What Can You Do With a Master's Degree in Reading and Literacy in 2025?

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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What can you do with a master's degree in reading and literacy in 2025?

A master’s level reading and literacy degree equips you to tackle one of education’s most persistent challenges: helping students and adults achieve strong literacy skills. Graduates are trained to diagnose reading difficulties, design interventions, and lead school-wide strategies aligned with evidence-based practices.

The most common path is becoming a reading specialist or literacy coach. In these roles, you’ll run Tier 2/3 interventions, support teachers, and guide curriculum alignment with state and national literacy standards. Others step into instructional coordinator positions, where they oversee English language arts (ELA) programs, data-driven improvement cycles, and teacher development.

Beyond K–12 schools, many graduates enter adult education as literacy and ESL instructors for community colleges and workforce training programs. Some also pursue library media careers, focusing on collection development and information literacy. Pay varies by role—instructional coordinators earned a median of $74,620 in 2023, while adult ESL teachers averaged $63,560. As districts respond to stagnant NAEP reading scores, the need for coaching, curriculum fidelity, and targeted interventions is only growing—making this degree highly valuable today.

What jobs can I get with a master's in reading and literacy?

With a master’s level reading and literacy degree, you qualify for roles directly focused on boosting student achievement. Common job titles include Reading Specialist, Literacy Coach, Curriculum Specialist, Interventionist, Instructional Coordinator, and Adult Basic/ESL Teacher. In K–12 schools, these specialists deliver diagnostics, prescribe interventions, and coach teachers on phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.

At the district level, professionals often lead curriculum adoption, professional development, and progress monitoring. Adult-education paths center on helping learners build foundational literacy or acquire English proficiency. BLS data shows there are 51,510 instructional coordinators employed nationwide, earning a median annual wage of $75,420 in 2023. Adult Basic and ESL teachers account for 43,190 jobs, with a median salary of $61,690.

Job demand remains steady because literacy shortages persist. In fact, 86% of U.S. public schools reported hiring challenges for teachers in 2023–24, and reading specialists often step into critical shortage areas. For those who want added classroom flexibility, pairing this program with an elementary education degree expands options to both instructional support and teaching roles.

How much do reading and literacy specialists earn on average?

Salaries for reading and literacy professionals vary depending on role, location, and sector. Reading specialists earn an average of $61,343 according to PayScale (2025). ZipRecruiter shows a wide range, with some states reporting salaries above $70,000, while others hover closer to $50,000. Salary.com places the national average slightly higher at $63,000–$65,000, reflecting steady demand across school districts and literacy programs.

Other related careers also show competitive earnings. Instructional coordinators—who often oversee literacy programs and coach teachers—report a median salary of $74,620. Librarians and library media specialists earn a $64,320 median. Adult basic and ESL teachers, who often work in adult literacy programs, earn a $60,560 median. These roles overlap significantly with the skill set developed in a reading and literacy master’s program.

Opportunities exist outside the classroom as well. Professionals who move into educational publishing, test development, or professional training often see higher salaries, especially in curriculum design. Pairing literacy expertise with another credential—like a special education degree—can raise earning potential further, as special education roles remain in high demand. Districts also provide stipends for literacy coaching and extended-day interventions, creating additional income opportunities for specialists in leadership roles.

What is the job market outlook for literacy professionals right now?

The demand for literacy professionals is stable, with some areas showing growth tied to education reforms. Instructional coordinators, a role many reading and literacy degree graduates move into, number more than 200,000 nationwide, with a projected 2% growth through 2032, which is steady compared to other education jobs (BLS).

Districts are responding to stagnant reading outcomes. NAEP results show no meaningful improvement in Grade 4 reading scores over the last decade, prompting investments in literacy coaches and evidence-based reading programs. Reports highlight teacher shortages in many districts, especially in reading intervention, which means professionals with advanced literacy credentials remain in demand.

Pay also reflects this outlook. Instructional coordinators working in higher-paying industries like natural gas distribution or insurance carriers earn $100,000 or more annually (BLS), while school-based coordinators earn less. For professionals considering broader policy or leadership roles, exploring pathways such as an educational policy degree may open higher-paying opportunities while keeping literacy expertise at the core.

How long will it take to complete a master’s in reading and literacy?

