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Sixth-Year Certificate

Reading and Language Development

Format & Location

Online, Low Residency

School/College

School of Education & Human Development
Reading and language arts student helping children at a classroom table with a cursive worksheet.

Start Dates

Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September)

Application Deadline

Rolling Admission

Completion

18-36 months

Schedule

Full-Time or Part-Time

Apply Now Request Information
Attend a Virtual Information Session Check for Upcoming Dates

Fairfield’s flexible and customizable Sixth-Year Certificate (SYC) in Reading and Language Development is designed for experienced educators who hold a master’s degree and are ready to advance their professional reach, specialize their skills, and pursue leadership opportunities in literacy education and beyond.

What You'll Learn and Do

Customize your degree with specialization built in.

Customize your SYC degree with a concentration in an area that complements your literacy expertise and enhances your career versatility.

Advance your career—and credentials.

Prepare for leadership roles in literacy coaching, special education, technology integration, or English language learner support.

Earn your certificate while you work.

Hybrid and online formats make advanced study attainable alongside your teaching or leadership role.

Thrive in an environment with expert faculty that's practitioner-focused.

Study with nationally recognized experts who bring research-informed practice into every course.

Find Out More

Course Requirements

Sixth Year Certificate in Remedial Reading and Remedial Language Arts

36 credits

Contact Us

Graduate Admission
gradadmis@fairfield.edu
(203) 254-4184

Deepen Your Expertise. Expand Your Impact.

Fairfield University’s Sixth Year Certificate (SYC) in Reading and Language Development is designed for experienced educators who hold a master’s degree and are ready to advance their professional reach, specialize their skills, and pursue leadership opportunities in literacy education and beyond.

This flexible, customizable program supports both depth and breadth—offering core preparation in reading and language development, with the ability to develop a specialized area of concentration tailored to your career goals.

Choose Your Pathway

SYC in Reading and Language Development with CT #102 Certification

36 credits | Hybrid Format | Grades 1–12 Focus

This option provides advanced coursework in evidence-based reading instruction, diagnosis, and intervention, alongside integrated practicum experiences. It is ideal for educators who want to lead reading efforts at the school, district, or clinical level.

Candidates who already hold a valid Connecticut teaching certificate may earn the CT #102 Remedial Reading and Remedial Language Arts Certification as part of this degree.

This option also permits candidates to develop a specialized area of concentration under advisement. Areas may include, but are not limited to:

  • Special Education
  • Educational Technology
  • Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

This degree is ideal for professionals seeking expanded interdisciplinary expertise while continuing to build literacy leadership capacity.

SYC in Reading and Language Development with Wilson® Level I Certification and CT #102 Certification

36–37 credits | Online + Hybrid Format | Grades 1–12 Dyslexia Focus

This pathway combines advanced training in structured literacy with in-depth clinical preparation for working with students with reading disabilities, including dyslexia. This option also permits candidates to develop a specialized area of concentration under advisement. Areas may include, but are not limited to:

  • Special Education
  • Educational Technology
  • Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

Candidates receive intensive training in the Wilson® Reading System, a nationally respected, evidence-based program used widely to support students with language-based learning disabilities and earn a Wilson® Reading System Level I Certification upon successful completion of coursework and practicum requirements.

Additionally, eligible candidates who already hold a valid Connecticut teaching certificate may earn the CT #102 Remedial Reading and Remedial Language Arts Certification as part of this degree. This state endorsement qualifies educators to serve as reading specialists, interventionists, and literacy coaches in Connecticut public schools.

Learn From Industry Experts

Fairfield’s award-winning faculty have deep expertise in topics such as remedial reading and language arts. With a broad range of courses that integrate critical reflection and extensive field experience, you’ll benefit from firsthand insights and guidance on the way to your Sixth-Year Certificate in reading and language development.

View All Faculty

Jule McCombes-Tolis
Jule McCombes-Tolis
Associate Professor of the Practice

Admission Information

From your first admission conversation to graduation and beyond, you’ll find support at every turn. The Fairfield University student support network is dedicated to meeting your needs. You’ll receive personal, academic, and financial guidance as you complete your Sixth-Year Certificate in reading and language development.

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