Advance Your Expertise in the Science of Reading
Master of Education in the Science of Reading (MEd)
Prepare for Reading Specialist Endorsement in Virginia.
Master of Education in the Science of Reading (MEd)
The Master of Education in the Science of Reading at the University of Lynchburg is a 100% online reading master’s program designed for educators who want to deepen their expertise in teaching reading and also prepare for a Virginia Department of Education reading specialist endorsement.Â
This online program helps you build advanced knowledge in structured literacy, assessment, intervention, and instructional leadership.
At Lynchburg, you can tailor your degree to your professional goals and work toward a second VDOE endorsement through one of our two concentration options:
- Gifted Education
- Special Education
This literacy master’s program is designed for educators who want to strengthen their understanding of the science of reading while expanding their ability to serve diverse learners. Whether you want to serve as a reading specialist, work as a special education teacher with a deep knowledge needed to support students with reading disabilities, or provide reading instruction for gifted students, this program prepares you to make a greater impact in your school community.
Prepare for the Virginia Reading Specialist Endorsement
If you are exploring how to become a reading specialist in Virginia, Lynchburg’s MEd in the Science of Reading offers a strong pathway and preparation in literacy leadership, assessment, diagnosis, and intervention. The program is built to support educators pursuing the Virginia Reading Specialist Endorsement and aligns with Virginia expectations for evidence-based literacy instruction.Â
Those who complete this program will also be prepared for the VDOE Gifted Education Add-on Endorsement, Special Education General Curriculum Elementary (K-6) Add-on Endorsement, or Special Education General Curriculum Secondary (6-12) Add-on Endorsement depending on their concentration.Â
Master of Education in the Science of Reading Concentrations
You have the opportunity to customize your degree by selecting a concentration that aligns with the Virginia Department of Education endorsement area best suited to your professional and personal needs.
MEd in the Science of Reading and Gifted Education
The Science of Reading and Gifted Education emphasis is designed for educators who want advanced preparation in literacy while also learning how to support high-ability and gifted learners. Pursuing this concentration will prepare you for the Gifted Education Add-on Endorsement and the Reading Specialist Endorsement.Â
This pathway supports educators interested in:
- Reading instruction with gifted and talented readers
- Differentiated literacy instruction
- Designing instruction that challenges advanced readers while addressing their individual needs
If your goal is to expand your ability to serve gifted learners while deepening your literacy expertise, this emphasis offers a distinctive combination of reading specialist preparation and gifted education training.
MEd in the Science of Reading and Special Education
The Science of Reading and Special Education concentration is ideal for educators who want to strengthen literacy instruction for students with diverse learning needs and expand their expertise in inclusive teaching. Pursuing this concentration will prepare you for the Special Education General Curriculum Elementary (K-6) Add-on Endorsement or Special Education General Curriculum Secondary (6-12) Add-on Endorsement in addition to the Reading Specialist Endorsement.Â
This pathway is especially valuable for those interested in:
- Intervention and support for students with exceptional learning needs
- Structured literacy for struggling readers
- Literacy assessment, diagnosis, and remediation
You’ll study both reading specialist coursework and special education content, helping you better serve students who need explicit, systematic, and individualized support. This emphasis is a strong option for educators who want to combine literacy leadership with specialized instructional knowledge in special education.
What’s the value of earning multiple endorsements in one MEd program?
Earning a single endorsement strengthens your teaching practice in one area, but earning multiple Virginia Department of Education endorsements can help you greatly expand what is possible in your career.
When you pursue a dual-endorsement MEd program, you prepare to serve students in more than one specialized area while building the advanced knowledge, instructional leadership skills, and credentials many schools need.
Instead of completing separate programs over time, at Lynchburg you can work toward multiple VDOE endorsements through one focused graduate pathway.
This is especially valuable if you’re ready to grow beyond your current classroom role, increase your flexibility in the job market, or prepare for future leadership opportunities. With multiple teaching endorsements in Virginia, you’ll be better positioned to meet the needs of diverse learners, support schoolwide initiatives, and pursue roles that align with your long-term goals.
Depending on the endorsement areas you choose, a dual-endorsement MEd can help prepare you for career paths such as:
- Reading Specialist
- Literacy Coach
- Department Chair
- Special Education Teacher
- Gifted Education Teacher
- Gifted Program Coordinator
- Special Education Department Lead
For many educators, the value of a dual-endorsement program is not only the additional credential — it’s the ability to connect two areas of expertise in ways that directly benefit students.Â
By earning multiple VDOE endorsements through Lynchburg’s MEd program, you can make your graduate education more efficient and purposeful.
