Master of Education in Reading

Lead in Literacy - Anytime, Anywhere.

Now is the perfect time to pursue your Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Reading at Black Hills State University. Recently revamped to align with the latest Science of Reading (SoR) initiatives, this 35-credit program equips educators with cutting-edge research and practical strategies for impactful reading instruction, helping you design and deliver effective, evidence-based reading instruction for K-12 students. This master’s program in reading meets South Dakota's standards for preparing reading specialists, and additional certification options for elementary and/or secondary reading endorsement are available upon graduation. 

This program is entirely online and asynchronous to support working adults with the flexibility to complete the program while still teaching full-time. The program can be completed in two years, and you can bring in credits if you have already started your Master's degree or taken Science of Reading courses.

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Why Choose the BHSU M.Ed. in Reading?

The BHSU M.Ed. in Reading program is designed for educators throughout South Dakota and beyond. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your literacy expertise, support struggling readers, or expand your leadership in reading instruction, our program offers:

Fully Online Format: 100% online coursework designed for practicing educators. Learn from anywhere without interrupting your teaching career.

Flexible Program Length: Complete the degree in as little as 2 years or at a pace that fits your schedule.

Start Dates: Fall, Spring, or Summer entry options to meet your professional timeline.

Affordable Tuition: Competitive graduate tuition with opportunities to apply up to 15 credits from approved South Dakota DOE Literacy Blueprint coursework—saving you significant time and cost.

Designed for Educators: Practical, research-based instruction you can immediately apply in your classroom or school.

Personalized Learning: Small class sizes and dedicated faculty mentorship focused on literacy leadership.

Accreditation: The MEd in Reading is fully accredited through the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

No GRE Required

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MBA lecture at Black Hills State University—professor explains an economics graph on the whiteboard as two students participate.

 

 

Careers & Outcomes

An M.Ed. in Reading often leads to:

  • Enhanced literacy instruction in K-12 classrooms
  • Greater leadership opportunities within schools and districts
  • Preparation for doctoral study (Ed.D. or Ph.D.)
  • Salary lane advancement for teachers

 

 

Contact Information

Profile Picture: 300w x 400h
Dr. Faye LaDuke Pelster

Professor, Education

Faye.LaDuke@BHSU.edu

605.642.6627

Jonas 223

Box #Unit 9004

CAEP Accredited

The BHSU M.Ed. in Reading is offered through the BHSU College of Education, whose educator preparation programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). CAEP accreditation represents the highest standard for educator preparation and reflects a strong commitment to quality, accountability, and continuous improvement. This designation assures candidates and school districts that the program meets rigorous national standards for preparing effective literacy professionals. Earning your degree from a CAEP-accredited institution demonstrates that your preparation is grounded in research-based practices and aligned with the needs of today’s schools.

Military-Friendly Option

Black Hills State University is proud to support our military service members and civilians continuing their education and is a low-cost leader for servicemembers taking face-to-face classes in the region or online.  Active duty servicemembers, Department of Defense civilians working at Ellsworth Air Force Base (EAFB), and dependents of active duty servicemembers stationed at EAFB can take advantage of special tuition rates of $250/credit hour for undergraduate classes and $300/credit hour for graduate classes.  These rates are applicable whether students are taking classes online, in Spearfish, or in Rapid City.  For more information about military pricing options and services, contact Greg Krajewski at Greg.Krajewski@bhsu.edu.

Admission Requirements

  • -Online graduate studies application
  • -Official transcripts documenting a Bachelor’s degree in education

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