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Program Overview

Program Overview

The Reading Specialty program is offered by Lipscomb’s College of Education which is consistently ranked as one of the most effective educator preparation programs in the state of Tennessee and the nation.

Earn a certificate, M.Ed concentration, or Ed.S to make ain difference in literacy. We’ve designed our program with a special focus on instructional leadership, collaboration and expertise in the national English and Language Arts academic standards to allow teachers to add a reading specialist endorsement to their license. 

Our program intentionally balances pedagogical theories and implementable practices to create a comprehensive approach to training literacy specialists. The program is grounded in the five components of literacy as set forth by the National Reading Panel. 

The need to increase literacy in schools has never been more pressing. When you finish our program, we expect you’ll pass the praxis—just like every single one of our graduates—and go on to help readers of any age succeed through mentoring and coaching.

Admissions Requirements

Admissions Requirements

  • Completed Online application
  • $50 application fee
  • Official transcripts for all degrees conferred and any other coursework post bachelors.
  • Personal statement:
    Explain your goals and your purpose for pursuing a graduate education degree at Lipscomb University and elaborate on how this degree would help you to make an impact on teaching and learning in your classroom or school in a concise, clear essay. (500 words)
  • Three Recommendations
    • Recommender #1 – Current Administrator/Supervisor (non-family member)
      If no direct supervisor, provide another academic reference (see Rec. #2)
    • Recommender #2 – Academic or Professional Colleague (non-family member)
    • Recommender #3 – Personal reference of integrity and/or faith (non-family member)
  • Resume
  • Lipscomb College of Education graduate programs do not generally require graduate exam scores such as the GRE or MAT unless required for state licensure, accreditation, or program specific reasons. If your most recent degree GPA is below 3.0, a program director may ask you to provide graduate exam scores to be considered as part of the supplementary materials to your application for admission. Check with the specific program you are interested in regarding exam scores that may be required for admission

View the College of Education's graduate programs application timeline.

Courses

Courses

Tuition & Aid

Tuition & Aid

  • $953* per credit hour
  • 26% in-service scholarship for educators (M.Ed. and Endorsement)
  • 20% in-service scholarship for educators (Ed.S.)

*Note: Graduate tuition rates may increase annually, effective at the start of the summer term.

Scholarship Information

As you give back to the community, Lipscomb University wants to give back to you. The College of Education offers significant scholarships to current educators and administrators. Those pursuing career as a teacher, you're not left out either! Check out the following information to see if you qualify for scholarships.

All completed applications should be mailed to:

Lipscomb University
College of Education

One University Park Drive
Nashville, TN 37204

Types of Aid

100%

Praxis pass rate

Small Class Sizes

You’ll have opportunities to engage in meaningful discussion, receive one-on-one faculty mentorship and ask difficult questions in our small class sizes. Plus, you’ll feel supported in a tight-knit learning community.

Flexible Schedule

Our courses are offered at a variety of convenient locations around Nashville or online, at times designed to work with your busy schedule. Our hybrid class model allows you the best of going to school as a working professional.

Nashville, TN

A big city. An even bigger opportunity. We consider Nashville, Tennessee, an extension of our classroom, and as a leading city in many industries, that means you’ll gain experience and insight you won’t find anywhere else.

10:1

Student to faculty ratio

Our Faculty

  • Suze Gilbert headshot

    Suze Gilbert

    Associate Professor, Program Director - Christian Education Program

    Suze Gilbert holds a B.S. degree in elementary education from Freed-Hardeman University, the M.Ed. and Ed.S. degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Middle Tennessee State University, and the Ed.D. in...

    Meet Suze Gilbert
  • Rachael Milligan headshot

    Rachael Milligan

    Associate Professor

    Rachael was born and raised in Huntsville, Alabama. She met her husband, Matt, when they were both undergraduates at Harding University, where Rachael studied History and Political Science. Rachael and...

    Meet Rachael Milligan

Career Paths

Adult Literacy and High School Equivalency Diploma Teachers

Adult literacy and high school equivalency diploma teachers instruct adults in basic skills, such as reading, writing, and speaking English. They also help students earn their high school equivalent diploma.

Special Education Teachers

Special education teachers work with students who have a wide range of learning, mental, emotional, and physical disabilities. They adapt general education lessons and teach various subjects, such as reading, writing, and math, to students with mild and moderate disabilities. They also teach basic skills, such as literacy and communication techniques, to students with severe disabilities.

Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers

Kindergarten and elementary school teachers instruct young students in basic subjects, such as math and reading, in order to prepare them for future schooling.