Most master’s programs in reading and literacy are designed for efficiency, often requiring around 30 credits. When pursued full-time, these can usually be finished in about three semesters, making the degree accessible for working teachers who want to upskill quickly. Fairmont State’s M.Ed. outlines a 30-credit plan with a practicum, while Regis University also offers a 30-credit track with 8-week online terms and multiple annual start dates.

Completion time can vary depending on whether you study part-time or full-time. Many teachers pace themselves by taking courses alongside the school year, stretching the degree to two years or more. Endorsement-only routes—designed for educators who already hold a graduate degree—may cut months off the timeline.

Students who want faster pathways sometimes add certificates that complement this degree. For instance, pairing it with an early childhood education certificate helps teachers qualify for literacy-focused roles in K–3 settings more quickly. Regardless of the path chosen, practicum or fieldwork is standard, ensuring graduates develop the real-world diagnostic and instructional skills needed to address today’s literacy challenges.

What kind of coursework and certifications are required in this degree?

Coursework in a master’s level reading and literacy degree typically revolves around the five core pillars of reading: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Students also study assessment design, how to interpret data to guide instruction, and strategies for teaching diverse learners, including those with dyslexia. Many programs require a supervised practicum, ensuring graduates can apply evidence-based methods in real classrooms.

State requirements are becoming stricter. In 2024, 

• 26 states mandated detailed reading standards for teacher preparation, 
• 30 states included English learner instruction, 
• 41 states required coverage of struggling readers and dyslexia, and 
• 36 states mandated professional learning tied to the science of reading. 

These expectations often align with preparation for state literacy or reading specialist endorsements, which may involve passing licensure exams.

For educators working in multilingual districts—where 10.6% of U.S. students (about 5.3 million) are English learners—additional training can strengthen career prospects. For example, pairing this degree with an ESL certificate online signals to employers that you can address literacy challenges for a broad student population. This kind of combined credentialing improves both hiring potential and immediate classroom impact.

Similarly, educators exploring what jobs can you get with a early childhood education certificate can combine these credentials with early literacy training to qualify for roles such as preschool literacy specialist, reading interventionist, or early childhood curriculum coordinator.

What career paths beyond teaching are available with this degree?

A master’s in reading and literacy doesn’t limit you to the classroom. Many graduates step into district-level leadership roles such as instructional coordinators, curriculum specialists, or assessment designers. These positions focus on shaping programs, evaluating outcomes, and ensuring schools align with literacy standards. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, instructional coordinators earned a median annual wage of $74,620 in 2023, reflecting the higher-level responsibility these roles carry.

Others move into the nonprofit or health sectors, where literacy connects directly to community impact. Patient education, public health campaigns, and community literacy initiatives increasingly need professionals who understand how people learn and retain information. Pairing a reading and literacy degree with a health education degree opens doors to cross-sector opportunities that emphasize lifelong learning and equity.

Finally, edtech companies and publishers seek graduates with data-literate coaching experience to design training resources, lead product adoption, or manage customer success teams. These roles often provide remote flexibility, diverse work environments, and broader salary bands than traditional school systems, making them attractive for those seeking variety beyond teaching. In the chart that follows, you can check out the cities that pay the most for reading specialists for reference.

How does a reading and literacy program differ from a general education master’s?

While a general master’s in education prepares teachers for broad classroom leadership, a master’s in reading and literacy goes deeper into the science of how students acquire language skills. These programs emphasize evidence-based strategies for diagnosing reading difficulties, creating intervention plans, and coaching other teachers on literacy instruction.

For instance, many reading and literacy master’s programs align with the “science of reading” standards now required in 26 states, according to the National Council on Teacher Quality (2024). In contrast, general education master’s programs may focus on broader themes like classroom management, curriculum design, or policy, without the specialized training in literacy development.

The career paths also differ. Graduates of reading and literacy programs often become literacy coaches, intervention specialists, or instructional coordinators — roles where salaries averaged $76,270 in 2023, according to the BLS.

Similarly, careers with a master's in TESOL offer opportunities to teach English to speakers of other languages, develop curriculum for multilingual learners, or serve as ESL coordinators — demonstrating that specialized language expertise can open distinct educational career avenues.

 Meanwhile, general education master’s holders are more likely to remain in traditional classroom or administrative roles, where average pay can be lower.

This specialization makes reading and literacy programs particularly attractive for educators who want to lead school-wide literacy initiatives, improve student outcomes, and position themselves for roles beyond day-to-day teaching.

How much does a master’s in reading and literacy program cost today?

