Literacy Education Studies, EdM
Foster strong reading and writing skills in students of all ages. Our program offers advanced coursework in reading instruction, literacy development and assessment strategies.
A Literacy Journey
Designed for educators not seeking New York State certification, this program will expand your knowledge of the theories, methods and materials of reading, reading instruction, language, language instruction and reading assessment. This will enable you to develop competencies that will enhance your professional skills and empower your students to excel.
Reshaping Literacy Education
Researchers in the Department of Learning and Instruction display these characteristics as they study methods to bolster children’s literacy achievement and understand its many facets. In their quest, they draw on GSE’s decades-long tradition of researching this critical issue, reaching out to the community with well-tested programs at the Center for Literacy and Reading Instruction (CLaRI), now celebrating its 60th anniversary.
Points of Distinction
Whether you prefer virtual learning or the dynamic interaction of a classroom setting, you can choose the format that best suits your needs with courses available both online and in-person. This adaptable approach allows you to balance your professional and personal commitments while advancing your education.
Our program emphasizes the importance of adapting subject matter in ways that respect both the integrity of the content and the diverse needs of students. You'll learn how to tailor strategies that not only preserve the essence of literacy concepts but also engage and empower learners from various backgrounds and skill levels.
Students gain thorough background knowledge in subject matter content, reflecting an understanding of theoretical and evidence-based foundations of reading, writing, speaking and listening processes and instruction.
Program Overview
| Academic credential granted | Master of Education (EdM) |
|---|---|
| Degree/credentials required for admission | Bachelor's degree |
| Teacher certification granted | None |
| Credits required for completion | 30 |
| Time to completion | 4 to 5 part-time semesters 2 to 3 full-time semesters, if course scheduling allows |
| Program delivery | Online through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous courses. Select courses may be taken on campus. |
Application deadline | Priority Deadlines Spring: Nov. 1, then rolling until Jan. 10 Summer: Feb. 1, then rolling until May 10 Fall: Feb. 1, then rolling until Aug. 10 |
The online literacy education studies EdM program is offered part-time and fully online. It is comprised of 30 credit hours and can be completed in two years.
Requirements (27 credit hours)
- LAI 539 Science of Reading Instruction
- LAI 550 Literacy Acquisition and Instruction PreK-2
- LAI 551 Childhood Literacy Methods
- LAI 552 Middle Childhood-Adolescent Literacy Methods
- LAI 556 Classroom Literacy Assessment and Instruction (Prerequisites: LAI 550 and LAI 551)
- LAI 560 Improving Instruction in Elementary Language Arts
- LAI 563 Language, Literacy, and Culture
- LAI 576 Literacy and Technology
- Choose one:
- LAI 565 Literature for Children and Young People
- LAI 580 Literature for Young Adults
Electives (3 credits)
- One course approved by your advisor
Capstone Event: Portfolio
Adapted from the International Literacy Association (ILA) 2017 Literacy Standards.
Learning Outcome One
EdM literacy candidates will demonstrate thorough background knowledge of subject matter content, reflecting an understanding of theoretical and evidence-based foundations of reading, writing, speaking and listening processes and instruction.
Learning Outcome Two
EdM literacy candidates will demonstrate knowledge of planning, guiding and assessing learning in a variety of settings, using varied and responsive instructional approaches, practices and materials, and an integrated, comprehensive, balanced curriculum to support student learning in reading and writing. Candidates will design curricula for birth to second grade, second to fifth grade, and adolescent (middle/high school) students.
Learning Outcome Three
EdM literacy candidates will understand, select and use valid, reliable, fair and appropriate assessment tools to screen and measure student literacy achievement; inform instruction and evaluate interventions; and explain assessment results and advocate for appropriate literacy practices to relevant stakeholders.
