Online PreK-12 Reading Endorsement
Program Overview
The University of Cincinnati offers reduced tuition rates for a fully online endorsement program in PreK-12 Reading Instruction. A reading specialist works mainly with younger children who are having reading difficulties to help advance their reading skills and lay the foundation for success in high school, college, and adult life. Reading specialists are trained in the methods of teaching reading for comprehension as well as for enjoyment.
Program Highlights
High Quality Education
The endorsement program is aligned with the State of Ohio’s Reading Endorsement. Upon completion of the program, students may earn a Graduate Certificate in PreK-12 Reading Instruction or choose to seek the Ohio Reading Endorsement.
- Scholarships available now: Eligible students applying for the endorsement graduate certificate program may qualify for the Professional Development Award equating to $66 off per credit hour, applied to the instructional fee!
Flexibility
- 100% online
- Only 12 credit hours
- Enroll in the spring, summer, or fall semesters
Support from Application through Graduation
At UC, you’ll have a full support team behind you:
Enrollment Services Advisor: Your partner through the application process, getting enrolled, and starting your program
Student Success Coordinator: Helping you prepare for classes and stay on track
Access to Resources: Access to university resources that will support you through your program including online learning expectations and resources, health and wellness resources, and academic support
Curriculum
For the PreK-12 Reading Instruction Endorsement online, students will complete 12 credit hours focusing on literacy assessment and instruction. Specialized practica further provide students with critical hands-on instructional experiences necessary to be competitive in the job market. The University of Cincinnati’s Literacy and Second Language Studies faculty are well-trained in distance learning pedagogies.
| Course | Title/Description | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| LSLS7026 | Foundations of Language and Literacy Acquisition for Diverse Readers This course examines the cognitive and neurological processes involved in oral language and literacy development. It explores theoretical models that inform reading acquisition and development. This course also helps educators to identify explicit and systematic instruction built on the interrelatedness between language and literacy. Recognition of characteristics, strengths, and needs of diverse reader profiles (i.e., students with dyslexia and other reading disabilities, English learners, and emergent bilinguals) and how to address their unique learning needs through effective instruction is considered and discussed. |
3 |
| LSLS7028 | Advanced Literacy Assessments in Practicum This course is designed to improve student’s understanding and practical application of various reading and writing assessments (i.e., screening, diagnostic, progress monitoring, classroom assessments). The students will learn how to select, administer, interpret, and share the results of assessment tools, they will also explore how to use assessment results to differentiate core instruction and plan for intervention. This course requires students to work in the field with an individual student and/or small groups of students with reading and writing difficulties. |
3 |
| LSLS7029 | Advanced Literacy and Writing Instruction in Practicum This course is designed to improve student’s understanding and practical application of evidence-based instruction in the domains of word recognition, language comprehension, and writing. Students will explore the relationships between oral language, phonology, advanced word study, fluency, and comprehension to word recognition and language comprehension instruction. Students will also explore the relationship between foundational writing skills instruction and composition skills instruction in writing. This course requires students to work in the field with an individual student and/or small groups of students with reading and writing difficulties. |
3 |
| LSLS7031 | Advanced Literacy Research and MTSS This course equips students to critically analyze, synthesize, and apply scientific literacy research findings to comprehensive reading and writing instruction that meets the needs of diverse learners. Topics include the evidence-based practices for teaching foundational writing skills (handwriting and spelling), language concepts, reading comprehension strategies, and composition skills needed by learners across the grade bands to become proficient readers and writers. This course also focuses on the professional skills needed to design, implement, and assess instructional effectiveness in collaborative multi-disciplinary MTSS teams. |
3 |
Admission Requirements
Prerequisites
- Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a college or university accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for Title IV purposes, or the international equivalent
- Overall minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (recommended)*
*Candidates who graduated from a non-accredited college or university or who do not meet the minimum grade point averages requirement for admission will need a waiver from the School of Education. For the program to request a waiver, the candidate must provide evidence that address mastery of the knowledge prerequisite to the courses required by the program, acceptable writing skills, the ability to engage in critical thinking, and a personal commitment to completing the program. The evidence must convincingly demonstrate the candidate’s potential for success in graduate level work.
Admission Materials
- Two Letters of Recommendation
- Goal Statement
- Resume or CV
- Unofficial Transcripts
Complete the online application and submit the application fee.
Standard Application Fees*:
- $65.00 for domestic applicants to most degree programs
- $70.00 for international applicants to most degree programs
- $20.00 for domestic applicants to Graduate Certificates
- $25.00 for international applicants to Graduate Certificates
- Fee waivers are automatically applied for applicants who:
- are currently serving in the US armed forces
- are veterans of the US armed forces
*Application fees are waived for Spring 2027 applications submitted by November 1st, 2026.
All applicants are required to upload unofficial transcripts during the application process, showing all undergraduate and graduate course work completed, including degrees granted and dates of conferral.
Official transcripts are not required until the student has received and accepted an offer of admission from the university. Once the offer has been confirmed, the student must submit official transcripts.
Students who have received degrees from the University of Cincinnati do not need to submit official paper copies of their UC transcripts.
