Program Overview

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Master of Education in Language Arts and Literacy, M.Ed.

The University of Massachusetts Lowell offers a 100% online Master of Education in Language Arts and Literacy, designed for experienced K-12 teachers to enhance their literacy knowledge and students' reading ability. This 10-course M.Ed. program is offered through the University's School of Education.

Program Overview

• The program enables experienced K-12 teachers to expand their contributions to education.
• It is highly ranked by U.S. News & World Report.
• Candidates must hold an initial or professional teaching license, have at least one year of classroom teaching experience, and currently work within a school system to complete the program's required field experience.

Career Outlook

• Jobs: 582,136 (2020)
• % Change: +10.3%
• Median Earnings: $91K/yr
• Annual Openings: 112,362
• Source: Lightcast, 2022

Curriculum Outline

Required Courses (8 Courses / 24cr)

• EDUC.6204 Principles & Practices of Effective Literacy Programs (3cr)
• EDUC.6126 Multilingual Learners w/Disab: Policy & Practice (3cr)
• EDUC.6100 Teaching Disciplinary Literacy (3cr)
• EDUC.5220 Young Adult Literature (3cr)
• EDUC.5270 Language Acquisition (3cr)
• EDUC.5280 Assessment of Reading and Language Disabilities (3cr)
• EDUC.5290 Treatment Reading and Language Disabilities (3cr)
• EDUC.5490 Theory and Research: Reading and Language (3cr)

Electives (Choose 1 / 3cr)

• EDUC.5102 Critical Literacies (3cr)
• EDUC.5201 Curriculum Planning Perspectives (3cr)
• EDUC.6101 Theories of Learning (3cr)
• EDUC.---- Any elective approved by advisor (3cr)

Capstone Course (1 Course / 3cr)

• EDUC.6900 Action Research (3cr)

Course Descriptions

EDUC.5102 Critical Literacies (3cr)

This course addresses thinking, writing, and talking about texts, examining the range of literacies including critical, print, technology, visual, media, and informational, with a special focus on anti-racist literature and texts of social justice.

EDUC.5201 Curriculum Planning Perspectives (3cr)

This course introduces students to historical and contemporary curriculum perspectives, assisting them in developing their own curriculum perspective situated within the scholarship, and helps students develop skill in curriculum planning grounded in relevant scholarship.

EDUC.5220 Young Adult Literature (3cr)

The major emphasis of the course will be discussion and analysis of the goals of a literature curriculum and the exploration of various methods for achieving these goals, discussing the characteristics of different genres of literature in detail.

EDUC.5270 Language Acquisition (3cr)

This course focuses on the study of the acquisition of language and the relationship of language learning to the development of literacy, examining both first and second language acquisition, and applying knowledge of language acquisition to best teaching practices.

EDUC.5280 Assessment of Reading and Language Disabilities (3cr)

This course examines the selection and use of procedures to make an adequate clinical and educational diagnosis, including the assessment of function and dysfunction in factors associated with language development.

EDUC.5290 Treatment Reading and Language Disabilities (3cr)

This course explores specific practices in remedial teaching, using published materials and developing new materials for small group, whole class, and tutoring settings, based on the interpretation of literacy assessments.

EDUC.5490 Theory and Research: Reading and Language (3cr)

A final course on national and international research in reading and language, and the pertinence and proposed implementation of research findings to instruction and the various roles of the reading supervisor or director.

EDUC.6100 Teaching Disciplinary Literacy (3cr)

The course explores research-based practices for fostering disciplinary literacy across a diversity of academic fields, addressing the unique challenges and opportunities integral to delivering effective literacy instruction.

EDUC.6101 Theories of Learning (3cr)

This course offers a detailed analysis of the major contemporary learning theories, both behavioral and cognitive.

EDUC.6126 Multilingual Learners w/Disab: Policy & Practice (3cr)

This course focuses on practices to support the teaching and learning of Multilingual Learners with or at risk of learning disabilities, emphasizing the importance of meaningful collaboration between Special Education and Multilingual Learner educators.

EDUC.6204 Principles & Practices of Effective Literacy Programs (3cr)

Principles and Practices of Effective Literacy Programs examines the principles and practices that underpin evidence-based effective literacy programs, exploring approaches for designing, implementing, and evaluating literacy initiatives.

EDUC.6900 Action Research (3cr)

Action Research is the culminating course for all students, applying knowledge learned during coursework to an action research project plan for a classroom or small group setting.

Program Requirements

To be recommended for a University of Massachusetts Lowell master's degree, candidates must satisfy all general requirements, plus any additional requirements that may be required by the department.

General Requirements

• Students must complete the program of study designed by the Department in which they are enrolled and approved by the University.
• Satisfactory grades in all subjects offered for the degree must be earned.
• All financial obligations, including tuition, fees, and expenses, must be satisfied as evidenced by completion.
• Upon completion of all their courses, graduate degree candidates must submit a signed Declaration of Intent to Graduate (DIG) form to their coordinator.

Graduate Program Policies

In applying for a degree program or registering for courses, each student assumes full responsibility for knowledge of and compliance with the definitions, regulations, and procedures of UMass Lowell as set forth on the website.

Tuition & Fees

Tuition at UMass Lowell is typically half the cost of private colleges, and online tuition is among the lowest in the nation.

Winter/Spring 2026 Tuition

| Cost Per Credit | Cost Per 3-Credit Course
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$470 | $1,410

Additional Costs

| Cost
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Term Registration Fee | $30
Returned Check Fee | $30
Graduate Degree and Certificate Application | $50

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.000 GPA from an accredited institution.
• In addition, candidates must have at least one year of classroom teaching experience and be currently teaching in the area of their initial license.
• Proof of a valid teaching license in one of the following four areas: Elementary Education, Teaching Students with Moderate Disabilities, Early Childhood Education, or English as a Second Language.
• Official transcripts.
• International Students: International transcripts demonstrating completion of a degree require a credential evaluation from a NACES agency.
• Official test scores: GRE not required, but if English is not the national language in the home country, please submit one of the following English proficiency tests: TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, ASC English, or Pearson Test of English.