Dyslexia and the Science of Reading

Graduate Certificate
18 Credit Hours

This program is offered by the School of Education and is available online (asynchronous).

For information on the general requirements for a certificate, see Certificate Program Policies and Procedures under the Academic Policies section of this catalog.

Program Description

The Graduate Certificate in Dyslexia and the Science of Reading is meticulously designed to align with the rigorous standards set forth by the International Dyslexia Association (IDA). This specialized program goes beyond theoretical knowledge, focusing on the advanced application of structured literacy techniques to effectively intervene and support various struggling reader profiles. Students delve deeply into the IDA Knowledge and Practice Standards, mastering evidence-based practices and gaining a profound understanding of dyslexia and related reading difficulties. The curriculum emphasizes the implementation of structured literacy methodologies, equipping educators with the tools to cater interventions to diverse learner needs.

Learning Outcomes

Completers of this program are able to:

• Apply to the Center for Effective Reading Instruction (CERI) to become a Certified Structured Literacy Interventionist.
• Understand the foundations of language acquisition.
• Develop knowledge of diverse reading profiles, including dyslexia.
• Understand the differences among and purposes for screening, progress-monitoring, diagnostic and outcome assessments. 
• Understand the procedures and principles for accurate assessment and interpretation of assessments.
• Understand and apply the essential principles of Structured Literacy Instruction in the areas of phonological and phonemic awareness, phonics and word recognition, fluency, vocabulary and reading comprehension.

Requirements

The 18 credit hours required for the graduate certificate in dyslexia include the following courses, which must all be taken at Webster University in the following sequence:

• READ 5190 Advanced Studies in Language Development and Acquisition (3 hours)
• READ 5235 Understanding Diverse Reading Profiles, including Dyslexia (3 hours)
• READ 5412 Instructional Methods for Diverse Reading Profiles, including Dyslexia (3 hours)
• READ 5950 Diagnosis and Correction of Reading Problems (3 hours) 
• SPED 5270 Advocating for Persons with Disabilities (3 hours)
• READ 5980 Practicum in Remediation of Reading Difficulties (3 hours)

Admission

See the Admission section of this catalog for general admission requirements. Students interested in applying must submit their application online at www.webster.edu/apply. Transcripts should be sent from your institution electronically to transcripts@webster.edu. If this service is not available, send transcripts to:

Office of Admission
Webster University
470 E. Lockwood Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63119 

Additional Requirements

Requirements for admission to the dyslexia certificate program include:

• Receipt of all official transcripts.
• Final degree conferred GPA of 2.5 or higher.