Transcripts can be submitted electronically or by mail. To see if your transcript(s) can be ordered electronically, visit the links below and search for your previous school(s).
- Parchment
- Please select “University of Cincinnati – Main Campus” as the recipient of your transcript.
- National Student Clearinghouse
- Please have your transcript sent directly to grad.admissions@uc.edu.
If you do not see your past school(s) listed on either site, please contact the school(s) directly. Then, mail your sealed, unopened, official transcripts to:
Please mail sealed, unopened, official transcripts to:
University of Cincinnati
Graduate Admissions
2618 University Circle
PO Box 210091
Cincinnati, Ohio 45221-0091
Two letters of recommendation are required.
- Recommendations should come from individuals who can attest to your academic and professional skills. References from current and former employers are always desirable. Additionally, recommendations from contacts within academia or professional organizations you’re involved in are also desirable.
- Those writing letters should explain who they are, their relationship to the applicant, and what they know of the applicant’s academic and professional abilities.
Letters of recommendation from family, friends or current students are not accepted. - Recommendations are submitted by the recommender themselves; they cannot be completed or submitted by the applicant or another party on behalf of the reference.
Professional Resume:
A resume relevant to academic and professional data. It should include the applicant’s name; phone; email; colleges attended with degrees, dates conferred, and grade point average; employment history; professional experience; present employer; and names of references.
Curriculum Vitae:
A detailed look at the applicant’s career path, including achievements, publications, and awards. Including comprehensive information about candidate’s research background, presentations, publications, committee memberships and other experience of an academic, clinical, or scientific nature.
The goal statement serves as a sample of the applicant’s writing quality and ensures their goals match with the program. It should denote applicant’s desired program concentration (if applicable) and highlight applicant’s motivation for pursuing a career in the field, and how the program will benefit them.
No GRE is required of applicants.
GRE scores are optional for admission. Scores are recommended to strengthen applications that may be weak in areas. For example, applicants with a minimum undergraduate GPA of less than 3.0 should include GRE scores with their application.
International students are required to provide specific information about their transcripts. Transcripts must have a course-by-course evaluation completed from a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).
English Proficiency Requirement: English proficiency is required of all applicants whose native language is not English. Students can demonstrate proficiency in a number of ways at the graduate level.
Application Deadlines
| Term | Application Deadline | Classes Start |
|---|---|---|
Spring 2027 Summer 2027 Fall 2027 |
December 15, 2026 April 24, 2027 August 8, 2027 |
January 11, 2027 May 10, 2027 August 23, 2027 |
Tuition & Fees
The University of Cincinnati's online programs allow students to pursue degrees without having to quit their jobs. Our online courses offer the same quality education found on campus in a modern format that fits students’ tight budgets and busy schedules.
The University of Cincinnati's online course fees differ depending on the program.
To view tuition information and program costs, visit the Online Program Fees page.
Accreditation & Rankings
- The University of Cincinnati and all of its regional campuses are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Careers & Outcomes
Who Is This Program For?
This program may be a good fit for:
- Licensed teachers seeking additional expertise in reading instruction
- Educators who support students experiencing reading difficulties
- Teachers interested in literacy assessment and intervention
- Instructional coaches and curriculum specialists
- Education professionals preparing for literacy leadership or graduate study
Career Opportunities
UC’s online PreK–12 Reading Endorsement helps educators strengthen their knowledge of literacy development, reading assessment, intervention and evidence-based instruction. Depending on existing licensure and employer requirements, the endorsement may complement roles such as:
- Reading teacher
- Reading intervention specialist
- Literacy specialist
- Teacher leader
- Instructional coach
- Curriculum specialist
- Literacy program coordinator
The endorsement supplements an existing teaching license and does not independently qualify someone for every instructional or administrative position.
Career Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not maintain a distinct occupational category for reading-endorsed teachers. Instructional coordinators provide a related benchmark for educators working in curriculum, instructional improvement and professional learning.
Instructional coordinators earned a national median annual wage of $77,440 in May 2025. Employment is projected to grow 2% from 2025 to 2035, with approximately 23,100 openings projected each year. BLS notes that these positions typically require a master’s degree and related experience.
These figures are broad national occupational data and do not represent guaranteed salaries or employment outcomes for endorsement completers.
Build Your Credentials
Licensed educators who complete the program and satisfy applicable state requirements may be eligible to add a PreK–12 Reading Endorsement to their teaching license.
Endorsement and assessment requirements vary by state. Educators may also pursue literacy-specialist, instructional-coaching, curriculum or educational-leadership credentials as their careers progress.
Continue Your Education at UC
Educators can build on the endorsement through UC’s online Master of Education in Literacy and Second Language Studies. This graduate program provides advanced study in literacy development, language learning, instructional practice, assessment and research.
Graduate education can support progression into literacy coaching, curriculum development, intervention leadership, program coordination and other advanced education roles.
Ready to get started?
We offer over 130 degrees from undergraduate to doctoral programs. Each program is supported by a team of Enrollment Services Advisors (ESAs) who are here to help answer any questions you have.