Learning Outcome Four
EdM literacy candidates will demonstrate knowledge of research and relevant theories, pedagogies and essential concepts of diversity and equity; demonstrate and provide opportunities for understanding all forms of diversity as central to students’ identities; create classrooms and schools that are inclusive and affirming; and advocate for change in education practices and institutional structures that are inherently biased or prejudiced.
Learning Outcome Five
EdM literacy candidates will collaborate to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all learners on the developmental continuum of language and literacy learning; use a variety of digital and print materials to engage and motivate all learners; integrate digital technologies in appropriate, safe and effective ways and assist teachers in these efforts and foster a positive climate that supports a literacy-rich learning environment.
Learning Outcome Six
EdM literacy candidates will demonstrate self-aware, reflective learner practices who collaboratively design, align and assess instructional practices and interventions that support students and professional colleagues; self-assess and reflect on their own roles as effective literacy leaders and learners; and engage in collaborative decision-making with and advocate on behalf of teachers, students and families.
Non Teacher Certification
Apply to this program if you have an interest in literacy education and are not interested in obtaining a recommendation for New York State teaching certification. Students that complete this program without certification can teach outside of New York State, internationally and within schools that do not require certification.
Applicants must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution and an interest in literacy education at the graduate level.
Submit your completed online application, which includes:
- Application fee: A $50 non-refundable application fee, submitted electronically through UB's ePayment system.
- Unofficial transcripts from all colleges attended. (UB transcripts are automatically submitted for current UB students and alumni.)
- Contact information for two individuals who will each be asked to provide an electronic recommendation letter. The individuals must be academic or teaching/professional references, not personal references.
- Statement of education and career goals: A clearly written and thoughtful statement of your education and career goals.
- Statement of values: In “Cultivating Genius: An Equity Framework for Culturally and Historically Responsive Literacy,” Gholdy Muhammad (2020) wrote: “In contemporary classrooms across the nation, teachers, school leaders and teacher educators are still wrestling with ways to improve and elevate the literacy achievement of youth, especially Black children and other culturally and linguistically diverse populations of students who are in dire need of excellence, brilliance and teachers who make it impossible for them to fail” (p. 10). In 400 to 500 words:
- Discuss how the ideas in this excerpt resonate with you and your thinking about high-quality literacy education.
- Explain how they align with your personal and professional values.
Former/Maiden Name: The Graduate School of Education must be made aware if applicants have ever changed their name. If this is the case, be sure to ask the institution sending your transcripts to indicate your current name and any former or maiden names.
Admission Decision: The admissions decision will be communicated to you as soon as review is complete. Typically, this takes between 2-4 weeks. The decision is based on a number of factors and is the result of a thorough and deliberate process. All decisions are final and cannot be appealed.
Supporting Documentation
All supporting documents must be uploaded and attached to your online application. This includes unofficial copies of your transcripts and any other documents required for review.
In-State Residency Tuition
In order to qualify for the in-state residency tuition rate, you must provide residency documentation indicating you have lived in New York State (NYS) 12 months before your semester start date.
If accepted, you will need to upload three documents to qualify for the in-state tuition rate. See Required Documents for Residency Application for more information.
International Applicant Additional Requirements
- Official original proof of your degree
- A copy of your passport biographical page
- Official test scores—dated within two years of submitting your application—for either the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or PTE (Pearson Test of English) Academic.
- TOEFL minimum score is 250 for computer-based test, 600 for paper- based test and 96 for internet-based test
- IELTS minimum score is 7.0 overall
- PTE minimum score is 55 overall
- Financial documentation: International graduate applicants must document their ability to pay for all costs incurred while studying in the U.S.
- An official bank statement
All financial forms and supporting documentation with required signatures must be uploaded with your application and dated within one year of your intended enrollment date.
Our graduates go on to work as:
- Adult literacy coaches
- Elementary/secondary education reading teachers in a private or overseas school setting
- English as a second language (ESL) teachers in a private or overseas school setting
- Reading specialists in a private or overseas school setting
- Special education and remedial reading educators in a private or overseas school setting