Literacy Education (MAE)
Become a culturally-responsive literacy teacher through the integration of research, theory and practice.
- Next cohort begins: August 2022
- Still accepting applications through July 15, 2022
- Scholarships available!
- Watch the informational webinar

Features
Entirely Online | 33 Credits | 3 Years
- Designed to develop and extend the expertise of educators in both leadership and classroom positions who wish to specialize in the area of literacy education
- Fosters professional development for practicing teachers
- Engages learners in critical thinking and strategic processing
Here to Help
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.
![]() | Sohyun Meacham Program Coordinator Associate Professor, Curriculum & Instruction |
![]() | Linda Loy Enrollment Contact 319-273-2504 |
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.

Delivered Entirely Online
Courses are offered via interactive video conferencing methods during fall and spring semesters and are held on Tuesday evenings. Courses are also supported online using Blackboard, a dynamic platform that will enhance your learning experience and provide a sense of community with fellow classmates. A recommended in-person orientation will be scheduled on the UNI campus (date TBD). For students unable to attend in-person, a video conferencing option is also available.

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

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 Now
To be admitted, students must have:
- 2 letters of recommendation
- Applicant statement
- CV/Resume
Along with the application, students should have their official transcripts sent directly to the Office of Admissions
Scholarships Available
- Panther Alumni Continuing Education Scholarship is available to UNI teaching alumni who enroll in a degree-seeking graduate program at a distance. Apply here.
- Stanley & Norma Reeves Quasi-Endowed Scholarship offers $1,000 scholarships for selected Literacy Education students. Apply here.
Delivery of this program is contingent on a sufficient number of students being accepted into the program.