This 36-credit program integrates training in the Orton-Gillingham approach to teaching literacy with that emphasized in the Literacy/Reading Specialist program. Candidates focus on Comprehensive Literacy to facilitate a balanced approach in the classroom. 

This program does not lead to the New Jersey Department of Education endorsement/certification as a reading specialist. Candidates who want to obtain a literacy/reading specialist endorsement must complete an additional six credits to do so. 

To earn New Jersey Literacy/Reading Specialist Certification, candidates must have a current standard teacher license, two years of successful teaching experience, and a master’s degree. For those individuals who wish to obtain a Fairleigh Dickinson University certificate and not certification as a reading specialist, there is an option to take only the 18 credits required for that credential. 

To obtain NJ State Certification in Reading/Literacy, candidates must complete a total of 42 credits, including EDUC6703, Supervision of Instruction, and EDUC6718, Curriculum/Program Evaluation and Student Assessment.

Degree Plan

Courses for FDU Literacy/Reading Certificate (21 credits)

  • EDUC6605 Foundations in Reading I
  • EDUC6606 Foundations in Reading II
  • EDUC6607 Diagnosis of Reading Problems
  • EDUC6582 Distance Learning and Children’s Literature
  • EDUC6666 Supervised Practicum in Correction of Reading Problems
  • EDUC6609 Supervised Practicum in Reading
  • EDUC6673 Integrating Literacy and Technology

Courses for Orton Gillingham Teacher Concentration (12 credits)

Courses for Master Of Arts In Education (6 credits)

  • EDUC7674 Master’s Seminar: Research in Specialization (Literacy/Reading)

To obtain NJ State Certification in Reading/Literacy, candidates must complete an additional six (6) credits for a total of 39 credits:

  • EDUC6703, Supervision of Instruction, and 
  • EDUC6718, Curriculum/Program Evaluation and Student Assessment.