Reading Specialist Certification
Reading Specialist Certification
The Reading Specialist Certification program is specifically designed for students who have graduated from the UTRGV Reading and Literacy M.Ed. and now wish to become K-12 Reading Specialists in the state of Texas. This six hour program consists of one course, taught each fall, that focuses on the role of the Reading Specialist. It is followed by the practicum course in the spring. Students will be approved to take the Reading Specialist TExES exam during their practicum.
Step #1: Submit a UTRGV Graduate Application at www.utrgv.edu/gradapply. There is no application fee.
Step #2: Request your official transcripts to be sent electronically to gradapps@utrgv.edu or mailed to:
Review and submit all Program Requirements:
- Master's degree in Reading and Literacy from UTRGV
- Current Teacher Certification in Texas
- Documentation of 2 years of teaching experience as a certified teacher
- Personal interview
- Clear Criminal Background Check
- Graduate GPA of at least 3.0
- Official transcripts from each institution attended
- Signed and returned acceptance letter
Students whose native language is not English or who studied at a University outside the U.S.:
- TOEFL or IELTS Language Proficiency Test with minimum scores: 550 on paper-based, 213 on computer based, or 79 on Internet-based for the TOEFL; 6.5 for the IELTS. TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for 2 years. For additional information, visit the English Proficiency Exam section of our website.
- Certified English translation of educational records.
Students in fully online programs are not eligible for I-20 or student visas.
Program Coordinator: Dr. Janine M Schall
Phone: (956) 665-5106
Office: Edinburg Campus, EEDUC 1.514
E-Mail: janine.schall@utrgv.edu
Deadlines:
Applications will be accepted year round and prospective students are encouraged to apply at least 2 months before classes start to ensure a timely application review. Applying early will also give prospective students the best opportunity to be considered for scholarships and other possible funding opportunities.
*Note:
- This program only admits applicants during Fall, Spring, Summer I & Summer II semesters.
- Students admitted only to a Certificate Program are not eligible to obtain a Student Visa from UTRGV.
| Residency | Per 3-Credit Hour Course | Semester (9-Credit Hours) | Total Estimated Cost |
| Texas Resident | $1,481.39 | $3,894.17 | $2,962.78 |
| Non-Resident/International | $2,708.39 | $7,575.17 | $5,416.78 |
*We estimate that tuition and fees will closely approximate the rates shown above; however, rates are subject to change. Please note that the rates above are estimated for on-campus students and those enrolled in 16-week online programs. The rate is different for Accelerated Online Programs (AOP). Visit the tuition and fees page for detailed information.
| Required Courses | 6 |
| RLIT 6355: Reading Specialist (offered fall semester only) | 3 |
| RLIT 6357: Practicum (offered spring semester only) | 3 |
|
Total hours required for completion: |
6 |
