Master’s in Reading Education

Improve Children’s Literacy with a Master’s in Reading from BSU

In the United States, 65% of fourth graders read below grade level. This contributes to a staggering 8,000 students dropping out of high school every day, according to the nonprofit Reading Is Fundamental.

A BSU master’s in reading education can help you acquire the skills to interrupt this decline. Housed in our Department of Elementary and Early Childhood Education, our master’s in reading programs focus on literacy development, assessment and instruction of students with diverse learning and literacy needs.

Our Master of Education in reading and literacy program (MEd, Reading Specialist K–12) is built on a 50-year legacy of augmenting the professional development and intellectual growth of educators.

Prepare to fine tune your literacy education skills or take on new roles in education with a master’s degree in reading from BSU. Our challenging curriculum will bridge theory and practice, foster values of diversity and help you grow as an educator, no matter your professional goals.

Master’s in Reading Degree Program Highlights

a female student giving a poster presentation on her research

Exciting hands-on opportunities for learning

Throughout our master’s in reading education program, you’ll have opportunities to practice various literacy education skills, including instruction, assessments and reflection. You’ll complete case studies, prepare tailored instruction, conduct research you’ll present at an annual Massachusetts Reading Association conference and more.

a BSU student helping a young student with a reading and writing activity

Programs that meet industry standards

Earn a master’s degree in reading that aligns with the International Literacy Association's standards for reading professionals. Our Master of Education in reading and literacy degree program gives you the conceptual and theoretical foundations of language and literacy and guides you to create inclusive and affirming classrooms.

Dr. Steven Greenberg teaching and Elementary Education class

Learn from knowledgeable, experienced faculty

At BSU, you’ll take master’s in reading courses with diverse faculty members who have extensive teaching experience and regularly participate in education research and professional organizations.

Flexible course offerings

The courses in the Master of Reading Education degree at BSU are offered in multiple modalities, including synchronous hybrid, hyflex and entirely online, making it convenient for everyone to enroll.

Opportunities to network

As you complete our Master of Education in reading and literacy program, you’ll attend the state’s literacy conference, where your professors will introduce you to a variety of K–12 administrators and other reading specialists. This will help you learn more about the field and discuss potential job opportunities.

Small class sizes facilitate big benefits

At BSU, you’ll take Master of Reading Education courses with about 12 other graduate students. Our small class sizes facilitate a more personalized learning experience and allow you to connect with your instructors and network and collaborate with your peers.

Early admission program

The early admission program is for seniors at BSU majoring in Elementary Education or Early Childhood Education, Literacy Teacher Professionals Concentration, BSE, who wish to take one graduate course in Reading for undergraduate credit, and thereby accelerate the completion of their MEd. The application fee for students seeking early admission will be waived.

Program of Study for Master’s in Reading Graduate Students

Our master’s degree in reading program includes coursework in areas such as improving literacy instruction, literacy assessment principles and techniques, research in literacy teaching and learning, and literacy curriculum development and implementation.

Some of the Master of Reading Education courses you may take include:

Case Studies in Early Literacy Acquisition. This course provides an in-depth look at high-impact instructional practices and assessment methods in the early grades. This course is followed by another offering for the elementary and upper grades, Literacy Instruction and Assessment for Grades 3-12.
Issues in Literacy Education for Social Justice. This popular course allows you to explore the appropriate cultural and linguistic ways in which you may present instruction. You’ll also explore children’s literature and discuss social justice issues relevant to Critical Literacy Theory.

Admission Requirements and Program Details

Click any link below to reveal each program's admission requirements and program description.

Program details from 2024-2025 Undergraduate/Graduate Catalog

Graduate Program Director: Dr. Marlene Correia

Programs Related to Master’s in Reading

In addition to our Master of Reading Education degree program at BSU, we offer a variety of early childhood, elementary and secondary education master’s programs and graduate certificates, such as:

Special Education, MEd
Bilingual Education, Graduate Certificate
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, Graduate Certificate
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, MAT
Higher Education Administration, MEd Online
Educational Leadership, MEd or EdS

Careers in Reading and Literacy

In addition to professional development, our master’s in reading education degree program can provide you with the knowledge and credentialing you need to advance in your career, become a reading specialist or literacy coach and more.

The majority of BSU graduates with a master’s degree in reading go on to work as reading specialists or literacy coaches in area public schools. In fact, according to the Edwin Database, about 89% of our Master of Reading Education graduates have secured public school jobs in those roles since 2010.

Even if you don’t wish to become a reading or literacy specialist, a Master of Education in reading and literacy can also help make you a more effective early childhood education or elementary education teacher and reading tutor.

BSU’s master’s in reading program was ranked

in the country on BestValueSchools.org’s list of the Best 20 Master’s in Reading and Literacy Programs in 2022.

Graduate Funding Opportunities

The College of Graduate Studies provides various opportunities for graduate students to receive funding while working towards their degrees. Appointments are competitive and are determined by undergraduate and/or graduate grade point averages, pertinent experience, educational preparation and interviews. For information on assistantships, fellowships and conference funding awards, please visit our Graduate Funding Opportunities page.

The Federal Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program provides grants per term (based on enrollment status) to students who intend to teach in a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves students from low-income families.

Graduate student are eligible for unsubsidized student loans and applicants are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. For more specific questions, please visit the Financial Aid Office website or contact them directly at finaid@bridgew.edu.

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