Opening Doors to Lifelong Reading
There's no greater gift a teacher can give a student than a love of reading — and it takes skilled educators to make it happen.
With an M.Ed. degree in Reading Literacy, you'll learn how to diagnose and assess student reading deficiencies, as well as improve your own and other teachers’ abilities to meet those needs.
Any grade, any level, every student. Use your God-given talent to inspire the next generation of readers.

Give the Gift of Reading
Why You’ll Love the M.Ed./RL Program at Belhaven
Knowledge
Our program keeps pace current and emerging literacy research and instruction innovations.
Mentors
Our experienced instructors build on the legacy of our generations of teacher training.
Accreditation
The Belhaven University School of Education is approved by the Mississippi Board of Education to offer teacher education programs.
Christian Worldview
You are challenged to think critically and analytically about who God is — and who you are — as we equip you to fulfill your calling to glorify God and be a blessing to the world.
Special Discount Rate for Educators
Private, Christ-centered education at public university prices
100% Online
7-week courses, taught year-round
National Recognition
Continually honored by Colleges of Distinction for our innovative approaches
140 Years of Expertise
A leader in Christian education since 1883
Why Study Reading Literacy?
With an M.Ed./RL degree from Belhaven, you learn the best practices and proven techniques for specialized reading instruction at any level.
- Collaborate with other teachers to enhance instructional effectiveness
- Coordinate interventions and programs in your district
- Impact your school’s academic achievement evaluations
A master’s degree in reading can also help you advance into teacher leadership roles. Many school districts use literacy coaches or reading specialists to improve classroom and individual outcomes.
Additional job opportunities include a variety of instructional settings and collegiate positions, including teaching remedial reading on the college level.
The M.Ed./RL Degree: What You Need to Know
The Master of Education in Reading Literacy (M.Ed./RL) program is open to candidates who hold an undergraduate degree in education or have completed a teacher preparation program.
You must provide with evidence of holding or being eligible to hold a Standard License in the area of emphasis for which you are seeking a degree. Candidates for the Master of Education in Reading Literacy degree must also be practicing classroom teachers.
You must also provide:
- Evidence of a 2.75 cumulative GPA from undergraduate work for admission or a minimum GPA of 3.0 on any graduate work previously completed
- Evidence of your valid standard teaching license
- A completed Letter of Confirmation
Applicants who do not meet the required GPA but show potential for success in the M.Ed. program may be asked to submit additional items for committee review.
- Students admitted through committee review are required to earn a 3.00 GPA during the first nine semester hours in the program to continue
- All admitted students are required to maintain a 3.00 throughout the program to remain in good standing
Forms You’ll Need
Applying for admission to Belhaven’s online graduate programs is quick and easy. When you have all your supporting documentation ready, just complete and submit our online application form.
These rates are for August 1, 2022 through July 31, 2023.
Program | Per Credit Hour |
---|---|
Master of Education or Grad. Certificate in TESOL | $595 |
Special Discount Rate for Educators | $386 |
These rates are for August 1, 2023 through July 31, 2024.
Program | Per Credit Hour |
---|---|
Master of Education or Grad. Certificate in TESOL | $605 |
Special Discount Rate for Educators | $392 |
All students enrolled in this program are eligible for the special discount rate for educators.
* Military/first responder benefits cannot be combined with any other institutional scholarships or discounts.
Visit the Scholarships, Tuition & Fees page to view other fees as well as the cost estimate calculator.
The Belhaven University Graduate School of Education does not automatically qualify candidates for an educator licensure, certification upgrade, endorsement, or pay increase within their state of residence or state of their employment.
Out-of-state candidates are responsible for ascertaining the requirements for licensure, endorsement, or pay increase by the state where they seek employment or licensure.

Flexibility, Affordability, Convenience
Meet the Dean
Contact Us
Office of Adult, Graduate, and Online Admission
Phone: 601-968-5940Mailing Address:
1500 Peachtree Street, Box 153
Jackson, MS 39202
Fax: 601-300-2932

Verse of the Year
Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock.
Matthew 7:24