Graduate Certificate in Literacy Instruction or Add-on License in Reading

Teachers are critical to a child’s readiness to read. That’s why every child deserves a teacher who has the expertise to lead them up the path to literacy achievement. In the spirit of that aspiration, Ball State University offers a graduate certificate in literacy instruction or a reading license option.

The courses are taught by faculty who hold doctorates and teach in Ball State’s Teachers College, one of the most comprehensive and renowned colleges of education in the country. The program can be completed in two or three semesters. There is also the option of completing the reading license exam to earn the credential, with or without the preparatory courses.

The 15-credit certificate or add-on reading license is also a good option if you’re considering a master’s degree in the future. The 15 credits partially complete requirements for a master’s in elementary education (MAE) with a concentration in reading/literacy.

Program Contacts

Becky Druetzler
Academic Advisor

Lisa Hawkins
Director of Graduate Programs

Course Requirements

You are required to take 15 credits to complete the certificate. 

• EDRD 610 The Teaching of Reading in the Elementary School (3 credits)
• EDRD 624 Integrating Technology in the Literacy Program (3 credits)
• EDRD 640 Current Trends and Issues in Literacy (3 credits) OR EDRD 650 Organization and Supervision of a School Reading Program (3 credits)
• EDRD 680 Classroom Reading Diagnosis (3 credits)
• EDRD 685 Advanced Teaching Methods in Language Arts (3 credits)

For a complete list of program requirements and courses, see the course catalog.

View Catalog

Completion of this certificate does not lead to initial licensure.

License Evaluation

If you wish to obtain an add-on teaching license for Reading, you are required to get a license evaluation from Ball State’s Office of Teacher Education Services and Clinical Practice before starting the program.

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