You have the power to be a teacher who provides transformational tools to children.
When children learn to read, they build the academic foundation for the rest of their lives. Our unique program will advance your competency in pedagogy that is culturally responsive and transformative. You’ll focus on literature for children and young adults, as well as digital literacies and technology. Completion of our program leads to the addition of the K-12 reading specialist or reading teacher endorsement to your professional educator license.
Apply for Admission
Explore Campus
33 credit hours
Online
Full or part time
Start in the fall semester
Our Jerry L. Johns Literacy Clinic provides reading support services for K-12 students, continuing education and professional development opportunities for reading specialists, and excellent practicum experiences for you.
Recognized as exemplary by the International Literacy Association (ILA), our program aligns with standards developed by the ILA and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), allowing you to meet or exceed expectations set by ILA and the Illinois State Board of Education.
We want to help maximize your past learning and experiences. If you've started relevant coursework elsewhere, no problem! You’re able to transfer up to 15 credits from other institutions toward your NIU degree.
Average mid-career salary for alumni:
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You’ll apply through the Graduate School.
You can apply to the NIU Graduate School as a degree-seeking student or as a student-at-large, which allows you to take a course while waiting for official admission to the program. Your complete application packet will require:
Our competitive tuition and fees helps ensure an excellent return on the investment of your time and resources. Learn about additional funding opportunities for graduate students.
Many NIU graduate students have an assistantship, which provides financial support (typically a tuition waiver and stipend), as well as career preparation.
At 33 credits, it will take approximately two to three years to complete your degree.
Our faculty bring diverse experiences, backgrounds, scholarship and expertise in teaching. They’re committed to facilitating engaging learning experiences in and outside the classroom.