Reading and Literacy, PreK-12, Professional Licensure (Master of Education)

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.

Professional Licensure Program of Study

ED 580 - Innovative Methods in Education Credits: 3
ED 581 - Technology in Education Credits: 3
ED 582 - Research Methods Credits: 3
EDC 510 - Policy Analysis, Leadership, and Change Processes Credits: 3
EDC 525 - Social Context in American Schooling: Methods of Teaching Social Studies in the Elementary School Credits: 3
ECE 500 - Child Development Credits: 3
IED 509 - Language Diversity in Education Credits: 3
ITP 543 - Multi-Media Literacy: Critical Analysis Techniques and Classroom Applications for the information Age Credits: 3
RDG 502 - Learning and Cognition Credits: 3
RDG 558 - Literacy Connections Credits: 3
RDG 509 - Portfolio Assessment Credits: 3
RDG 513 - Advanced Seminar in Reading/Language Credits: 3
EXM 699 - Comprehensive Examination Credits: 0

Total Degree Requirements - 36 credits

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 Licensure

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.

Reading and Literacy: Non-Licensure Program of Study

RDG 506 - Emergence of Literacy Credits: 3
RDG 507 - Writing Across the Curriculum Credits: 3
RDG 508 - Improvement of Reading Instruction Credits: 3
RDG 511 - Children’s Literature Credits: 3
RDG 512 - Diagnosis and Remediation Credits: 3
EDC 510 - Policy Analysis, Leadership, and Change Processes Credits: 3
ED 580 - Innovative Methods in Education Credits: 3
ECE 500 - Child Development Credits: 3
IED 530 - Linguistics and Language Acquisition Credits: 3
RDG 504 - Family Literacy Connection Credits: 3
ED 581 - Technology in Education Credits: 3
ED 582 - Research Methods Credits: 3
EXM 699 - Comprehensive Examination Credits: 0