Many MSE in Reading graduates go on to become reading specialists. Reading specialists must possess a teaching certificate, teaching experience and a master's degree. They must also have completed a supervised reading practicum and passed their reading specialist certification exam. The curriculum of the MSE in Reading online program at A-State prepares degree candidates for their certification, and it fulfills the reading practicum requirement.
Reading specialists may work directly with K-12 students, or they may set literacy policies on an administrative level as the director of a reading program. In either role, reading specialists might work on literacy outreach with parents as part of a holistic approach to student learning.