Master of Science in Education, Reading Certificate and Reading Specialization
Transforming Lives Through Reading
Teaching reading is critical component to being an effective educator. CBU offers two pathways for working teachers as well as teachers-in-training to advance their understanding of and abilities to teach the reading skills students need to succeed.
Approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, CBU’s Reading Certificate validates an educator’s advanced training in assessing and strengthening students’ reading skills. Students pursuing their Reading Certificate may simultaneously work toward their Master of Science in Education, or earn their Certificate without earning the master’s degree.
For educators seeking to advance their understanding of the research behind reading, CBU’s Master of Science in Education also offers a Reading Specialization. Students who complete their master’s degree with a Reading Specialization emerge with the evidence-based knowledge to be a more effective teacher of reading and to enhance the way schools teach children to read.
Earn A Reading Certificate While Earning A Master’s
Offered through CBU’s widely recognized Dr. Bonnie G. Metcalf School of Education, the Reading Certificate is a state-approved credential that prepares educators to become better qualified and more effective teachers of reading in K-12. Students who complete their Reading Certificate emerge from the program with advanced training in the assessment, diagnosis and intervention of reading problems. The program builds on the core education curriculum to encompass courses focused on the history, evolution and competencies of reading. While building a solid knowledge foundation, students also develop the specific skills to identify individual students at risk, diagnose their specific needs and intervene to improve their reading skills.
Students also have the opportunity to earn their Reading Certificate while working toward their Master of Science in Education, without requiring additional courses.
Become A Reading Specialist
The Reading Certificate is often a first step toward earning a Reading Specialization. Students working toward their Master of Science in Education with a Reading Specialization develop an in-depth understanding of how children across cultures and languages learn to read and write. With an emphasis on research, the Reading Specialization at CBU equips educators with evidence-based knowledge to improve their own teaching skills and to enhance schools’ reading approaches and curriculum.
Customized Classes Led By Expert Faculty
Students in the Reading Certificate and Reading Specialization programs advance their knowledge in small classrooms, often with 10 to 12 students. These classes are taught by core faculty members who bring excellent credentials and qualifications as reading subject-matter experts and researchers. Class instruction is customized to reflect the level of the students’ experience — from working teachers with years in the classroom, to teachers-in-training working toward their credential and master’s.
Teach While You Learn
As part of the program’s practicum experience, CBU’s School of Education works with students to place them in tutoring situations where they have the valuable opportunity to work directly with at-risk youth, English learners and children with high needs. This experience allows teachers to apply newly acquired knowledge and skills to help real students overcome reading barriers.
Reading Experts With Strong Ethics
In keeping with CBU’s faith-based mission, this program focuses on developing reading teachers and experts who are called on to improve the lives of students. Graduates of the program recognize the right and potential of every child to learn how to become better readers and better students. For CBU graduates, teaching children to read is more than a professional aspiration, but a moral and ethical obligation.
Take the Next Step
To learn more about CBU’s Master of Science in Education with a Reading Specialization or Reaching Certificate program and how to apply, please attend an upcoming Graduate Program Information Session. If you’re ready to advance your knowledge, skills and career, start by applying online. We look forward to helping you reach your professional and personal goals.