Overview

You know language and literacy are foundational to learning. That’s why you’re interested in this 100% online master of arts program in language and literacy from the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC). It will provide you with the knowledge and skills to improve your students’ reading and writing achievement — while you advance your career and increase your earning potential. 

Attain your credentials through this 30-credit hour program, even while working full time. If you have already completed your elementary or secondary education certification requirements, these courses will allow you to attain a Missouri K–12 Special Reading Certification. With UMKC’s unique online program, you can become the teacher who makes all the difference. With your expertise, you will effectively guide new and struggling readers to success in school and beyond.

Program Structure

Delivery of this program is 100% online: no campus visits are required.

Courses are semester-based. Students typically take two classes each semester and finish in two years.

Course work includes:

• Early literacy and language development
• Dyslexia and related learning differences
• Reading instruction for K–12 English language learners 
• Advanced literacy assessment and evaluation
• Organizing and guiding the reading program
• Advanced literature for children
• Language and literacy across disciplines

Courses

Delivery of this program is 100% online: no campus visits are required.

Successful completion of the program requires a minimum of 30 credit hours.

Students are required to pass a written comprehensive exam in their final semester of course work for the master’s degree. 

All students should be able to demonstrate an ability to perform satisfactorily in situations approximating the intended role or specialization. While such field experience may be included in regular course work, the program also offers two practica in literacy assessment and intervention. The elementary and adolescent practica are required for Missouri certification in K–12 special reading.

Course planner

State Authorization

States require that the University of Missouri-Kansas City be authorized to deliver university-level distance/online education to their residents. Each state handles this process differently.

Please see our state authorization page for more information.

Authorized with stipulations

Students residing in these states may be eligible to enroll in this program, but certain stipulations exist.

• Colorado

How to Apply

Fulfill the admission requirements

• Grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or above on a 4-point scale
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Teaching certification OR minimum of two years experience working in an educational setting
• Completed application, including transcripts, a one-page statement of purpose and two letters of recommendation

Required documents

Applying will be easier and faster if you gather these required documents beforehand:

• Grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or above on a 4-point scale.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (a master’s is strongly recommended).
• Teacher Certification(s) OR minimum of 2 years working in an educational environment. Please include a valid copy of a teaching certificate, if you hold one. 
• Transcripts of all previous college or university education. Upload unofficial transcripts in your online application. If you are accepted, you will be asked to provide official transcripts.
• Statement of purpose (on letterhead with original signature, one page, double spaced, 12 point font Times New Roman) describing your motivation for completing the program.
• TOEFL, IELTS, PTE or C1 Advanced score reports for applicants whose native language is not English. 
• Two professional references. In the online application, you will need to supply names and contact details of two professionals who can attest to your critical thinking, analytical and writing skills, demonstrating your potential as a graduate student and professional.

Complete the online application

• Domestic application fee: $45.00
• International application fee: $75.00

Note: If you were ever enrolled at UMKC as a degree-seeking student, you do not need to resubmit the general UMKC application fee.

Application fee waiver questions: Contact UMKC Office of Admissions with questions via 816-235-8652 or 1-800-775-8652 or admissions@umkc.edu

Apply to UMKC

Program Contact

Nora Peterman Associate Professor Phone: 816-235-2493 Email: petermanno@umkc.edu

Tuition and Fees

These estimates are for illustrative purposes only and are based on academic year 2024-2025 information. They include:

• Graduate resident tuition rate of per credit hour for 30 hours
• Online course fee of per credit hour for 30 hours
• GRAD-Education Program Fee of per credit hour for 30 hours