Learn More About UMass Lowell's Online Graduate Education Programs
Offered through the University of Massachusetts Lowell's Graduate School of Education, the Master of Education Degree in Reading and Language provides graduate students with a mix of online courses and field experiences. This 10-course/30-credit program is designed for candidates who hold either an initial or professional teaching license in Elementary Education, English as a Second Language, Moderate Disabilities or Early Childhood Education.
For academic advising on this degree program or to request an admissions packet, email edoffice@uml.edu
First-time students should register using the Non-Degree Course Registration Form for NEW Students.
Important Information Regarding Licensure:
This program does NOT lead to licensure in any field. Instead, it
provides the professional knowledge required for the continuing
education of experienced practitioners. Candidates who complete the
program successfully are awarded a Master of Education Degree, but
cannot be endorsed for licensure in Massachusetts or their own
state. Candidates who teach in a Massachusetts school and hold a
Massachusetts initial teacher license in Elementary Education,
English as a Second Language, Moderate Disabilities or Early
Childhood Education should refer to the
licensure concentration for Massachusetts teachers
.
Please note: All graduate students are assessed a "First Year Student Services Fee" upon matriculation into a graduate degree or certificate program (approximately $200). Please see the Accounts Receivable website for more information.
Program Outline
Total courses required: 10 courses (30 credits)
Foundations of Education - One course 3
credits
01.630 Educating Diverse Populations - Available Summer 2013!
Research and Evaluation - One course 3 credits
07.541 Practitioner Action Research**
Specialization - Six Courses: 18 credits
06.511 Teaching Reading in Content Areas - Available Summer 2013!
06.522 Young Adult Literature - Available Summer 2013!
06.527 Language Acquisition
06.528 Assessment of Reading and Language Disabilities*
06.529 Treatment of Reading and Language Disabilities
06.549 Theory and Research: Reading and Language - Available Summer 2013!
Elective 3 credits
One elective with permission of advisor
Capstone 3 credits
04.650 Capstone Project: Advanced Programs***
* Must be taken
before
06.529
** This course can be taken after 18 credits have been completed and requires the permission of the Graduate Coordinator.
*** This course must be taken at the end of the program. It may be taken in conjunction with one other course.
Important Licensure Information
Candidates who hold a current initial or professional Massachusetts
license and complete all coursework, including the practicum in a
Massachusetts school should refer to the licensure concentration of this
program. Out-of-state candidates cannot be endorsed for licensure
through this program and must contact their own state’s department of
education to determine their own state's licensing regulations,
requirements and eligibility.
UMass Lowell's
Graduate School of Education
is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher
Education (NCATE), a national accrediting body for schools,
colleges, and departments of education authorized by the U.S.
Department of Education.
Course Descriptions
01.630 Educating Diverse Populations
Diversity Issues for School Leaders is designed to prepare experienced educators to provide effective leadership in a diverse community. Drawing from the Graduate School of Education's conceptual framework of Education for Transformation, students will be expected to: examine their own cultural heritage and experiences; gain increased understanding of equity issues concerning race, language, gender, sexual orientation, and special education needs; develop new insights for culturally responsive pedagogy; assess alternative strategies for facing illustrative conflicts in culturally diverse school settings; and consider how to ameliorate the pervasive impact of poverty on children in today's schools. 3 credits.
04.650 Capstone Project: Advanced Programs
Students will have the opportunity to develop a teacher work sample consisting of work in six major areas: (1) contextual factors, (2) learning goals, (3) assessment plan, (4) design for instruction, (5) analysis of student learning, and (6) reflection. 3 credits.
06.511 Teaching Reading in Content Areas
This course presents the theoretical foundation and current best practices for content area reading, writing, and study skills. The focus is on motivation, cognition, memory, and verbal processing theories as they apply to methodology. Students learn to develop lessons and units that integrate reading and writing while covering concepts in the content areas. 3 credits.
06.522 Young Adult Literature
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. The characteristics of the different genres of literature will be discussed in detail 3 credits.
06.527 Language Acquisition
This course will focus on the study of the acquisition of language and the relationship of language learning to the development of literacy. Students will examine both first and second language acquisition. Students will be expected to apply their knowledge of language acquisition to best teaching practices for enhancing first and second language development in the classroom and to the development of literacy. 3 credits.
06.528 Assessment of Reading and Language Disabilities
This course examines the selection and use of procedures to make an adequate clinical and educational diagnosis. Includes the assessment of function and dysfunction in factors associated with language development; receptive, expressive, writing, reading; and the administration and interpretation of individual and group tests of perceptual, motor, and conceptual functioning in reading and language. 3 credits.
06.529 Treatment of Reading and Language Disabilities
This course will explore the specific practices in remedial teaching in grades K-12, using published materials, and developing new materials for small group, whole class, and tutoring settings. Students will develop and implement realistic corrective programs based on the interpretation of literacy assessments. These programs will include selecting strategies of instruction and materials, and establishing a framework of time and evaluation. 3 credits.
06.549 Theory and Research: Reading and Language
A final course on the 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. 3 credits.
07.541 Practitioner Action Research
This course examines how action research helps educators to learn to explore pressing classroom and school issues in systematic ways. Action research provide educators with opportunities to deepen their knowledge and skills as reflective practitioners, allowing them to contribute to the achievement of students and the improvement of schools. 3 credits.
Apply Into the Program
Visit Graduate Admissions to Apply Online
Register for Courses
Approximately 2 months prior to the start of each semester, Online and Continuing Education posts the new
course schedule to the website. Once you've decided which course(s) you would like to take, returning
students can register using ISIS self-service, while new
students must use the New Student Registration Form.
Note: If you previously completed an academic program through UMass
Lowell
but haven't already applied and been accepted into this program, please use the New
Student Registration Form to register.
Questions? Contact Us!
Email our Student Support Center for assistance, or call for advising at (800) 480-3190 and press 3 to speak with an advisor. See links at the bottom of this page for technical assistance with your online course.