Empower Students to Thrive through Literacy
Help students become confident, capable readers. With a master’s degree in reading and literacy education (EdM), you’ll better understand how students develop literacy and how purposeful, culturally responsive instruction can improve student success.
This master’s in reading and literacy education is for licensed K–12 teachers who seek to expand their professional skills and impact across classrooms, schools, and districts. You can complete the program in one year full time, or study part time.
Program Features
Expand Your Professional Licensures
Licensed K–12 teachers can prepare for Specialist Teacher of Reading (Massachusetts) licensure and qualify for Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) endorsement. This master’s in reading and literacy education builds expertise in literacy theory, instructional design, and more. An initial teaching license is required prior to beginning this program.
While teaching experience is not required to enter this program, you 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 this master’s degree.
Field-Based Experiences
Support reading and language development and gain hands-on experience designing and implementing individualized literacy instruction. This master’s in literacy education includes two practice-based experiences: working as a literacy tutor through the Donald K. Durrell Literacy Collaborative, and shadowing a literacy specialist in a K–12 setting.
“Pursuing a graduate degree focused on reading has allowed me to build a deep understanding of evidence-based literacy practices, assessment, and intervention strategies.The program at BU Wheelock aligned with my goals because of its strong emphasis on hands-on experience and commitment to literacy development and equity in elementary education.”
Career Outcomes
Grow your ability to instruct, assess, and lead. The master’s degree in reading and literacy education from BU Wheelock equips you to:
- Use 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 a master’s in literacy and reading education, you’ll be prepared to impact education at the school, district, and state levels. 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
“I am currently a teacher-in-residence, and the preparation I received at BU Wheelock was instrumental for the work I do with my students daily. During my PD sessions, topics that are discussed are often topics I wrote papers and had class discussions about.”
Featured Faculty
The faculty of the EdM in Reading & Literacies Education are researchers and educators with expertise in many aspects of literacy learning, including early literacy, adolescent literacy, digital literacy, children’s literature, and literacy coaching.
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Jennifer Bryson
Program Director, Elementary Education
Special Director for Educator Preparation Early Literacy Initiatives
Senior Lecturer -
Erica Caasi
Clinical Assistant Professor
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Christina L. Dobbs
Program Director, English Education for Equity & Justice
Associate Professor -
Elena Forzani
Program Director, Literacy Education
Program Director, Reading & Literacies Education
Assistant Professor -
Katherine Frankel
Chair, Language & Literacy Education Department
Associate Professor -
Laura M. Jiménez
Senior Lecturer
Director, Center for Educating Critically -
Eli Tucker-Raymond
Research Associate Professor
Dr. Jennifer Bryson specializes in the professional preparation of elementary education teachers. She teaches on-site language arts methods, leads field seminars on building a positive classroom community, and is the founder of the Teacher-to-Teacher mentoring initiative that supports BU Wheelock graduates during their first year of teaching.
In her research, Dr. Bryson uses sociocognitive and sociocultural theories of learning to examine the role of family literacy projects as a tool to bridge home and school literacy. Her research interests include elementary education, literacy education, and family literacy.
Courses in the EdM in Reading & Literacies Education
Gain a foundation in literacy development, instruction, assessment, and leadership with this master’s degree in reading and literacy education. You’ll be introduced to theory, research, and evidence-based practice in literacy from multiple perspectives, and choose from electives on such topics as literacy for bilingual students, second language acquisition, and teaching writing.
Required courses include:
- Critical Literacy as a Lens
- 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
Related Programs
The master’s degree in reading and literacy education (EdM) is designed for licensed K–12 teachers seeking Specialist Teacher of Reading licensure and SEI endorsement. If you do not wish to pursue licensure, or if you already have your master’s, consider the options below.
If you are not seeking licensure but wish to study literacy development and language acquisition, you can explore the Master’s in Language and Literacy Education. Choose from one of three specializations: language education, literacy education, or American Sign Language (ASL) & Deaf studies.
If you are a teacher who already has a master’s degree, you can expand your expertise in reading instruction through a certificate of advanced graduate studies (CAGS) in Reading & Literacies Education. The CAGS program can be completed in 9 months full-time; part-time options are also available.
Scholarships Available
Don’t let questions of funding keep you from pursuing your Master’s in Reading and Literacies Education. Boston University offers merit-based scholarships for graduate programs.
Admissions & Dates
Fall 2026 Start
Jul 1, 2026
Application Closes (International Applicants)
Fall 2026 Start
Aug 1, 2026
Application Closes
Fall 2027 Start
Aug 15, 2026
Application Opens
Spring 2027 Start
Dec 15, 2026
Application Closes
Connect with BU Wheelock to learn more about earning your master’s degree in reading and literacy education. Learn about application requirements and deadlines, sign up for an information session, or start your application today.
Frequently Asked Questions
BU’s master’s degree in reading and literacy education focuses on evidence-based instruction, assessment, and intervention. Through coursework and two field experiences, you’ll learn how to support diverse learners while building expertise in literacy development across grades and settings.
You’ll develop skills in literacy instruction, assessment, and intervention. This master’s in literacy and reading education program prepares you to analyze student needs, design effective instruction, and apply research-based practices to support reading and writing development.
Yes—this program offers a pathway to licensure as a Massachusetts Specialist Teacher of Reading (K–12), and many states offer licensure reciprocity. Through coursework and supervised field experiences, you’ll meet requirements to support literacy instruction at the classroom and school level.
Graduates of this master’s in reading and literacy education pursue such roles as reading specialist, literacy coach, interventionist, or curriculum leader. The program also supports advancement into leadership and instructional support roles.
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.