Total Cost * Next Start Date Completion Time † Semester Credits Total Cost * Lead in Literacy, Support Reaching Achievement
Become an expert in literacy instruction with research-based approaches and theoretical frameworks essential to supporting pre-K-12 students. Rooted in the science of reading, the master’s degree in literacy at ACE equips you to effectively assess student reading proficiency to develop and implement intervention plans that cultivate literacy achievement. No matter a student’s age group, learning style or reading level, you’ll be prepared to guide them toward age-appropriate reading milestones.
You’ll also gain applicable literacy instruction and content selection strategies that coincide with the latest research. No matter your career goals in literacy education, our master’s in literacy is designed to position you to support student reading and make a difference.
Empower your students and community, and take the next step toward a future full of possibility.
Graduates of the M.Ed. in Literacy program emerge as leaders and advocates for systemic improvements in PK-12 interdisciplinary literacy instruction. Learners explore the nuances of listening, speaking, reading, writing, and broader skills such as digital and media literacies. Through data-driven decision-making, they apply evidence-based practices rooted in the science of reading to identify literacy gaps and enhance curriculum. Gained skills include assessing student literacy needs, evaluating literacy program effectiveness, collaborating with stakeholders, and leading literacy professional development at school and district levels.
Here are the courses you’ll take when working towards this program. If no focus of study option is selected, you can choose any 3 courses from the study options below.
Visit the College Catalog to see all courses.
The Capstone Experience is designed for candidates to demonstrate and document the impact of their knowledge and competencies gained throughout, and as a result of the Master of Education in Literacy.
This course prepares students to implement a school-wide leadership initiative to improve a comprehensive range of literacy skills. Specific principles and theories of reading instruction are evaluated in relation to currently employed practice so teachers can immediately strengthen instruction. Students examine the scientific research base underlying different models of reading instruction. Special attention is given to curriculum mapping, alignment, and the development of an implementation plan to strengthen literacy.
This course examines assessment approaches for diagnosing reading needs and methods for identifying, prescribing, and evaluating intervention plans based upon specific data. An embedded field experience targets developmental and age-appropriate instructional strategies to support struggling readers across populations.
Literacy is a dynamic discipline informed by timeless fundamentals and innovative approaches. Educators in this course examine the theoretical and practical applications of literacy development. Current evidence-based models of literacy acquisition, including the science of reading, are explored in depth. Topics include differentiation for diverse learners, assessment strategies, and technology integration in literacy instruction. Educators critically analyze current research and develop a comprehensive toolkit of effective literacy practices.
Educators examine theoretical models framing literacy through cognitive and sociocultural lenses. They explore how background knowledge, oral language, writing, multiliteracies, and technology impact comprehension and communication across the curriculum. Topics include valuing students' diverse literacy backgrounds, increasing vocabulary, and inquiry-based learning. Educators analyze specific examples from secondary classrooms and propose strategies to engage adolescents. Assessment and feedback practices are addressed throughout.
This course empowers educators to integrate literacy skills across content areas, focusing on fluency, vocabulary development, and comprehension. Participants will explore accommodations, scaffolding, formative assessment, and contextualized lesson plans to meet diverse learners’ needs. The course highlights strategies for leveraging school/community assets and forging global literacy connections to build a culture of literacy and target achievement gaps.
This course prepares educators to apply effective literacy practices through personalized learning experiences. They will examine context-specific literacy approaches linking language and communication skills to real-world applications. Emphasis is placed on the design of authentic assessments and the development of transferable literacy skills. Educators will also discover methods for creating literacy-rich environments that enhance content knowledge accessibility and relevance.
This course prepares educators to select engaging, appropriate texts for literacy instruction at all levels. They evaluate text complexity, features, topics, and content suitability based on students' ages, abilities, interests, and grade levels. The course covers teaching strategies for various text types and genres, including decodable texts to target specific phonics and literacy skill development. Strategies for incorporating high-quality, culturally relevant texts across the curriculum are explored.
Supporting the needs of all students requires understanding the range of unique issues facing those with identified exceptionalities. This course investigates the causes and their impact on student learning in relation to effective research-based strategies.
Educators seek strategies to balance traditional and emerging instructional approaches as literacy expands beyond printed text into graphics, images, and online content. This course equips participants to foster broader literacy skills encompassing multimedia formats. Topics include evaluating online resources, leveraging mobile devices, teaching students to analyze digital information critically, and responsible use of AI. Educators identify developmentally appropriate methods for promoting digital media literacy competencies outlined in global curriculum standards.
This course prepares educators to become proficient consumers and practitioners of research in educational settings. They will learn to evaluate existing research, conduct action research, and apply scientific inquiry principles to address current educational challenges. Educators will develop skills in data-driven decision-making and learn to use research as a tool for continuous improvement in their organizations. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped to integrate evidence-based practices into their work, enhancing their effectiveness as educational leaders.
We believe in full transparency with our total cost of attendance. No hidden fees. No surprises along the way.
Continuing your education is a big decision that involves an investment of your time and money. We recognize that, which is why we're committed to ensuring you experience a positive return on that investment.
You only pay the cost it takes for us to deliver your education, nothing more. By keeping our tuition low, we’ve helped our students see a $19.20 return in future higher earnings for every $1 they invested in their ACE education.1
Because of our low tuition and total program cost, 87% of our students graduate debt-free.2 Popular payment options include paying by course, paying by month or paying in full. Visit our payment options page to learn more.
You deserve a great return on your educational investment, and we deliver master's degrees at a total average cost of $10,000*. We also award over $1.2M in scholarships and grants each year.
Tuition & ROIWe are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Our faculty work in the industries where you work and are committed to your success, contributing to our 84% graduation rate.3 Our curriculum equips you with practical strategies you can apply right away, as well as skills to help you advance your career.
Success StoriesOur virtual campus and convenient start dates provide you the flexibility you need to achieve your goals at a time and place that works with your busy schedule. Our student support services are available 24/7 and tutoring is included at no additional cost.
Support Services
Because we don’t have a physical campus, our students don’t need to pay infrastructure or facility fees. We also keep our operational costs low by not participating in Title IV federal funding. We pass all these savings along to our students.
Due to our engaging online format, you’ll connect and learn from industry peers worldwide. And even though you’re learning online, you won’t feel alone thanks to student discussion boards and online forums.
Learn strategies and skills you can apply immediately and leverage for future career advancement. Employers of ACE graduates report a 96% satisfaction rate,3 while 98% of our students felt their professional skills were stronger after graduation.3
Every course is created by our in-house curriculum and production team working in tandem with our academic leaders. Plus, all courses follow a consistent structure. No outdated coursework, no surprises.
*The application fee is valid for one year from date of submission.
**Additional evidence may be required to fulfill state requirements, including but not limited to verification of professional experience, test scores, or an interview.
All applicants must submit, to the Admissions Office, an official evaluation from a NACES-approved organization.
All applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate competence in the English language as demonstrated in one of three ways:
2Internal research conducted November 2025
3Across all ACE Programs. See Student Right to Know. Accessed May 28, 2026
4Education Data Initiative. Accessed January 28, 2026
Our Enrollment Counselors are here to answer your questions and walk you through the enrollment process.
