In 2018, UNI was recently featured as the #6 “Best Online Master’s in Reading Degree Programs” by TheBestSchools.org. UNI received top honors based on the quality of program and range of courses provided to students from a distance.
Program highlights
Master's degree program designed for practicing teachers with courses offered via interactive video conferencing technologies and online.
- Prepares culturally responsive literacy teachers through the integration of research, theory and practice.
- Engages learners in critical thinking and strategic processing.
- Fosters professional development for practicing teachers.
- Delivered on a cohort basis with coursework completed in three years.
Increased job opportunities
A Literacy Education specialty often helps UNI graduates move to the top of the list in job searches. For further employability, students may also consider taking courses to earn an Iowa Reading Endorsement. UNI Literacy Education offers three types of reading endorsements: Reading Education grades K-8 (also available at a distance), Secondary Reading grades 5-12 and/or Reading Specialist K-12, depending on your choice of electives. A majority of the courses for these endorsements are offered at a distance through the University of Northern Iowa.
Course delivery
Courses in this program are offered via interactive video conferencing during fall and spring semesters and held on Tuesday nights. Some courses and coursework are offered online using eLearning, a Blackboard learning management system requiring Internet access and a web browser. A recommended in-person orientation is scheduled on the UNI campus on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
While most students encounter very few technical difficulties with our online courses, our team of support specialists is available to assist you as needed.
Scholarship opportunity for Literacy Education majors
The Stanley and Norma Reeves Scholarship offers financial support for master's students enrolled in the UNI Literacy Education program. Scholarships of $1,000 are awarded annually through an application process. Applications are due no later than March 1 preceding the academic year for which the scholarship will be awarded.
To learn more about this scholarship opportunity, please contact the UNI Literacy Education Department at 319-273-2698.