An Online Master's Degree Focused on Literacy, Reading & Writing Instruction

Designed for Working K-12 Teachers

The online Literacy Master of Arts program provides you with specialized literacy practice for today’s challenging classrooms. In addition, you will be prepared as an evolving educational leader, engaging in the problem solving so important for student growth in traditional and modern literacies.

A Full Reading/Literacy Program, Not Just a Specialization

You uniquely see how young learners' successes and failures in reading and writing have an impact on their educational path. You want more of your students to experience the competence and pleasures of literacy.

UNC is the only institution in Colorado authorized to confer a master's degree focused entirely on literacy. Where many institutions offer a mix of generalist core classes and some literacy classes, our program is made up entirely of literacy courses.

Career Opportunities

Act as a school leader by directing reading and literacy programs, staff development and curriculum development at the school level.

With this credential, you can stay in your own classroom or take on a more focused literacy position.

  • For classroom teachers, the growth in demand for individualized reading and writing instruction for Response to Intervention and new standards make reading an area of study that will have a big impact on classrooms in coming years.
  • Our unique program will also make you highly competitive for many literacy-oriented district and school positions, such as Literacy Specialist, Reading Intervention Teacher or Literacy Coach. These roles direct reading and literacy programs, staff development and curriculum development at the school level.

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Delivered Fully Online

This master's degree can be completed in less than two years (five academic terms). The online delivery allows you to fit your coursework around your busy schedule.

Coursework (30 Credit Hours)

To see a typical list of courses by term, visit an example Current Students page for this program.

For full program requirement details, see the official program listing in the UNC Graduate Catalog.

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What Our Students Say...

"Working side by side with other teachers from the area has not only allowed me to gain knowledge of new best practices, but has given me a collegial cadre of friends who share a passion for children and teaching. In every way, UNC has been a positive experience.”

 – Kimberly Bontempo, Graduate

"I am currently in my 22nd year of teaching where I have taught from Kindergarten through 8th grade, and going back to graduate school was one of the best decisions I have ever made. The pace was perfect and the courses were always very engaging."

– Penny Hahn, Graduate