Curriculum and Instruction: Certificate in Reading Instruction
The Certificate in Reading Instruction is designed for educators who hold a valid teaching certificate, have previously completed coursework in developmental reading methods and want to further develop their professional knowledge and skills in regard to teaching reading to students (i.e., Pre-School to Grade 12). Although this Certificate does not result in the Reading Teacher Endorsement with the State of Illinois, these graduate courses in reading may be applied toward the requirements for the Reading Teacher Endorsement in Illinois, including a graduate level practicum.
Admission Requirements: This certificate is available to certified teachers who can provide documentation of prior coursework in reading methods (e.g., ELE 3280 Developmental Reading in the Elementary School – 3 hrs. or ELE 3281 Developmental Reading in Early Childhood – 3 hrs.). To be eligible for admission to the certificate program, applicants must meet all of the requirements for admission to the Graduate
School that include verification of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution approved by Eastern Illinois University. In addition, documentation of a minimum undergraduate cumulative grade point average of 3.0 within the last 60 hours of undergraduate study (or 3.0 GPA in the first 12 hours of graduate coursework) is required. The applicant must submit an Application for Admission to the Graduate School and an Application for Admission to the Certificate Program through the Department of Teaching, Learning, and Foundations.
Degree Audit: The graduate plan of study is the EIU Degree Audit, which is generated automatically at the time of degree or certificate candidacy. Modifications of the standard EIU Degree Audit are submitted by the graduate coordinator to the certification officer in the Graduate School at the time modifications are approved. The Degree Audit serves as an unofficial summary of requirements for the program. Degree and certificate candidates are advised to review the comprehensive summary of the Degree Audit process specified on the "Requirements for All Degree and Certificate Candidates" section of the Graduate Catalog. Individual programs may require candidates to submit plans of study in addition to the Degree Audit, candidates should consult with the program coordinator.
Curriculum Requirements
The Department of Teaching, Learning, and Foundations Certificate in Reading Instruction requires 18 semester hours of study including both required and elective courses. Total Credits: 18
Required Courses (Required Credits 15):
Elective Courses
The remaining three elective hours are to be selected from the list of courses provided below:
Courses Applicable Toward a Specific Concurrent or Future Degree Program
Upon approval from the graduate coordinator, the fifteen required graduate course credits completed for the certificate program may be applied to a Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction at Eastern Illinois University to fulfill requirements for the emphasis in reading. All courses applied to the certificate or degree program must be completed within the six-year time limit. All other regulations established by the Graduate School pertaining to degree study will be applicable to the courses if used toward a concurrent or future degree program. EIU seniors may enroll for courses under the "Reserve Graduate Credit" option; but will be required to meet the standard admission requirements to be admitted to the certificate program after completion of the baccalaureate degree. Meeting the requirement to take courses under the reserve graduate credit option does not guarantee admission to the certificate program or the Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction.
Degree Audit
Degree Audit: The graduate plan of study is the EIU Degree Audit, which is generated automatically at the time of degree or certificate candidacy. Modifications of the standard EIU Degree Audit are submitted by the graduate coordinator to the certification officer in the Graduate School at the time modifications are approved. The Degree Audit serves as an unofficial summary of requirements for the program. Degree and certificate candidates are advised to review the comprehensive summary of the Degree Audit process specified on the "Requirements for All Degree and Certificate Candidates" section of the Graduate Catalog. Individual programs may require candidates to submit plans of study in addition to the Degree Audit, candidates should consult with the program coordinator.
Information sourced from the 2025-2026 EIU Graduate Catalog.