Is Reading & Literacy a Hard Major? What Students Should Know in 2026

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

Reading & literacy is often perceived as an easier major, but this misconception overlooks its academic demands. The field requires understanding complex theories of language acquisition and diverse instructional strategies. In the U.S., enrollment in literacy programs has increased by over 15% in recent years, reflecting growing interest and the profession's evolving challenges.

This article explores what students should know about course rigor, workload expectations, and essential skills for success. It also examines how individual factors like prior knowledge and learning preferences influence whether this major feels manageable or difficult.

Key Benefits of Reading & Literacy as a Major

Reading & literacy develops transferable skills like critical analysis and communication, benefiting career changers seeking education-focused roles.
It offers flexible learning paths, supporting full-time workers returning to school by balancing coursework with work obligations.
The major fosters academic growth and confidence through specialized study, preparing traditional undergraduates for diverse educational and professional challenges.

Where Does Reading & Literacy Rank Among the Hardest College Majors?

Reading & literacy majors generally fall into a moderate range on national difficulty scales. Although specific rankings for these programs are scarce, related fields like English provide useful insight. English majors, which share many curricular elements with reading & literacy, rank among the easier humanities with an average GPA near 3.2 and about 16 hours of weekly study time.

The workload typically emphasizes analytical skills and written assignments rather than intense quantitative or technical demands. Unlike STEM disciplines with extensive lab or practicum requirements, reading & literacy programs focus more on critical thinking and literary analysis, which can affect perceptions of academic rigor and time investment.

The challenge associated with reading & literacy can vary widely by institution and student readiness. Compared to majors known for high difficulty, such as engineering or nursing, reading & literacy tends to be less taxing but may require more effort than some business or hospitality programs.

Students with solid reading and writing skills often find the material more accessible, while those with weaker foundational literacy may struggle. Overall, difficulty is subjective and depends largely on individual strengths and academic background rather than fixed program attributes, making reading & literacy a manageable option for many but more demanding for others.

What Factors Make Reading & Literacy a Hard Major?

Several academic and skill-related demands contribute to making reading and literacy a challenging major for many students. Mastering both theoretical knowledge and practical application requires sustained effort and adaptability throughout the program.

Academic rigor in reading and literacy programs: Students must grasp advanced reading theories, instructional strategies, and critically analyze literary and informational texts. They are expected to demonstrate growth in comprehension skills in alignment with standards such as the Common Core State Standards.
Reading and literacy major workload demands: The program involves a high volume of reading and writing assignments. Students engage deeply with extensive academic literature, synthesize research findings, and create analytical essays or lesson plans, often working independently to meet faculty expectations.
Technical and analytical complexity: Coursework challenges students to design assessments, evaluate research studies, and apply evidence-based instructional methods. Skillful data collection, interpretation, and revising work based on feedback are critical components of success.
Field-specific demands: Students must acquire specialized skills to support English language learners and adapt instruction for students with reading difficulties. Mastery of educational technology further raises the technical bar for this major.

These factors combine to create a demanding academic environment that requires strong commitment and effective study strategies. For those interested in flexible learning options, exploring associate degrees in 6 months online can provide accelerated pathways in related fields.

Who Is a Good Fit for a Reading & Literacy Major?

Identifying the right student profile is essential for success in a reading and literacy major, as the coursework demands specific cognitive and motivational traits. Understanding who thrives in this field helps prospective students gauge if their skills and interests align with the program's challenges.

A student well-suited for reading and literacy major requirements demonstrates these core traits:

High vocabulary knowledge: Vocabulary is the strongest predictor of reading achievement, accounting for significant variance in performance, especially among high-risk groups.
Metacognitive strategies: Students who actively plan, monitor, and assess their reading processes manage complex texts and assignments more effectively than others.
Reading enjoyment: A genuine satisfaction in reading boosts motivation, which correlates strongly with better academic outcomes compared to competitive or cooperative learning preferences.
Analytical and critical thinking: Successful students evaluate arguments, synthesize information, and develop critical responses, skills integral to literacy-focused coursework.
Self-directed learning: Taking initiative and responsibility in their education allows students to navigate workload demands and seek support when necessary.

These traits support students navigating reading and literacy career paths by enabling fluency and comprehension skill development. For those exploring options, top college courses for seniors online can provide flexible ways to build these capabilities and pursue this field.

How Can You Make a Reading & Literacy Major Easier?

Many students find a reading & literacy major demanding due to its heavy emphasis on comprehension and analysis, but employing targeted techniques can significantly lighten the load. With the right methods, managing readings and assignments becomes more efficient and less stressful.