Curriculum and Resources
2026-27 Academic Year Information
Master of Education in the Science of Reading Curriculum
MEd in the Science of Reading and Gifted Education Curriculum
- RDNG 625: Survey of Effective Reading Methods (3)
- RDNG 640: Strategies for Teaching Phonics, Spelling, and Vocabulary (3)
- RDNG 643: Teaching Writing (3)
- RDNG 672: Reading and Study Skills in the Content Area (3)
- RDNG 680: The Organization and Supervision of Reading Programs (3)
- RDNG 690: Assessment, Diagnosis, and Remediation of Reading Problems (3)
- RDNG 691: Assessment and Diagnosis Practicum (3)
- EDCI 640: Introduction to and Identification of Gifted Learners (3)
- EDCI 641: Special Populations of Gifted Learners (3)
- EDCI 642: Curriculum, Strategies, and Programming for Gifted Learners (3)
- EDCI 643: Social and Emotional Development and Guidance of Gifted Learners (3)
Internship Options: (3 hours)
- EDCI 644: Practicum in Gifted Education* (3)
Total Credit Hours: 33-36
*Candidates may elect to waive the practicum in gifted education if they have one year of successful, full-time teaching experience with gifted students in a public or an accredited nonpublic school, provided the teacher is assigned a mentor holding a valid license with an endorsement in gifted education.
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MEd in the Science of Reading and Special Education Concentration Curriculum
- RDNG 625: Survey of Effective Reading Methods (3)
- RDNG 640: Strategies for Teaching Phonics, Spelling, and Vocabulary (3)
- RDNG 643: Teaching Writing (3)
- RDNG 672: Reading and Study Skills in the Content Area (3)
- RDNG 680: The Organization and Supervision of Reading Programs (3)
- RDNG 690: Assessment, Diagnosis, and Remediation of Reading Problems (3)
- RDNG 691: Assessment and Diagnosis Practicum (3)
- SPED 600: Foundations and Legal Aspects of Special Education* (3)
- SPED 601: Designing and Implementing Individualized Education Programs (3)
- SPED 645: Instructional Strategies in Mathematics and Science (3)
Choose 1:Â
- SPED 616: Psychoeducational Assessment (3)
or
- SPED 635: Transitioning to Adult Life (3)
Internship Options:Â
- SPED 696:Â Internship in Special Education – General Curriculum** (3)
Total Credit Hours: 33-36
*Completion of this course allows candidates to apply for a Provisional License in Special Education in VA.
**Candidates may elect to waive the internship in special education if they have one year of successful, full-time teaching experience with students with disabilities accessing the general curriculum in a public or an accredited nonpublic school, provided the teacher is assigned a mentor holding a valid license with an endorsement in special education.
Applying for the Master of Education in theScience of Reading
Application Deadlines
- Summer semester: May 1
- Fall semester: July 31
- Spring term: Nov. 30
How to Apply
- Complete the online application.
- Submit an official transcript from all colleges or universities attended.
- Submit proof of active teaching license.Â
- Submit a brief (approximately two double-spaced pages) essay on the following topic:
- Why do you want to pursue the MEd in the Science of Reading, and/or how will this degree assist you in achieving your career goals?
- Submit two letters of recommendation.
Master of Education in the Science of Reading (MEd) Faculty
Holly Gould, PhD
Department Chair for Curriculum & Instruction, Interdisciplinary Studies, and Instructional Design Technology Professor of Curriculum and Instruction ...
Lucinda (Cindi) Spaulding, PhD
Professor of Special Education, Director of Special Education ...
Mac Duis, EdD
Assistant Professor of Education, Director of the Master of Education in Pre-K-12 Administration and Supervision Program, Director of the Doctor of Education in Leadership Studies Program ...
Stefanie B. Copp, EdD
Department Chair of Elementary and Secondary Education, Reading Associate Professor of Education ...
Holly Gould, PhD
Department Chair for Curriculum & Instruction, Interdisciplinary Studies, and Instructional Design Technology Professor of Curriculum and Instruction ...
Lucinda (Cindi) Spaulding, PhD
Professor of Special Education, Director of Special Education ...
Mac Duis, EdD
Assistant Professor of Education, Director of the Master of Education in Pre-K-12 Administration and Supervision Program, Director of the Doctor of Education in Leadership Studies Program ...
Stefanie B. Copp, EdD
Department Chair of Elementary and Secondary Education, Reading Associate Professor of Education ...
Explore Related Programs
As a Lynchburg MEd student, you'll:
Develop skills for a critical and high-demand profession.
Become an expert through rigorous coursework and experienced, dedicated faculty.
Be prepared to make a lasting impact in education.
Graduate Tuition
Below is an overview of the cost of the program:
The 40% Aspiring Educator Discount applies to all emphasis areas and is available to all current and aspiring educators and paraprofessionals pursuing a Master of Education (MEd) degree.
Master of Education in the Science of Reading (MEd)
$
610
Cost Per Credit Hour (Before 40% Tuition Discount)
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Cost Per Credit Hour: $366 (With 40% Tuition Discount)
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Credit Hours: 33-36
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Estimated Cost of Completion: $20,130 - $21,960
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Estimated Cost of Completion: $12,078 - $13,176 (With 40% Tuition Discount)
Financial Aid
The cost figures provided are estimates and may vary based on factors such as the duration of your enrollment, specific classes taken, and any future changes to tuition or fees.
