Literacy Education (MAE)
Master of Arts in Education
Develop and extend your literacy education expertise in both leadership and the classroom
- Next cohort begins: Fall 2025
- Full consideration date: August 1
- Apply now!
You may be eligible to receive a $2,000 Online & Distance Education Scholarship -- complete the application today!
Features
Entirely Online | 30-33 Credits | 5 semesters
- Take courses taught by expert faculty who represent diverse perspectives in literacy, and focus on investigating connections across literacy curriculum, theory and practice.
- Embrace a wide conceptualization of literacy and its role in classrooms.
- Develop professional skills expected of a literacy specialist and instructional leader.
- Earn a Reading Specialist K-12 and Reading K-8 or Reading 5-12 endorsement as part of the curriculum.
As an Online & Distance Education student, you’ll have a dedicated Enrollment Contact and Program Coordinator to assist you with registering for classes, navigating the course sequence and billing process, preparing for graduation and much more.
 | Sarah Vander Zanden Program Coordinator Professor, Curriculum & Instruction |
 | Lisa Jaeger Enrollment Contact 319-273-2504 |
Request Information
Coursework is offered via Zoom on Tuesday evenings with fall and spring courses being taught in eight-week modules, and summer courses offered in May, June and/or July. Courses are supported online using Blackboard, a dynamic platform that will enhance your learning experience and provide a sense of community with fellow classmates. An orientation will be scheduled before courses begin.
View course sequences:
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. Literacy Education offers three types of reading endorsements, depending on your choice of electives:
- Reading Education grades K-8 (available online)
- Secondary Reading grades 5-12
- Reading Specialist K-12
A majority of the courses for these endorsements are offered online through UNI.
Individualized Support Services
Throughout every step of your program, you'll have a dedicated team of support staff ready to assist you. You'll also have access to UNI services such as:
- Personalized academic advising
- Support from Financial Aid, Career Services and Rod Library staff
- Academic support and tutoring opportunities from the Learning Center
- Access to student accessibility services and staff
- Technical support assistance
Coursework is offered via Zoom on Tuesday evenings with fall and spring courses being taught in eight-week modules, and summer courses offered in May, June and/or July. Courses are supported online using Blackboard, a dynamic platform that will enhance your learning experience and provide a sense of community with fellow classmates. An orientation will be scheduled before courses begin.
View course sequences:
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. Literacy Education offers three types of reading endorsements, depending on your choice of electives:
- Reading Education grades K-8 (available online)
- Secondary Reading grades 5-12
- Reading Specialist K-12
A majority of the courses for these endorsements are offered online through UNI.
Individualized Support Services
Throughout every step of your program, you'll have a dedicated team of support staff ready to assist you. You'll also have access to UNI services such as:
- Personalized academic advising
- Support from Financial Aid, Career Services and Rod Library staff
- Academic support and tutoring opportunities from the Learning Center
- Access to student accessibility services and staff
- Technical support assistance
Earn your Reading Specialist Endorsement
Students accepted into the program who have already completed their Iowa Reading endorsement requirements will receive the Reading Specialist K-12 endorsement (#176) upon completion of the program of study. Students who are accepted into the program without a completed Reading endorsement can design their program of study to complete the Reading K-8 (#148) or Reading 5-12 (#149), and Reading Specialist K-12 (#176) endorsements.
To be admitted, students must have:
- a bachelor's degree from an accredited university
- Applicant statement
- CV/Resume
- Along with the application, students should have their official transcripts sent directly to the Office of Admissions
$2,000 Online & Distance Education Scholarship
- UNI Online & Distance Education offers scholarships to degree-seeking graduate students. Qualified applicants will be awarded a $2,000 scholarship ($500 each fall and spring term).
- Submit your ODE scholarship application online.
College of Education Scholarships: Apply now!
- $1,000 Stanley & Norma Reeves Quasi-Endowed Scholarship
- Awarded to select Literacy Education MAE students and can be used toward educational expenses.
- Deadline: March 1
- $1,500 Dean’s Graduate Scholarship
- The Dean of the College of Education provides scholarships for graduate students. Part-time, online students are eligible.
Next Steps
Express Interest
Complete our online information request form. We'll send program updates, important information, and application deadlines directly to your inbox!
Apply
Along with your UNI application, you should submit:
- record of a bachelor's degree from an accredited university
- Applicant statement
- CV/Resume
Apply for Scholarships
Online & Distance Education offers scholarships for qualified students. Learn more and apply for the scholarship today.
Delivery of this program is contingent on a sufficient number of students being accepted into the program.
Annika Buell
"This program is a great option for full-time teachers who wish to continue their education. The program and professors are conscientious of students' time, and the program challenges students to reflect on their own practice and empowers them to become literacy leaders in their communities."
Class of 2022, Literacy Education
Nicole Henningsen
"I chose UNI's Literacy MAE because I wanted more knowledge in the literacy field. Because my teaching role is specific to reading, I wanted to further my studies to support my students and colleagues. The distance education model fits very well with my work/home balance. I love the cohort model! The Literacy Education MAE program has helped me become a more informed teacher in many areas of literacy. I am more aware of the ever-changing reading topics in schools today, and I am more confident in ways to help my students with their various reading needs. Also, I have really enjoyed our courses and professors and have shared content with other teachers at school. I would highly recommend this online Literacy Education MAE program to others."