Program Overview

Program Overview

Language and literacy teachers play a critical role in helping students develop essential communication skills and improve their understanding of written and spoken language. This program prepares pre-K-12 reading and literacy educators for careers as reading specialists, literacy coaches, Title I reading teachers, reading clinicians, Response to Intervention (RTI) instructors, developmental reading and writing instructors, and more. It's designed for classroom teachers, administrators, and education professionals who want to obtain specialized knowledge and advanced skills in reading, writing, and literacy development.

Program Details

• Program Type: Master's
• Academic Unit: School of Education, Social Work and Psychological Sciences
• Degree Type: Master of Arts
• Standard credit hours: 30
• Delivery Mode: Online
• Typical Program Length: 2 years
• Typical Course Load: 2 per semester
• Estimated Program Cost: $16,140
  • All rates or costs are for illustrative purposes only. Estimated cost is calculated by multiplying the appropriate 2025/2026 UMKC academic year resident rate by standard credit hours. Fees are NOT included in the calculation. Your hours and total costs may differ, depending on transfer hours, course choices, academic progress, program- and university-specific fees, and your qualified tuition rate.

Program Focus

This program focuses on theory and research guided by practice. Courses are scheduled around school schedules to accommodate active teachers. The program is uniquely focused on social justice issues and addresses unique challenges and solutions in urban education environments.

Career Opportunities

Language and literacy specialists work in diverse settings, from K-12 schools to community organizations and higher education institutions. Demand for skilled educators in this field remains steady, supported by the ongoing need to enhance literacy and English proficiency in both native and non-native speakers. This career path offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by equipping learners with tools for academic, professional, and personal success.

Potential Careers

• Reading clinician
• Teacher
• Literacy coach
• Median salary/year: $59,716

Course Examples

Teaching of Reading

This course explores foundational theories and research that have influenced literacy instruction and assessment in the United States.

Reading Instruction for K-12 English Language Learners

Explore strategies for differentiating reading instruction to support English Language Learners (ELLs) with varying levels of language proficiency and developmental stages. Focus on research-based approaches.

Dyslexia and Related Learning Differences

This course analyzes theories of atypical literacy development, with a specific focus on identification and awareness of the ways that language processing affects speech, reading, and spelling.

Related Programs and Pathways

• Language and Literacy (Specialist)
• Curriculum and Instruction (Doctorate)

Application Process

1. Gather your materials
   • Official transcripts
   • Names and locations of previous college(s) and dates you attended
   • Citizenship, residency, and visa information (if applicable)
2. Complete the online application
   • $45 for domestic graduate students or $75 for international graduate students
3. Check admissions requirements
   • Some programs have specific admission requirements or may require minimum scores on graduate admissions tests.

Application Dates

• To Start Classes in Fall: Apply by June 15, Classes begin in August
• To Start Classes in Spring: Apply by Nov. 15, Classes begin in January

Estimated Tuition Per Semester

• Resident Rate: $4,842
• Midwest Student Exchange Program: $7,263
• Nonresident Rate: $12,155
  • All rates or costs are for illustrative purposes only. Estimated cost is calculated by multiplying the appropriate 2025/2026 UMKC academic year resident rate by standard credit hours. Fees are NOT included in the calculation. Your hours and total costs may differ, depending on transfer hours, course choices, academic progress, program- and university-specific fees, and your qualified tuition rate. This rate calculation is based on a course load of 9 credit hours per semester.

Financial Aid

• An amazing education shouldn’t break the bank, which is why we offer a number of automatic and competitive scholarships, grants, and other financial aid opportunities — plus financial guidance from our expert advisors.
• 80% of first-year students seeking a master's degree or graduate certificate received financial aid
• 92% of first-year students seeking a doctoral degree received financial aid
• 77% of all degree- and certificate-seeking graduate students received financial aid