone project requirements, etc. Click on your concentration area at the top to ‘jump to’ specific information.
• For planning purposes, see our tentative course rotations, locations, and modalities.
• For advising/concentration specific questions, see a list and contact info of our faculty and the concentrations for which they advise.
• The Graduate Studies website provides all the information you need to apply for admission.
• Once you’ve been admitted, you can use the myGateway system to register for classes, check your financial aid status, and view your unofficial transcript.
• Finally, you’re likely to utilize the Blackboard learning management system during the program, so be sure to check it out for training and support information.