Program Overview

Program Overview

The online Reading Endorsement program at Southern Oregon University is designed to fast-track the path to becoming an Oregon-certified reading intervention specialist. This accelerated program delivers advanced literacy expertise without the time and cost commitment of a full master's degree.

Program Details

• Total Tuition: $8,856
• Program Duration: 16 months (part-time only)
• Credit Hours: 24
• Start Dates: Multiple start dates throughout the year, with the next application due date on 6/2/26 and classes starting on 6/15/26

Why Consider the Online Reading Endorsement Program

This program increases understanding of issues related to reading instruction and assessment, providing research-validated strategies and assessment tools to meet the needs of individual learners. It offers real-life, on-the-job training through a 90-hour practicum in a working classroom, positioning graduates as literacy experts.

Benefits of the Program

• Develop an understanding of the issues related to effective reading instruction
• Acquire tools to improve student achievement in content areas through the integration of literacy strategies
• Gain real-life experience through the practicum

Potential Education Careers

• Reading Specialist
• Literacy & Reading Coach
• Reading & Literacy Consultant
• Literacy Specialist
• Director of Reading Intervention

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree: From an accredited institution
• GPA: 3.0 cumulative on undergraduate coursework
• No GRE or Teaching License Required: For admission, but a preliminary or professional teaching license for Oregon is required prior to enrolling in the practicum

International Student Admission

• Bachelor's Degree Equivalent: To a four-year U.S. bachelor's degree from a recognized university
• Transcripts: Official, with English translation
• TOEFL or IELTS Score: If English is not the native language

Courses

The online reading endorsement curriculum consists of 6 courses (24 credit hours), including:

• READ 512: Foundations of Literacy
• READ 535: Language and Literacy in the Content Areas
• READ 570: Classroom Assessment and Reading Instruction
• READ 580: Leadership in Reading Programs
• READ 509: Practicum
• Choice between ED 544A or ED 545A

Course Details

• READ 512: Introduces teachers to the foundations of literacy, examining factors that influence literacy learning and analyzing core understandings about the nature of reading
• READ 535: Develops competence in teaching interactive processes of reading, writing, listening, speaking, viewing, and thinking across the curriculum
• READ 570: Provides teachers with an understanding of issues related to reading instruction and assessment, offering research-validated strategies and assessment tools
• READ 580: Explores the role of the reading specialist as a teacher and school literacy leader
• READ 509: A practicum carried out in schools and/or districts, where candidates work directly with students, faculty, administrators, and the school community
• ED 544A or ED 545A: Choices that equip teachers with effective instructional methodologies for facilitating ELL students' learning or explore theories on how first and second languages are learned and acquired

Tuition and Fees

• Total Tuition: $8,856
• Per Credit Hour: $369
• Per 4 Credit Hours: $1,476
• Fees: $60 application fee, $85 graduation fee, and potential proctoring fees

Tuition Breakdown

Calendar

• Term: Spring, Summer 1, Summer 2
• Start Date: 3/30/26, 6/15/26, 8/3/26
• Application Deadline: 3/17/26, 6/2/26, 7/21/26
• Registration Deadline: 3/25/26, 6/10/26, 7/29/26
• Tuition Deadline: 4/4/26, 6/20/26, 8/8/26