Candidates are prepared to assume leadership roles in reading education by serving as special reading teachers, clinicians, diagnosticians, program coordinators, reading specialists, and reading supervisors.

The graduate program meets standards of excellence for reading programs of the International Reading Association. Graduate program faculty and candidates work extensively in area schools to provide active practicum experiences.The M.A. in Reading Education is not an initial licensure program. Persons seeking an initial endorsement to teach in Tennessee should enter one of the initial licensure programs