On this page:

• Pre-Marticulation
• Matriculation
• Reading Specialist Practicum
• Program Completion
• Master's Thesis Option

Pre-Marticulation

Candidates seeking admission to the Graduate Reading Program must have completed a baccalaureate degree at an accredited institution with an overall minimum G.P.A. of 3.00*.  Applicants must hold a valid initial teaching certification in Early Childhood, Elementary, Secondary, or Special Education.

The formal admission process incorporates the following documentation:

• Application to Graduate School indicating the proposed area of study and fee;
• Official transcripts of undergraduate coursework with 3.00 G.P.A.*;
• Initial teaching certification for Early Childhood, Elementary, Secondary, or Special Education;
• State-designated qualifying scores for the Praxis Exam or equivalency;
• Three letters of reference.
  * Students not meeting this criterion may be admitted to program on a conditional basis.  Matriculation status will be reviewed at the completion of nine graduate credits.

Following the admission process, each candidate is individually advised and a preliminary program plan is outlined for the first nine graduate credits in Reading (RDS: 540, RDS: 542, RDG: 532 and/or one Reading Elective).

Matriculation

After successful completion of the nine-credit preliminary plan, candidates are eligible for a matriculation review.  The matriculation process incorporates the following procedures:

• Successful completion of nine graduate credits with a minimum G.P.A. of 3.00;
• Review of all admission documentation:  application, three professional references, official transcripts, test scores, and initial teaching certification;
• Interview with Program Coordinator to review Matriculation documentation and to develop a Program Plan for remaining coursework.

Reading Specialist Practicum

All candidates must successfully complete a six-credit supervised practicum experience (RDS: 552) in the McDaniel College Reading Clinic.  Candidates are admitted to RDS: 552 after two successful clinical screenings and completion of the following course sequence:  RDS: 544, RDS: 546, and RDS: 548. 

Program Completion

In addition to successfully completing practicum requirements and fulfilling 36-credit course requirements with a G.P.A. of 3.00, candidates must develop a cumulative Professional Portfolio and pass a written Comprehensive Examination. 

Master's Thesis Option

Candidates who are interested in research may pursue a Graduate Reading degree with a Thesis option.  Candidates generally substitute the completion of the three-credit thesis (RDS: 590) for one reading-related elective and the comprehensive examination.  The Program Coordinator or Graduate Reading Faculty serve as individual advisors for candidates who select the Master’s Thesis option.  The Master’s Thesis is orally defended before a three-member Graduate and Professional Studies committee with expertise in the specific area of study.