Western New Mexico University

What you'll study

The curriculum combines core knowledge, contextual study and a 24‑unit Reading Education core from which you select courses to form your specialization or certificate. Core and optional courses include:

• Core Knowledge (select 3, 9 units): RDG 500 Methods of Research; EDUC 503 Action Research or ECED 531 and EDUC 506 History and Philosophy of Education; EDUC 528 Student Growth/Development.
• Contextual Knowledge (3 units): BLED 545 ESL Methods/Content Literacy or passing NES Essential Academic Skills subtests I, II, III with a score of 220.
• Reading Education Core (pick 8 courses, 24 units) drawn from offerings such as: RDG 505 Oral Language and Vocabulary Development; RDG 507 Structured Literacy I; RDG 510 The Teaching of Reading; RDG 511 Assessment & Instruction; RDG 514 Theoretical Models of Reading; RDG 515 Supporting Readers, Grades 6–12; RDG 518 Structured Literacy II; RDG 517 Foundations of Early Literacy; RDG 520 Dyslexia; RDG 537 Culturally Responsive Practices for Language and Literacy; RDG 553 Children’s Literature & Other Instructional Methods; RDG 560 Content and Disciplinary Literacy for Secondary Education; RDG 579 Reading Seminar; RDG 581 Practicum in Reading.

Entry requirements

All master's students must meet the programme's Core Knowledge, Contextual Knowledge and Reading Core requirements; the specific courses chosen determine the student’s pathway or certificate. Contextual options include an ESL methods course or demonstrated proficiency on the NES Essential Academic Skills subtests (score of 220).

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared to support diverse PreK–12 readers and may pursue roles as dyslexia specialists (assessment, diagnosis, and targeted teaching), reading specialists/interventionists (assessment-driven instruction and intervention across grade levels), or literacy leaders/coaches who support teachers and specialists within schools or districts.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

The programme page does not list specific scholarships. Prospective applicants should check Western New Mexico University's central financial aid and college of education offices for graduate funding, assistantships, employer tuition benefits, and external literacy-related scholarships.