Test Waivers
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, GRE, GMAT and MTEL testing has temporarily been waived from the application requirements for a number of our graduate programs through spring 2026.
Choose the program option best for you
The MEd Reading, Specialist Teacher of Reading License program is designed for an experienced educator who holds an initial classroom teaching license and who wants to serve schools as a teacher of reading at the early childhood, elementary, middle, secondary or post-secondary levels or who wants to remain a classroom teacher with expertise in reading.
The MEd Reading, Curriculum and Instruction program is designed for those interested in a master’s degree in reading to become skilled literacy practitioners, tutors, coaches, and/or literacy leaders. Two courses of interest are selected in lieu of the practicum and seminar required for licensure programs.
The Licensure Only program does not lead to an academic degree. While this program is not eligible for financial aid, the MEd programs are.
Graduate Application Process
Graduate Programs in Reading Application Process
Required Materials
- $50 non-refundable application fee
- Official transcript or transcript evaluation. The licensure-only reading program requires a transcript documenting an appropriate master's degree, as evaluated by the reading program coordinator and School of Graduate Studies dean.
- Three references
- Statement of purpose
- Copy of an initial or professional Massachusetts teaching license in a classroom field for the MEd, reading specialist teacher of reading license and licensure-only specialist teacher of reading programs.
- English Proficiency, if applicable, for international applicants
- Graduate programs in reading do not require the GRE or MAT.
Prerequisites
Completion of EDU 739 - Literacy Instruction and Assessment in the Early Childhood and Elementary Classroom with field experience or an equivalent literacy methods course required for all programs.
Additional Licensure Requirements
To be eligible for a specialist teacher of reading, a Massachusetts Initial or Professional license, at least one year of teaching experience on that license, and the Reading Specialist MTEL are required by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (MDESE). Teacher candidates may apply for the license before the year of teaching or MTEL is complete. MDESE will issue the license when the appropriate documentation has been received.
Deadlines
- Applications accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed once complete
- The MEd, reading specialist teacher of reading, MEd, reading curriculum and instruction, and licensure-only specialist teacher of reading programs do not support international students in F or J status due to program modality and/or part-time status. Please contact graduate admissions to verify which programs are suitable.