Active reading: Employ strategies such as SQ3R (Survey, Question, Read, Recite, Review) to organize content and boost understanding, which leads to better retention and higher test scores.
Segmented study: Divide reading materials into manageable parts by focusing on one heading at a time and crafting questions based on those sections to maintain engagement and identify key ideas.
Vocabulary building: Regularly expanding and revisiting new words strengthens your grasp of the material, as a rich vocabulary enhances overall reading comprehension.
Time management: Plan consistent study sessions with clear goals, spacing out reviews to avoid last-minute cramming and to improve long-term retention.
Utilizing support systems: Access tutoring, study groups, and other academic resources to clarify difficult topics and reinforce learning.

A graduate of the major shared her experience, explaining how she initially struggled with the volume and complexity of texts. She emphasized how breaking readings into smaller chunks and turning sections into questions made processing information less overwhelming.

"I realized that pacing myself and seeking help wasn't a sign of weakness but a smart way to handle the coursework." Over time, she built confidence in approaching dense material, noting that consistent vocabulary practice became one of her biggest assets. Reflecting on her journey, she stated, "Implementing these strategies transformed what felt like a daunting challenge into something manageable and even enjoyable."

Are Admissions to Reading & Literacy Programs Competitive?

Admissions to reading & literacy programs in the U.S. are generally not highly competitive compared to fields like engineering or business. This is largely due to a lower number of applicants and the ongoing national need for literacy educators, which leads many programs to maintain open access. However, some specialized or graduate-level programs have stricter admission criteria or limited seats, making acceptance more selective at those institutions.

Selectivity varies based on several factors such as the required GPA, which typically ranges between 2.5 and 3.0 for undergraduates. Many programs expect foundational coursework in education or English, and graduate-level applicants often need a relevant bachelor's degree, teaching experience, or certification. Changes in student interest and literacy initiatives can also influence schools to adjust enrollment caps or raise admission standards to preserve program quality.

When I spoke with a professional who majored in reading & literacy, he shared that his application process was manageable but not without moments of uncertainty. He explained, "I didn't face fierce competition like in other majors, but I knew I had to prove my dedication through my coursework and volunteer work." He appreciated that schools valued commitment to literacy, which motivated him to focus on experience and grades rather than worrying about cutthroat admissions. His journey highlighted how motivation and preparation play key roles even in less competitive programs.

Online-exclusive undergraduates attending for-profit institutions

Is an Online Reading & Literacy Major Harder Than an On-Campus Program?

Online reading and literacy majors are generally not harder than on-campus programs; however, the difficulty can vary due to differences in delivery and student preferences. Various factors influence the experience and perceived challenge of either format.

Here is a comparison of online vs on-campus reading and literacy programs based on key aspects:

Academic expectations: Course content and assessment standards are usually equivalent across both formats, especially when programs are accredited.
Workload and pacing: Online students often face more demanding self-management, balancing asynchronous coursework and personal life, while on-campus learners benefit from structured class schedules.
Interaction and support: On-campus programs offer immediate face-to-face access to instructors and peers, whereas online programs rely on digital communication tools that may feel less personal, though some invest heavily in virtual support systems.
Learning environment: Print-based, in-person reading tends to result in better comprehension and deeper engagement compared to digital reading, where skimming and the "screen inferiority effect" may reduce retention.
Unique challenges: Online students must maintain high self-motivation and contend with digital distractions; on-campus students face less flexibility but enjoy direct interaction and easier access to physical resources.

For those exploring a low cost online master's degree in reading and literacy, understanding these differences can help determine the best fit for individual learning styles and circumstances. This approach aligns with findings in the low cost online master's degree domain and is essential for weighing the online vs on-campus reading and literacy program comparison accurately.

Are Accelerated Reading & Literacy Programs Harder Than Traditional Formats?

Accelerated reading and literacy programs are generally harder than traditional formats due to their condensed timelines, increased pacing, and more intense workload. Students face a higher volume of assignments, exams, and reading tasks each week, which demands excellent time management and self-discipline.

To better understand the accelerated reading and literacy program challenges, consider the following comparisons between accelerated and traditional reading major difficulty:

Course pacing and content density: Accelerated programs compress a semester's curriculum into 5-8 weeks, while traditional formats spread it over 15-16 weeks, resulting in faster absorption of material in accelerated settings.
Workload management for different students: Highly organized and self-motivated learners may thrive in accelerated formats, but students needing more support tend to benefit from the steadier pace of traditional schedules.
Academic expectations and skill demands: Both formats hold rigorous standards, but accelerated students must maintain greater resilience and focus to meet tight deadlines and frequent assessments.
Learning retention and stress levels: Rapid content delivery in accelerated programs can increase cognitive overload and reduce opportunities for review, whereas traditional formats promote better retention through gradual learning and reflection.
Flexibility and structure in scheduling: Accelerated programs offer less day-to-day flexibility with fixed deadlines, while traditional programs allow more personalized pacing and adaptability to individual needs.

