Language & Literacy

Program Description

The Language and Literacy Program has a long, distinguished history of combining research and practice in reading, writing, and language development. Faculty members associated with the program specialize in language development, reading, writing, children's literature, bilingualism, literacy assessment, and reading difficulties. We encourage applications from candidates with strong academic potential, high motivation for pursuing a career in education, outstanding public service in education, and focused intellectual and professional interests.

Our program is grounded in the belief that language and literacy skills are essential to every aspect of an individual's life and that literate individuals contribute positively to our social, cultural, and economic well-being. Within the Language and Literacy program, students may also fulfill requirements established by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for licensure as a Reading Specialist Teacher. Most students come to the program with experience in teaching or in related fields.

Graduates of the master's program in Language and Literacy find diverse professional positions. Many serve as classroom teachers in public or private schools or work with programs in educational publishing, adult literacy, or basic-skills training for college students. Others become consultants, researchers, diagnosticians, or reading specialists in schools, hospitals, or private practice.