The M. Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction -Reading, Language Arts, and Literature Education offers graduates two options to prepare for positions in literacy education: A Master's degree without certification – This option enables the students and advisors to tailor a degree plan specific to interests in literacy education. Students interested in this route may be previously certified to teach or interested in learning more about research in the field. A Master's Degree with Teacher certification – In addition to providing students with research skills, this option provides preparation for 3 different possible certifications: Standard Teacher Certification in English, Language Arts and Reading – students may choose to be certified at the 4th through 8th grade level or the 8th -12th grade level, Reading Specialist Certification- This certification allows students to work at all levels, from Early Childhood through 12th grade. They will typically assist students with reading through various methods and strategies and also serve as coach/mentors to other teachers and Master Reading Teacher - This certification allows students to work at all levels, from Early Childhood through 12th grade. In terms of coursework, this certification would require only one additional course on the Reading Specialist Certification plan. It will typically take 2 to 3 years to complete the degree if students are enrolled full-time (9 hours per semester).