EdM in Reading & Literacies Education

Empower Students to Thrive through Literacy

Equip students to grow as confident, capable readers. With a master’s in reading and literacies education, you can deepen your understanding of how students develop literacy and how purposeful, culturally responsive instruction can elevate every learner.

The EdM in Reading & Literacies Education is for licensed K–12 teachers who are seeking to expand their professional skills and impact across classrooms, schools, and districts. You’ll be equipped to enhance student success through this program, which can be completed in one year with full-time enrollment.

Program Features

Expand Professional Licensure

The EdM in Reading & Literacies Education allows you, as a licensed K–12 teacher, to grow as a educator. As you build expertise in literacy theory, instructional design, and more, you’ll simultaneously prepare for licensure as a Specialist Teacher of Reading (Massachusetts) and qualify for Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) endorsement. An initial teaching license is required prior to beginning this program.

While teaching experience is not required to enter this program, students must complete one year of full-time teaching to be eligible for SEI endorsement. Coursework completed for the Graduate Certificate in Reading & Literacies Education may be applied toward the master’s degree.

Gain Meaningful Field Experience

The Master’s (EdM) in Reading & Literacies Education program will enable you gain hands-on experience through two practice-based experiences. One of these is working as a literacy tutor through the Donald K. Durrell Literacy Collaborative and the other includes shadowing a literacy specialist in a K–12 setting. You’ll learn to support reading and language development and gain experience in designing and implementing individualized literacy instruction.

Related Programs

CAGS in Reading & Literacies Education

For teachers who already have a master’s degree, the certificate of advanced graduate studies (CAGS) in Reading & Literacies Education will widen and deepen their professional expertise.

EdM in Language & Literacy Education

Professionals who wish to study literacy development and language acquisition but are not seeking licensure can explore the language and literacy education master’s. Choose from one of three specializations: language education, literacy education, or American Sign Language (ASL) & Deaf studies.

Career Outcomes for an EdM in Reading & Literacies Education

Advance your skills as an educator ready to assess, instruct, and lead. When you complete a reading and literacies education master’s (EdM) from BU Wheelock, you’ll have the skills to:

• Master evidence-based strategies to transform reading and language learning
• Design engaging instruction that meets every learner’s needs
• Create safe, dynamic classrooms while continually refining your practice
• Collaborate with families, colleagues, and communities for impact

Join Alumni in a Rewarding Career as a Reading and Literacy Educator

With the EdM in Reading & Literacies Education, you will be well prepared to make the next steps toward becoming a more effective educator. Our alumni have gone on to work in a variety of roles, including:

• General education classroom teacher
• Reading/literacy teacher
• Reading/literacy specialist
• Reading/literacy coach
• Curriculum director
• School, district, or state literacy leader

Reading & Literacies Education Courses

Core coursework for the master’s (EdM) in Reading & Literacies Education will introduce you to theory, research, and evidence-based practice in literacy from multiple perspectives, including foundational, critical, and disciplinary literacies; multilingualism; multiliteracies; and the social, cultural, and historical contexts of literacy. Elective courses cover topics such as literacy for bilingual students, second language acquisition, and teaching writing. Required courses for the reading and literacy education master’s include:

• Instruction and Assessment for Emergent and Developing Literacies
• Introduction to Literacy Leadership: Becoming a Critical Specialized Literacy Professional
• Instruction and Assessment for Disciplinary and Digital Literacies
• Instructional Methods for Teaching Foundational Literacy Skills

Scholarships Available

Admissions & Dates

Connect with BU Wheelock to learn more about the Master of Education (EdM) in Reading & Literacies Education program. Learn about application requirements and deadlines, sign up for an information session, or start your application today.

Licensing Disclosure
BU Wheelock Educator Preparation Programs Licensing Disclosure provides information about BU Wheelock state-approved programs and how the educational requirements compare with those in other states. Education students in licensure programs should review this resource and contact edlic@bu.edu with questions.

Background Checks
Students who are admitted into BU Wheelock routinely participate in field experiences as a part of their respective program curriculum and requirements. Most field sites require criminal background checks to determine students’ eligibility for participation. History of a criminal background may disqualify students from participating in these required experiences, which in turn may impede the successful completion of one’s degree program.