If you currently teach or plan on teaching and want to learn more about developmental reading, and are not seeking New York State teaching certification, our literacy education studies program will provide you with the tools necessary to achieve your professional goals. Our program will expand your knowledge of the theories, methods, and materials of reading, reading instruction, language, language instruction and reading assessment, enabling you to develop competencies that will enrich students’ capabilities.
Upon completion of this program, you will be able to design, develop and evaluate authentic learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources as well as demonstrate:
| 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)
Electives (3 credits)
Capstone Event: Portfolio
Adapted from the International Literacy Association (ILA) 2017 Literacy Standards.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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 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.
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.
To learn more, fill out this short form and an admissions counselor will contact you shortly.
We have a collection of frequently asked questions that may help you. If your questions are still unanswered, we are glad to help! Contact our admission office.
Office of Graduate Admission
Graduate School of Education
366 Baldy Hall, North Campus
716-645-2110
gseinfo@buffalo.edu