Those considering this path should also explore options like quick college degrees that pay well to find educational formats that best match their learning style and career goals.

Can You Manage a Part-Time Job While Majoring in Reading & Literacy?

Students majoring in reading & literacy can often juggle a part-time job, but success depends on several key factors. The coursework involves heavy reading and writing assignments that demand significant weekly effort.

Flexibility in scheduling, both in job hours and study time, alongside strong personal study routines, plays a vital role in managing both commitments. Overall, realistically balancing work and academic responsibilities varies based on individual workload tolerance and time management skills.

Unlike majors requiring extensive lab time or technical tasks, reading & literacy primarily involves independent study and periodic projects such as lesson planning or classroom observations.

Many students maintain balance by selecting a reasonable course load each semester and opting for jobs with adaptable hours, such as campus positions. Utilizing online or campus academic support services also helps navigate peak periods of coursework intensity. However, students who underestimate the extensive reading and writing demands or overcommit to work hours may face difficulties sustaining this balance over time.

What Jobs Do Reading & Literacy Majors Get, and Are They as Hard as the Degree Itself?

Career paths for reading and literacy majors vary widely in difficulty, responsibility, and required skills. While some jobs match the rigorous demands of the degree itself, others may be less demanding or challenging in different ways.

Reading Specialist: Works directly with students who struggle with reading, designing targeted interventions and collaborating with teachers and parents. This role is demanding in a practical, hands-on way, requiring patience, adaptability, and strong diagnostic skills, making it as challenging as the degree for many. Considering is being a reading specialist hard is common among graduates evaluating their career options.
Literacy Coach: Supports teachers by modeling effective literacy instruction, providing professional development, and analyzing student data. The position demands strong leadership and communication skills but involves less direct student intervention, making it challenging in a different way.
Curriculum Developer: Designs literacy curricula and instructional materials for schools or publishers. This job is intellectually demanding but often less stressful than classroom teaching, requiring creativity and detail-oriented research skills.
District Reading Curriculum Specialist: Oversees literacy programs across multiple schools, sets standards, and trains staff. This highly responsible role is strategic and organizational, focusing more on systemic impact than direct instruction.
Educational Consultant: Advises schools or organizations on improving literacy programs with flexibility and variety in daily tasks. The challenges center on problem-solving and communication, requiring strategic thinking rather than academic rigor.

For those exploring careers for reading and literacy majors, it's important to understand how demands differ by role. Students curious about available pathways may also find it useful to review resources like cheapest nationally accredited online colleges for further educational opportunities.

Do Reading & Literacy Graduates Earn Higher Salaries Because the Major Is Harder?

There is no strong evidence that reading & literacy graduates earn higher salaries simply because the major is more challenging. While rigorous coursework and skill refinement are part of the field, salary differences tend to reflect job roles, demand in the education sector, and educational attainment rather than academic difficulty.

For instance, literacy teachers in the US earn an average of about $61,461 annually, with reading specialists earning a similar amount. These earnings align closely with other education-related professions, suggesting that a harder major does not directly translate to increased pay.

Salaries for reading & literacy graduates vary widely based on factors like industry demand, position, and location. Literacy coaches, for example, have higher average pay, around $75,050 yearly, due to their specialized roles.

Geographic differences are notable as well; teachers in California or Alaska, such as in Nome, AK, can earn up to $76,242. Experience and advanced degrees also boost income, with postsecondary educators in this field earning as much as $83,980 per year. Ultimately, credentials, position, and local market needs drive salaries more than the major's workload or GPA.

What Graduates Say About Reading & Literacy as Their Major

Aiden: "From a professional standpoint, reading & literacy may come across as challenging due to the extensive research and diverse strategies involved. However, it equipped me with critical skills that have opened doors in educational program development. The cost, averaging close to $25,000 annually, felt steep, but understanding the long-term benefits helped me embrace the challenge fully. "

Damien: "I found reading & literacy to be a demanding major in terms of balancing theory and practical application, yet it was never overwhelming. The knowledge I gained reshaped my approach to teaching and reinforced my passion for helping struggling readers. While the expenses were significant, especially with textbooks and materials on top of tuition, the personal growth and career opportunities made it worthwhile. "

Armando: "Pursuing reading & literacy wasn't the easiest path, but it was incredibly rewarding. The coursework challenged me to think deeply about how children acquire language and reading skills, which has directly influenced my career as a literacy coach. Considering the average cost of attendance was around $20,000 per year, I believe the investment paid off through the meaningful impact I now have on students. "