Students who complete this program are recommended for Pennsylvania certification as a reading specialist. This program prepares candidates to serve in reading specialist positions and as classroom teachers of reading in elementary or secondary schools.

In 1997, the Pennsylvania State Board of Education implemented revisions to the Pennsylvania School Code. These revisions require all students who apply for Pennsylvania reading specialist certificates to pass competency tests.

As changes are made in requirements for reading specialist certification, it is the student's responsibility to satisfy the new requirements.