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Online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instructionwith a concentration in Reading and Literacy

Total Credit Hours

30

Cost Per Credit Hour

$378

Provide Students With the Framework for Lifelong Success

Through engaging coursework and hands-on field experience in real classrooms, students in this program explore the most current theories, models, and instructional approaches used to teach reading effectively.

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SACSCOC Accredited

This program meets the rigorous standards of the SACSCOC, which is approved by the U.S. Department of Education as an institutional accreditor, ensuring a high-quality learning experience.

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Gain Relevant Experience

Students have the opportunity to get involved with the International Literacy Association.

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TEACH Grant Eligible

Qualified applicants in certain programs may meet the requirements for the TEACH Grant.

Earn an Online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction: Reading and Literacy from LSUS

Focus on reading assessment, instructional strategies, and program development

Opportunity to qualify for an add-on certification and/or endorsement for certified teachers

Covers both instructional methods and leadership principles in literacy education

Learn how to assess reading ability, apply evidence-based techniques in the classroom, and design reading programs tailored to individual learners and groups

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Accredited

Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Admissions

Whether you’re returning to school or advancing your career, our admissions team is here to support you every step of the way.

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Apply by

Apr 20, 2026

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Classes begin

May 11, 2026

Admission Requirements

Take the first step toward earning your degree and reaching a new milestone in your education. We've simplified the process so you can get started quickly and easily. Students interested in the MEd in Curriculum & Instruction: Reading and Literacy online program must meet the following requirements for admission.

Program Requirements:

  • Submit graduate application and $20 application fee
  • Graduate degree from an accredited university, OR
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited university, with minimum 2.5 overall GPA or minimum 2.75 GPA in last 60 semester hours of courses
  • Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended and any other required official documents
  • The LSUS MEDCI programs do not require GRE or GMAT scores

Official transcripts, official test scores, and other materials that come from third-party sources should be mailed to:

LSUS
Admissions and Records Office
One University Place
Shreveport, LA 71115

Transcripts may also be submitted via secure means—e.g., eSCRIP-SAFE—to admissions@lsus.edu.

**This degree does not lead to any additional certification, if the graduate does not already possess a teaching certificate.

To be considered for admission to any of our graduate programs, students must first meet the LSUS Graduate School admission requirements.

Graduate School Admission:

Unconditional Admission: For unconditional admission to graduate study, students must be in satisfactory standing at the last institution attended and meet all admission requirements of a degree program and one of the following:

Earned a graduate degree from a regionally accredited university, OR

Earned a bachelor's degree from an accredited university, with minimum 2.5 overall GPA or minimum 2.75 GPA in the last 60 semester hours of courses.

A minimum 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) is required on any graduate work attempted with no grades of D or F.

International Admission

International applicants must meet regular admission requirements for their selected program. In addition, you may be required to submit additional information. Learn more about international admission requirements.

Flexible Schedule

No set class times. No live lectures. No problem.

Our program is built for busy adults with work and family commitments. Learn on your schedule with 24/7 access to course materials.

No required login times

Complete coursework when it works for you

Stay on track with weekly goals

Perfect for full-time workers and parents

Tuition

LSUS programs offer competitive, flat-rate tuition with no out-of-state fees, helping you advance your career with predictable, affordable costs.

Tuition & Fees
30 credit hours
Total credit hours per program
$378
Cost per credit hour
$11,353
Total cost with fees

The total cost above does not include transfer credit or financial aid. Cost per credit hour and fees are subject to change. Fee schedules may vary by program depending on course-specific fees for proctoring and/or books. Please contact a Student Success Coach for more information.

Financial Aid Available

LSUS offers several ways to help you pay for your degree including credit for prior learning (PLA), financial aid, and veteran education benefits. Learn More.

Academics

Students who enroll in the MEd in Curriculum & Instruction – Reading and Literacy program can expect to receive comprehensive training related to teaching and assessing literacy skills.

What Will I Learn?

This program offers:

  • A foundation in linguistics and influences on language learning
  • Training techniques for strengthening reading, writing, and listening skills for English language learners

*The MEDCI program does not lead to a teaching certification but can lead to an endorsement if already a certified teacher.

Courses

Students in the MEd in Curriculum & Instruction - Reading and Literacy online program must complete 30 credit hours of course work, including six foundation courses (18 credit hours), and four specialization courses (12 credit hours).

Foundation Courses

Students must complete the following courses.

Foundation: 4 Courses Credit Hours

EDL 740: Introduction to Graduate Research

3

ED 720: Curriculum

3

EDL 700: Creating a Professional Learning Community

3

EDL 707: Utilizing Data for School Improvement

3

Total Required Credit Hours

12

Specialization Courses

Students must complete the following courses.

Specialization: 4 Courses Credit Hours

ED 740: Foundations in Reading

3

ED 741: Reading Assessment

3

ED 743: Practicum in Reading

3

ED 744: Content Area Reading

3

Total Required Credit Hours

12

Careers

32%
Higher Salary

CareerBuilder® says elementary school teachers with master's degrees earn starting salaries 32% higher than teachers with a bachelor's

Career Opportunities
  • Reading Specialist
  • Literacy Coach
  • Lead Teacher
  • Curriculum Supervisor
  • Instructional Coordinator
  • Title I Specialist
  • Educational Writer
  • Education Researcher
  • Writing Center Coordinator
Teacher Certification Disclaimer

The MEDCI degrees DO NOT lead directly to teacher certification. Candidates seeking teacher certification should seek a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program or alternative teacher certification pathways.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my degree say I earned it online?

No, graduates receive the same diploma as on-campus peers.

Do I ever need to appear at the LSU campus for LSU Online programs?

No, you do not. LSU Online programs are 100% online and require no on-campus appearance. Check with your program for any activities or events that may be available to you should you be in the Baton Rouge area.

How do I find out who my advisor and/or class instructor is?

Your advisor will be assigned by your department. Feel free to contact your department for specifics as to who your instructor will be for a class. Generally, Moodle (the class delivery system) displays class information at least 10 to 14 days before the class begins. Instructions for Moodle are covered in the LSU Online Orientation.

Is financial aid available for online students?

Yes, students in an LSU Online graduate program may be eligible for financial aid. For more information email your questions to lsuonlinefinaid@lsu.edu.

Do I have to pay the full tuition upfront?

No, you pay as you go for each course you’re registered in for the term.

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Ready to reach your goals?

Take the first step forward by completing the form, and our enrollment team will contact you soon to discuss:

  • What program meets your academic and career goals
  • Financial aid options (employer funding, military benefits)
  • Receiving credit for past education (transfer, professional development)
  • The admissions process and timeline

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