Tuition for a master’s in reading and literacy can vary significantly depending on the university, program format, and whether the student is completing a standalone endorsement or a full M.Ed. For example, Barry University lists its Graduate Reading Endorsement at $499 per credit hour, while Fairmont State University posts $517 per credit hour for 2023–24. Most full master’s programs require around 30 credit hours, meaning tuition alone often falls between $15,000 and $18,000 before factoring in fees, books, or practicum requirements. 

Costs can climb higher at private universities or if state-mandated practicum hours, licensure exams, or technology fees are added to the bill. Online programs sometimes offer flat-rate tuition that applies to both in-state and out-of-state students, which can create savings for distance learners. Many institutions also allow endorsement coursework to count toward a master’s degree, lowering overall cost and time-to-degree. For those considering the value of this investment, understanding jobs with masters in adult education can help gauge potential returns, as graduates often pursue roles in higher education, corporate training, nonprofit leadership, and adult literacy programs, which can offer competitive salaries and career growth.

Financial aid options like TEACH Grants or district tuition reimbursement programs are also common for educators pursuing advanced reading credentials. The key takeaway is that students should always calculate the true cost of attendance—not just the listed per-credit tuition—before committing to a program.

What qualifications or certifications do employers look for after earning this degree?

Employers hiring reading and literacy specialists expect more than just the degree itself. They look for candidates who can apply research-based practices, meet state licensure standards, and demonstrate measurable student progress. States have been steadily raising the bar on reading instruction requirements, which directly shapes what school districts expect when recruiting literacy professionals.

Here are the most common qualifications and certifications employers look for today:

• State Endorsements: Many roles require a state-specific reading specialist or literacy coach endorsement, sometimes linked to passing exams such as the Praxis Reading Specialist test.
• Science of Reading Training: As of 2023, 32 states enacted laws or policies on reading instruction, with 36 states requiring professional development grounded in the science of reading.
• Support for Struggling Readers: 41 states mandate preparation in working with students facing dyslexia or reading difficulties.
• English Learner Expertise: 30 states require specific preparation for English learners as part of reading instruction.
• Performance Evidence: Employers value practicum experiences where candidates monitor student progress and demonstrate results in improving literacy outcomes.

In short, employers want professionals who bring both credentials and proof of impact, ensuring their expertise translates into stronger student achievement.

For those exploring what can you do with an alternative teaching certification, combining this credential with a master’s in reading and literacy can open doors to roles such as literacy coach, reading interventionist, or specialized classroom teacher, even in districts that require traditional state endorsements.

Here's What Graduates Have to Say About Their Master's Degree in Reading and Literacy Program

Other Things You Should Know About a Master's Degree in Reading and Literacy

Do I need teaching experience before applying?

Some programs prefer licensed teachers with classroom experience, while others admit non-licensed applicants who plan to work in schools. If you lack teaching experience, look for programs with strong practicum hours and supervised coaching. These ensure you leave with classroom artifacts and measurable outcomes that support your credibility. Always confirm state-specific endorsement rules before applying, as some require prior teaching credentials.

Will this degree qualify me for district-level roles?

Yes. A master’s in reading and literacy often leads to roles like instructional coordinator, literacy lead, or curriculum specialist. Districts value candidates who can align literacy initiatives to standards, provide coaching cycles, and use assessment data to drive measurable gains. Demonstrated success in mentoring teachers, leading professional development, and monitoring curriculum fidelity is highly attractive to employers. This degree strengthens your qualifications for advancing beyond classroom teaching into district-level leadership.

Can this degree help me move into adult education or community programs?

Absolutely. Adult literacy and ESL programs consistently need specialists who are skilled in diagnostics, lesson design, and individualized instruction. Community colleges, libraries, and nonprofits rely on professionals who can apply K–12-tested literacy strategies to adult learners. With this degree, you can collaborate with workforce development partners, track learner progress, and address functional literacy skills that directly impact employability and community engagement. It widens your opportunities beyond the traditional school system.

How can I future-proof my career with this degree?

Future-proofing your career means building additional credentials alongside your degree. Employers value state reading specialist endorsements, training in assessment literacy, and advanced skills in instructional coaching. Documenting measurable student outcomes from your interventions also sets you apart. Adding specialized training for English learners or data coaching expands your career options, especially as multilingual student populations grow. This proactive approach ensures your expertise remains relevant as educational demands evolve.