What is the difference between the Reading Specialist MA and the Reading Specialist Endorsement?

The MA in literacy gives the student Master’s degree but does not give them a certification. It is designed for K-12 teachers who wish to extend their knowledge about literacy teaching and learning but do not wish to add a certification as a reading specialist. When you take that program Rutgers takes care of getting the certification for you through our office of teacher education. You are a matriculated student with an advisor. The endorsement to become a reading specialist is for a student who does not want to be in a degree program. They must work with the state to get the certification. They have their transcripts evaluated by the state so they know what courses to take. The state must approve the course work and the state certifies the student. As a non-matriculated student you do not have a designated advisor. We have an obligation to our matriculated students first as to placement in classes needed, therefore it is also possible for non-matriculated endorsement students to be closed out of courses.