Within this program, the acquisition and development of literate behaviors are viewed as inherent components of language learning in general, including second-language acquisition.

A wide range of available course offerings make this program attractive to individuals with diverse interests and career goals. Students may pursue concentrations leading to endorsement in Reading, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), or Bilingual Education on an existing Ohio teaching license. There is a fourth concentration for non-school personnel with an interest in Adult Literacy.

In addition to completing all course work in the appropriate concentration, candidates for reading endorsement must pass the Praxis II Specialty Examination, Introduction to the Teaching of Reading. Similarly, candidates for TESOL endorsement must complete all course work in that concentration and pass the Praxis II Specialty Test, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.