Reading - Master of Science in Education - non-certification
UWL’s online reading and literacy programs prepare licensed teachers to use science-backed, evidence-based strategies that improve reading outcomes for learners from early childhood through high school. Designed for working educators, these flexible programs allow candidates to immediately apply what they learn in their own classroom and school.
Graduates of this program earn a Master of Science in Education degree. This program does not lead to teacher licensure in the state of Wisconsin.
Master of Science in Education in Reading Program
The online Master of Science in Education (MSED) in Reading Teacher non-certification program at University of Wisconsin–La Crosse is designed to prepare educators to strengthen literacy instruction and support student learning across PK–12 settings. The 30 credit program emphasizes evidence-based reading instruction, assessment, and intervention grounded in current research and Wisconsin’s literacy expectations.
Coursework and applied experiences develop candidates’ knowledge and skills in structured literacy, the science of reading, assessment literacy, and data-informed instructional practices, including requirements outlined in Wisconsin Act 20. Candidates are prepared to apply effective instructional strategies, interpret assessment data, and support diverse learners through targeted literacy interventions.
Aligned with the 2017 Standards for Reading Professionals of the International Literacy Association, the program focuses on advancing comprehensive literacy development across reading, writing, speaking, listening, viewing, and representing in both print and digital contexts.
Graduates of the MSED in Reading program are prepared to:
- Model current and authentic best practices in PK–12 literacy education;
- Apply the science of reading and structured literacy approaches in instruction and intervention;
- Identify and implement research-based strategies and resources;
- Provide leadership in literacy assessment, diagnosis, and evaluation aligned with state guidelines;
- Remain accountable to students, families, and educational stakeholders;
- Advocate for equitable literacy outcomes for all learners.
Delivered fully online, the program is designed for working professionals and is grounded in current research, best practices, and Wisconsin policy expectations. Graduates are equipped not only to meet contemporary literacy demands—including those outlined in Wisconsin Act 20—but also to lead systemic, evidence-based literacy improvement efforts across diverse educational settings.
This program is no longer accepting applications.
Admission
Applicants to this program must meet the general graduate admissions requirements and criminal background check. Since no teaching certification is given, no other admission criteria is required.
Criminal background check
The WI Department of Public Instruction (DPI) requires that candidates for admission to a teacher education, administration, or pupil services program successfully pass a criminal background check (CBC) as one criterion for admission. By applying for admission to one of these programs, candidates agree to provide the necessary personal information to UWL in order to initiate their CBC and to complete their portion of the process prior to the deadline specified in their admission letter. Teacher candidates are responsible for all costs associated with their criminal background check(s).
Curriculum
(30 credits)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core | ||
| RDG 600 | Research Methods in Literacy | 3 |
| RDG 601 | Literacy and Language Development and Instruction | 3 |
| RDG 702 | Disciplinary Literacy | 3 |
| RDG 703 | Literacy Assessment and Instruction | 3 |
| RDG 704 | Emergent Literacy | 3 |
| RDG 714 | Reading Teacher Practicum | 3 |
| RDG 715 | Children's and Adolescent Literature | 3 |
| Action Research (six credits required) | 6 | |
| Action Research in Literacy | ||
| Electives (at least three credits) | 3 | |
| Advanced Research Methods in Literacy | ||
| Special Topics Seminar in Reading Education | ||
| Total Credits | 30 | |
University graduate degree requirements
After being admitted to the program of one's choice, candidates for a graduate degree must:
- Complete any preliminary course work and deficiencies.
- Complete all courses and other program requirements, including residence requirements prescribed for the degree desired in the respective school or college within a seven-year period from the date of initial enrollment, with the exception of students enrolled in the Student Affairs Administration and Leadership Ed.D. (SAA Ed.D.) graduate program. SAA Ed.D. students must complete all degree requirements within ten years from the time of initial enrollment in the graduate program.
- Earn a minimum of 30 credits for a master's degree; 54 credits for a doctorate or post-master's degree. Earn at least one-half of the minimum number of credits required in the program in graduate-only level courses (700, 800, 900, and non-slash 600 level courses). Some UWL graduate programs require more than 30 graduate credits. Please review the individual program requirements listed in the catalog for the exact number of credits required.
- Earn a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.00.
- Satisfy dissertation, thesis, seminar paper, terminal/graduate projects and internships, or comprehensive examination, where applicable. A dissertation or thesis approved by the committee must be submitted to Graduate & Extended Learning for editorial review and approval by the Dean of Graduate & Extended Learning. The recommended initial submission date for review is two weeks before commencement. Ordinarily, a seminar paper or project report does not have to be approved by the Dean of Graduate & Extended Learning. However, if the seminar paper or project report is to be archived in Murphy Library, the student must follow the same rules as they apply to the dissertation/thesis requiring approval from the Dean of Graduate & Extended Learning. For further research/dissertation/thesis guidelines, see Graduate & Extended Learning.
- File a completed "Intent to Graduate" form online via the WINGS Student Center immediately following registration for the final semester or summer term in residence. December graduates and winter intersession should file by May 1. May and summer graduates should file by December 1.
- Pay the graduation fee and remove all other indebtedness to the university. Payment of graduation fees does not imply readiness for graduation and does not take the place of applying for graduation.
- Complete all requirements within 30 days after the official ending date of a term in order for a degree to be awarded for that term. (See #5 above for separate deadline for written capstone experience.)