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Reading Specialist Online Certification Program
Classes Begin: TBD2 years
Fully Online
31
WRS Level I certified with IDA-approved courses & training
***The Reading Specialist Certification program will not be accepting new students for the Summer terms of 2026 and 2027. More information to follow.***
The Reading Specialist Certification program aims to prepare students to work with individuals with a range of reading abilities and needs by introducing them to multisensory approaches to reading instruction, and to a variety of diagnostic tools for planning and evaluation purposes, as well as to monitor student performance and growth. Students will learn effective reading strategies and become exceptionally skilled and qualified to support students with reading needs as well as be able to provide leadership and coaching in the area of literacy to teachers and schools.
Designed for teachers who already possess an Instructional I certificate in PA or another State, the program aims to help students understand how literacy is a meaning making process, to offer different ways of exploring children's responses to a variety of texts, to enrich reading and writing in content area classrooms, and to teach them how to incorporate research-based approaches. Students will graduate with a Reading Specialist Certification as well as a Wilson Reading System® (WRS) Level I Certification.
The WRS Level I Certificate will allow students to learn the intricacies of the English language, to teach a direct instruction multi-sensory language-based program, and to support students who need extra reading support. Students who have obtained a WRS Level I certificate within the past five years are eligible to transfer up to 10 credits towards the Reading Specialist Certification. Learn more about the WRS language program.
Graduates of the Reading Specialist Certificate program will have the opportunity to become reading specialists, reading interventionists, literacy coaches, literacy mentors, literacy program directors, and literacy specialists working in a community-based literacy center.
ACCREDITATION
This academic program has earned accreditation by the International Dyslexia Association (IDA). Drexel's literacy-related degree and certification programs meet the knowledge and practice standards for teachers of reading as determined by the IDA.
Program Features
- Drexel University is the first institution to include the core WRS Level I courses as a part of the core requirements. Students will receive a WRS Level I certificate in addition to a PA Reading Specialist Certification.
- Highly qualified faculty who have expertise in online teaching and are practitioner-scholars in the field of literacy.
- Fully accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Drexel's teacher education programs are approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
- Flexible, completely online degree program that fits easily into your busy work and personal schedule.
- Credits transfer into the MS in Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum program
CAEP Accredited Provider
The Council for the Accreditation of Education Preparation (CAEP) accredits Drexel University School of Education educator preparation programs. CAEP promotes excellence in educator preparation through quality assurance and continuous improvement. Drexel University meets rigorous national standards for education preparation set by the Council for the Accreditation of Education Preparation.
Archived Webinars
- How is it only January? Survival Strategies for the Classroom Teacher
- Teaching, Learning, & Curriculum, Reading Specialist, and TESL Programs
State restrictions may apply to some programs.
Curriculum
This program is organized into four 10-week quarters per year (as opposed to the traditional two semester system) which means you can take more courses in a shorter time period. One semester credit is equivalent to 1.5 quarter credits.
Drexel University is transitioning to a semester calendar system as of Fall 2027. View the semester program of study for this program.
| Required Courses | ||
| EDLS 550 | Theories of Reading and Writing | 3.0 |
| EDLS 555 | Understanding Literacy Through Sociocultural Perspectives* | 3.0 |
| EDLS 560 | Reading and Writing in the Content Areas (7-12)* | 3.0 |
| EDLS 565 | Constructing Meaning Through Reading and Writing | 3.0 |
| EDLS 570 | Literacy and Evaluation* | 3.0 |
| EDLS 575 | Responding to Children's and Young Adult Literature | 3.0 |
| EDLS 620 | Applied Methods in Multisensory Reading Instruction | 1.0 |
| EDLS 622 | Basic Word Study I | 3.0 |
| EDLS 623 | Basic Word Study II | 3.0 |
| EDLS 624 | Multisensory Practicum I* | 1.0 |
| EDLS 625 | Multisensory Practicum II* | 1.0 |
| EDLS 626 | Multisensory Practicum III* | 1.0 |
| EDLS 650 | Designing a Literacy Program* | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 31.0 | |
*Field experiences and current updated clearances required
Admissions Criteria
- A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution with a GPA of 3.0 or higher (graduate degree GPA will be considered along with the undergraduate GPA)
- Current Teacher Certification
Required Documents
With multiple ways to submit documents, Drexel makes it easy to complete your application. Learn more by visiting our Completing Your Application Guide.
- A completed application
- Official transcripts from all universities or colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions (including trade schools) attended
- Two letters of recommendation (professional or academic)
- Personal statement (800 - 1600 words) that will give the admissions committee a better understanding of:
- Why you are choosing this particular program of study
- Your plans upon completion of the degree
- How your current work experience will enhance your experience in this program
- Resume
- Proof of Teacher Certification
- Additional requirements for International Students
Tuition
The tuition rate for the academic year 2026-2027 is $1144 per credit. (A 25% tuition savings off Drexel's regular tuition rate of $1525 per credit)
For the academic year 2025-2026, students enrolled in an online graduate academic program will be charged a graduate online program fee of $125 per year.
- Special tuition rates available for Drexel University Alumni, Military members, and members of our Partner Organizations
- These rates apply only to new online students and students being readmitted.
- Tuition rates are subject to increase with the start of each academic year in the fall term.
- All students must contact applyDUonline@drexel.edu within the first two weeks of the term to request tuition savings for which they qualify.
- Special rates cannot be combined. If you qualify for more than one special rate, you'll be given the one with the largest savings.
- When receiving special tuition plans, you may not be able to combine them with other tuition benefits that may be available from Drexel University.
Academic Calendar
2027-2028 Academic Year
Term
Classes Begin
Classes End
Exams Begin
Exams End
Fall 2027
August 23, 2027
December 8, 2027
December 13, 2027
December 17, 2027
Spring 2028
January 10, 2028
April 24, 2028
April 27, 2028
May 3, 2028
Summer 2028
May 15, 2028
August 5, 2028
August 7, 2028
August 11, 2028
2026-2027 Academic Year
Term
Classes Begin
Classes End
Exams Begin
Exams End
Fall 2026
September 22, 2026
December 5, 2026
December 7, 2026
December 12, 2026
Winter 2027
January 4, 2027
March 13, 2027
March 15, 2027
March 20, 2027
Spring 2027
March 29, 2027
June 5, 2027
June 7, 2027
June 12, 2027
Summer 2027
June 21, 2027
August 7, 2027
August 9, 2027
August 14, 2027
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