Concordia University Chicago’s Master of Arts in reading education program provides a theoretical and practical framework for literacy instruction and assessment within an emphasis on current research. The program also provides candidates the opportunity to receive a rigorous, high quality educational program that encourages the development of skills and competencies that will be needed throughout the candidates’ professional career as a reading specialist or literacy coach.
Upon successful completion of the required courses and the Illinois 221 Reading Specialist Test, candidates are eligible for the Illinois Reading Specialist* credential, enabling them to work in a reading professional role in early childhood, elementary, middle, and/or secondary Illinois school settings.
To be eligible for the Illinois Reading Specialist credential, candidates must meet the following requirements:
Hold a valid Illinois PEL prior to entering program
Complete the Master of Arts in Reading coursework
Pass all State of Illinois examinations
Have successfully completed two years of lead teaching experience
Requirements
Additional Requirements for International Applicants
Applicants who are not U.S. citizens are required to meet all admission standards listed for the program they wish to enter. In addition, the following are required to be considered for admission:
English Language Proficiency International applicants who have earned an advanced degree from an accredited institution in the United States, or students from an international English-speaking university need not submit English language scores. Otherwise, applicants must demonstrate one of the following:
— Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of at least 72 (internet-based), or
— International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of at least 6.0, or
— Password Test score of at least 6.0, or
— Michigan test score of 85, or
— Pearson Test of English score of at least 61, or
— Proof of successful completion of Level 112 at an ELS Language School or certificate of Completion of Program from an English Language Institute (ELI), along with a recommendation of the program director, or
— King George International College (KGIC) English for Post-Secondary Education (EPE) final proficiency test score of 75% with a passing class score of 80.
Transcripts Provide official, sealed U.S. transcripts from institutions where degrees were earned.
Foreign Transcript Evaluation Foreign transcripts must be evaluated by a Concordia approved international credentialing service. Concordia accepts course-by-course evaluations from WES (World Education Services), ECE (Educational Credential Evaluators) or AACRAO (American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admission Officers).
Professional Résumé
Declaration of Finances Submit a certified document pledging financial support for the first year of study and verifying the same for the following year/s of study.
Regular Admission Status International students must qualify for regular admission to a degree program in order to enroll.
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