Reading and Literacy - Professional Licensure (PreK-12)

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

The 36-credit Appropriate Master’s Degree in Reading and Literacy prepares reading specialists who already possess an Initial License in the field with a program of study leading to eligibility for Professional Licensure in the state of Massachusetts. The Appropriate Master’s Degree combines the study of advanced level subject matter and pedagogy in reading with an in-depth examination of research methods, policy analysis, the social history of American education, and the foundations of student aspirations. Preparing practicing reading specialists to build a deeper understanding of the field, the Appropriate Master’s Degree also provides educators with the opportunity to examine trends in 21st century American education that impact their students, schools, and lives as teachers.

Prerequisite: Possession of an Initial License in Reading.

Specific Admission Requirements

Application form and fee;
Statement of professional goals;
Official transcripts of all academic work (at a minimum a Bachelor degree);
Two letters of recommendation;
A copy of Massachusetts Initial Licensure in reading; and
Official score on either the Miller Analogies Test or GRE.

Program of Study

ED 580 - Innovative Methods in Education (Cr: 3)
ED 581 - Technology in Education (Cr:3)
ED 582 - Research Methods (Cr: 3)
EDC 510 - Policy Analysis, Leadership, and Change Processes (Cr: 3)
EDC 525 - Social Contexts in American Schooling: Methods of Teaching Social Studies in the Elementary School (Cr: 3)
EDC 570 - Understanding the Dynamics of Student Aspirations (Cr: 3)
IED 509 - Language Diversity in Education (Cr: 3)
ITP 543 - Multimeda Literacy Instruction (Cr: 3)
RDG 502 - Learning and Cognition (Cr: 3)
RDG 504 - Family Literacy Connections (Cr: 3)
RDG 509 - Portfolio Assessment (Cr: 3)
RDG 513 - Advanced Seminar in Reading/Language (Cr: 3)

Plus Comprehensive Examination

Total degree requirements: 36 cr.

Completion Requirements

To successfully complete the Appropriate Master’s Degree program, students must successfully complete all of the required courses and, where relevant, the required field work and the comprehensive examination.

Eligibility for Professional License

According to Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) regulations, a Professional License is granted to individuals who possess an Initial License, have completed an Appropriate Master’s Degree in an Education school, have completed a one-year induction program with a mentor, and have completed at least three years of employment in the role of the license. Students completing the Master’s degree who have not met the other requirements for the Professional License, including a one-year induction program with a mentor and at least three years of employment in the role of the license, i.e., as a reading specialist, will be advised to apply to the DESE for the Professional License when they have met these requirements.

Students who have met the induction and employment requirements will be advised to apply for their Professional License with DESE.