MEd in Reading Education (Children's Literature and Language Arts, P-5)

The MEd in Reading Education is designed for teachers interested in becoming stronger and more capable literacy instructors.

This emphasis is ideal if you are an elementary school teacher, love children’s literature, and want to develop effective ways of incorporating and teaching writing throughout the curriculum.

You will develop a professional portfolio in lieu of a traditional comprehensive exam by collecting, selecting, and reflecting on evidence of your learning throughout the program. You will present your portfolio to faculty members and fellow graduate students in your final semester.

The structure of the MEd reflects the Georgia elementary and secondary certifications. You will take part in a collaborative learning environment focused on literacy issues P-12 students face in and out of the classroom. We look forward to learning with you.

Learn more about our online program »

Highlights

A top 10 ranked graduate program, according to U.S. News & World Report
One of the only advanced education degrees focused on children’s literature
Internationally recognized faculty
Endorsements and certificate upgrades available
Involvement in annual Children’s Literature Conference and Georgia Book Awards

Curriculum

This is a 36-semester-hour, non-thesis program designed for teachers who are interested in becoming stronger and more capable literacy teachers.

Through this program, you will study with faculty leading new and innovative research and teaching practices associated with literacy education, explore multimodal approaches to instruction, and engage with diverse communities. Your learning experiences will easily translate into practices that apply to daily life.

To earn a certificate upgrade upon receiving a degree, be sure to select an emphasis that matches your initial certification level and confirm your match with the Georgia Professional Standards Commission and your school district.

The required reading courses will enable you to obtain your reading endorsement. Any other add-on endorsements you’d like to obtain (e.g. ESOL, gifted) may be taken as part of your program of study.

Coursework may include:

Children’s literature throughout the curriculum
Culturally diverse literature
Language and culture in the classroom
Literacy and writing pedagogies
Poetry for grades P-8
Picturebooks as artistic, cultural, and academic artifacts

Our Faculty

Our nationally recognized faculty will work with you to customize your degree program. Learn more about our faculty and their expertise.

Additional information and disclosures regarding state licensure for professional practice in this field can be found at the UGA Licensure Disclosure Portal .

Financial Assistance

Departmental graduate assistantships and fellowships are unavailable for students seeking their master’s degree. Please visit the following sites for information about additional financial assistance opportunities.

UGA Graduate School: Funding Your Graduate Education
Mary Frances Early College of Education Financial Assistance
Regent’s Research Out-of-State Tuition Waivers Domestic Students
Office of Global Engagement Out-of-State Tuition Waivers International Students
UGA Career Center Listing of Part-time Campus Jobs
Office of Student Financial Aid

How to Apply

Part 1: Apply to the University of Georgia

The Graduate School handles admission for all graduate programs at the University of Georgia, including those in the College of Education. The Graduate School website contains important details about the application process, orientation, and many other useful links to guide you through the process of attending UGA at the graduate level.

Start A Graduate School Application

Part 2: Apply to the MEd in Reading Education (Children’s Literature and Language Arts, P-5)

While completing your Graduate School application, please include the following documents:

Current resume/CV
Statement of purpose
Unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended
Three (3) letters of recommendation
International applicants are required to submit either their TOEFL or IELTS scores.

Your statement of purpose should clarify your relevant background, interests, and goals, and indicate the degree emphasis (P-5, 6-2, P-5 Children’s Literature and Language Arts, P-5 New and Digital Literacies or 6-12 New and Digital Literacies emphasis) to which you are applying.

Additional Requirements and Recommendations

You must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Must hold a current certification in teaching.
Require at least one year of teaching experience prior to the start date of the degree program.
We recommend an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher

UGA Financial Assistance LLED Scholarships

Deadline to Apply

For on-campus study

October 15 (spring)
February 15 (summer, international)
April 1 (summer, domestic)
April 1 (fall)

For online study

October 15 (spring, international)
November 15 (spring, domestic)
February 15 (summer, international)
April 1 (summer, domestic)
April 15 (fall, international)
June 30 (fall, domestic)

Additional Resources

Please use our online form if you have any questions for the department. Please be as specific as possible so that we may quickly assist you.

Faculty and Advisors

The College’s programs are taught by dedicated faculty who are experts in a range of areas and are passionate about helping students succeed both in their programs and professionally.

Meet the Faculty

A close working relationship with your advisor is key as you progress through your program of study. Please note that most graduate students at UGA are not assigned to a faculty advisor until after admittance.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Almost all in-state students begin their studies at UGA paying limited tuition or fees. Please note that these amounts are subject to change and are meant to give prospective students an idea of the costs associated with a degree at the University of Georgia College of Education.

Students may qualify for a variety of assistantships, scholarships, and other financial awards to help offset the cost of tuition, housing, and other expenses.

Tuition Rates Browse Financial Aid

Student Life

Our students have a range of opportunities available outside the classroom as well, from professional organizations, experiential learning, clubs and other non-academic experiences.

See for yourself how much UGA College of Education has to offer! Schedule a tour of campus to learn more about the UGA student experience.

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