Reading and Literacy

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN READING AND LITERACY (MSRL)

READING AND LITERACY ADDED AUTHORIZATION (RLAA)

Cal State East Bay’s Department of Teacher Education offers graduate study in Reading and Language Arts designed to prepare educators for leadership roles in literacy instruction and development.

Reading and Literacy Added Authorization (RLAA)

The Reading and Literacy Added Authorization (RLAA) is granted by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) upon recommendation by Cal State East Bay. It authorizes service as a reading specialist at a school site.

Program Details

  • Units: 14 semester units
  • Credential Recommendation: Issued upon successful completion of coursework and three or more years of verified full-time classroom teaching experience (preschool through adult) under a Preliminary or Clear Teaching Credential-Verification of full-time teaching experience form

Important:
  • Student teaching, intern teaching, or teaching under an emergency permit does not count toward the three-year requirement.
  • Applicants with fewer than three years of experience may be admitted to the program and complete coursework but will not receive the RLAA until they meet the teaching experience requirement.
  • Candidates apply through the Credential Student Service Center to be recommended for the state-issued Reading Literacy Added Authorization (RLAA).

Educators with less than three years of verified experience are welcome to complete the program and apply for the Reading and Literacy Added Authorization once the experience requirement is fulfilled.

Master of Science in Reading and Literacy

The Master of Science in Reading and Literacy is granted by 黑料福利网, East Bay. Educators who have earned the Reading and Literacy Added Authorization or previously earned the Reading and Language Arts Specialist Credential are eligible to continue graduate study and earn the M.S. degree.

Program Details

  • Units: 30 semester units total
  • 14 units from the RLAA program
  • 16 additional graduate units beyond those required for the RLAA

Coursework Options Based on Credential Completion Date

  • If your credential was completed within five years of the M.S. completion date (seven years with a waiver):
  • You may transfer 9 units from an accredited credential program, completing:
  • 14 RLAA units + 7 M.S. units + 9 transfer units = 30 total units
  • If your credential was completed more than five years prior (seven years with a waiver):
  • You may complete electives TED 670, TED 671, and TED 672 (9 units) to meet the remaining requirement.

Program Duration:
The RLAA and M.S. in Reading and Literacy can be completed in one calendar year with the inclusion of 9 approved credential program units.

Contact Information

For more information or advising assistance:
📧 Email: credentials@csueastbay.edu
Please include your full name, program name, and intended start term in all correspondence.

Program Coordinator

Dr. Andrea Steinfeld
📧 andrea.steinfeld@csueastbay.edu

Summer 2026 Application Information

Applicants must submit two different applications: the Department Application and the University Application.

Application Period:

  • Department and University Applications Open: February 1 – April 1, 2026
  • Department and University Applications Close: April 1, 2026
  • Summer 2026 University Application 
  •  In Extended Profile: Set Degree Goal to Second Bachelor's Degree and Beyond (e.g. Teaching Credential) and Graduate (e.g. Master's, Doctoral). Select to add the Program listed under East Bay Extension-  Reading and Literacy. 
  • Document and Transcript Deadline: April 15, 2026

Virtual Information Sessions

Learn more about the Master of Science in Reading and Literacy and the Reading and Literacy Added Authorization (RLAA) programs by attending a virtual information session.

Dates:

  • December 4, 2025
  • January 7, 2026

Time: 5:30 PM Click

Meeting ID
865 8517 0812
Password
376269


Department Application OPENS 2/1/26

    1. Baccalaureate degree from an accredited university.
    2. GPA of 3.0 in upper-division undergraduate courses and post-baccalaureate courses.
    3. Statement of Purpose-listed on the Department Application. How has your academic preparation helped you to succeed in the program if admitted, and how will it help your professional career goals?
    4. Three (3) Letters of Recommendation
    5. A valid Multiple Subject or Single Subject Teaching Credential for the RLAA.
    6. Basic Skills Requirement-A Bachelor's Degree or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution meets the Basic Skills Requirement. For more information, visit 

    7. Demonstrated potential to become a leader in reading and language arts curriculum and instruction.

    Our Reading and Literacy program is offered through the University Extension Department. Educators interested in this program will be required to complete BOTH the University Application  (Cal State Apply) and a Department Application to be considered for admission to the program. See both Applications below.

  • Graduates may become specialists in Elementary and Secondary Literacy Development. They may also work in interventionist positions, such as Reading Intervention Teacher, Literacy Coach, District Literacy Specialist, Grade Level Chair, and/or Department Chair.

  • Reading and Literacy Added Authorization (RLAA)

    These six (6) courses for 14 units are required for both the Reading and Literacy Added Authorization and the M.S. in Reading and Literacy:

    • TED 660 - Literacy Research and Methods 
    • TED 661 - Reading Comprehension Research and Methods
    • TED 662 - Culture of Literacy: Focus on Diversity
    • TED 663 - Literacy Assessment
    • TED 664 - Literacy Intervention
    • TED 695 - Practicum

    Additional M.S. Coursework

    In addition to the courses for the RLAA, the following additional five (5) courses for 13 units are required for the M.S. in Reading and Literacy.  TED 670, 671, and 672 are required for students who do not carry units over from a credential program:
    • TED 670 - The Science of Reading Foundations
    • TED 671 - Early Literacy Foundations
    • TED 672 - Secondary Literacy Foundations
    • TED 687 - Reading Research & Evaluation
    • TED 688 - Research in Education

    M.S. Capstone

    The following Master’s Project for 3 units is required to complete the M.S. Reading and Literacy degree requirements:

    • TED 693 - Master's Project

  • New students need to submit a University Application through Cal State Apply and a Department Application to be considered for admission to the program. 

    Summer 2026 Cal State Apply link- 

    •  In Extended Profile: Set Degree Goal to Second Bachelor's Degree and Beyond (e.g. Teaching Credential) and Graduate (e.g. Master's, Doctoral). Select to add the Program listed under East Bay Extension-  Reading and Literacy.

    Cal State Apply listing

    • Department Application

    Currently enrolled East Bay Credential students-

     

  • Admission into programs leading to credentialing does not guarantee that students will obtain a credential. Credentialing requirements are set by agencies that are not controlled by or affiliated with the CSU and requirements can change at any time. For example, Credentialing requirements can include evidence of the right to work in the United States (e.g., social security number or tax payer identification number) or successfully passing a criminal background check. Students are responsible for determining whether they can meet credentialing requirements. The CSU will not refund tuition, fees, or any associated costs, to students who determine subsequent to admission that they cannot meet credentialing requirements. Information concerning credentialing requirements is available from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). CTC-

  • Program Completion-Contact the Credential Student Service Center for more information. credentials@csueastbay.edu with your full name, program name, start erm, and net id in all correspondence.

    • Verification of Experience Form- three or more years of verified classroom full-time teaching experience in any grade or subject, preschool through adult under a Preliminary or Clear Teaching Credential. Student teaching, intern teaching, or teaching while holding an emergency or teaching permit does not count as part of the three years.