Empower readers and transform lives with a Master’s (M.Ed) or Educational Specialist (Ed.S) degree in Language Arts and Literacy.

Language Arts and Literacy Overview

UMass Lowell offers two online graduate programs to expand your contributions as an educator.

TheM.Ed. in Language Arts and Literacyisfor Massachusetts (MA) teachers seekingas a Reading Specialist (PreK-12). Anis available to MA and out-of-state students.The M.Ed. builds foundational knowledge in literacy instruction, intervention and assessment. This program is ideal for early-career teachers or those transitioning into literacy-focused roles. dzٱ:This program is not accepting applications for the Fall 2025-Spring 2026 year.

TheEd.S. in Language Arts and Literacy isfor experienced educators with a master’s degree who want to specialize further in literacy leadership. Massachusetts teachers may complete this program through the, while MA and out-of-state students not interested in the reading specialist license may complete the. Note: This program is not accepting applications for the Fall 2025 - Spring 2026 academic year.


Please note: The non-licensure program cannot be endorsed for licensure in any state, including Massachusetts.You must have an initial or professional teaching license in Elementary Education, English, Teaching Students with Moderate Disabilities, Early Childhood Education or English as a Second Language to qualify for these programs. To complete field experiences, you must also be a current classroom teacher in a school system.

Language Arts and Literacy Curricula

Both the M.Ed and Ed.S. in Language Arts and Literacy are 30-credit programs.

For a complete list of courses and academic requirements, please visit the Academic Catalog.

Why Choose UMass Lowell for Language Arts and Literacy?

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Licensure Ready

Both programs are aligned with Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) standards, ensuring you’re prepared for licensure as a Reading Specialist (PreK-12).

 U.S. News & World Report badge for best online graduate education program, UMass Lowell.

Top-Ranked, Affordable Programs

UMass Lowell’s College of Education is nationally recognized by U.S. News & World Report for its commitment to preparing educators for leadership roles while providing affordable tuition, financial aid and .
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Flexible Learning Options

Our online courses are designed to fit your busy schedule, allowing you to balance your studies with your professional and personal life.

MinJeong Kim is an Associate Professor, Language Arts and Literacy in the School of Education at UMass Lowell.

Expert Faculty

Learn from nationally recognized faculty with extensive experience in literacy education, intervention strategies and teacher development.

What Our Graduates Do

With a degree or certification in language arts and literacy from UMass Lowell, you’ll be equipped to create meaningful change in the lives of your students and your school community. Graduates of these programs are prepared for rewarding careers in literacy education, including:
  • Reading Specialist (PreK-12)
  • Literacy Coach
  • Curriculum Coordinator
  • District Reading Coordinator
  • Educational Consultant

Tuition and Admissions

Eligible students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for financial assistance.

Cost Per Credit
Online Education: $470
Online 7000-level Education: $655

Term Registration Fee: $30

Please seefor more information.

As a graduate student, you may qualify for federal student aid and other need-based scholarships. To be considered for financial assistance, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).Learn more at UMass Lowell Graduate Aid.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and certain eligible non-citizens. Please visitFinancial Aidif you have questions about your eligibility.

All College of Fine Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences master’s and doctoral applicants must submit:

  1. An application
  2. An application fee
  3. A statement of purpose
  4. Letters of recommendation
  5. Official transcripts
  6. Official test score report - only required for:
    1. (GRE) Criminology and Criminal Justice, Ph.D.
    2. (GRE) Global Studies, Ph.D.
    3. Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) Music Education, Master of Music (M.M.)
  7. Resume- required for:
    • Music Education, M.M.
    • Public Administration, M.P.A
    • Master of Education, M.Ed., programs
      • Optional for the Education Administration PK-12 option
    • Language Arts and Literacy, Ed.S
    • Doctoral level education programs
      • Optional for the Ph.D. in Criminology and Criminal Justice
      • Ph.D. in Psychology applicants should submit a curriculum vitae (CV)
  8. Writing Sample (Education Ph.D. programs only)
  9. Forms (M.Ed In Education Administration, PK-12 Option only)

Note: All required materials must be received before the application package can be evaluated. Supporting documents may be uploaded directly to your GradCAS application. If you have trouble uploading materials after applying, you may email them directly to graduate_admissions@uml.edu.

Please note the new documents and references will be considered only if your application has not been reviewed for admission.

Program Application Deadlines for Fall Admissions:

  • Global Studies Ph.D. - January 15
  • Psychology Ph.D. - January 15
  • Criminology Ph.D. - February 1
  • Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism Studies - February 15

Program Application Deadlines for Summer Admissions:

  • The Leadership in Schooling Ed.D. is a cohort-based program that begins each year in May. Applications are accepted during the preceding year between July - October 15.

International Students: please see the additional application requirements.

Bachelor's to Master's Students: You will need to apply via the application portal. Visit the page to learn about the process to transition to your desired master's program.

1. Online Application application

Applications are accepted through the GradCAS application portal.

2. Application Fee

The application fee is $50 for each application and is non-refundable. Applications will not be processed until this fee is received or the applicant inputs a coupon code at checkout.

3. Statement of Purpose statement

In a separate document, submit a brief statement indicating your immediate and long-range goals, relevant work history, academic honors/awards received, any teaching experience and/or research conducted/published that may be pertinent to your graduate program. Two page recommended maximum.

For applicants to Doctoral education programs:

Leadership in Education Ph.D. and Research & Evaluation in Education Ph.D. - candidates should submit a statement of no more than 1,500 words, that responds to two questions:

  • What are you interested in researching during your doctoral studies, and why?
  • How would doctoral studies at UMass Lowell advance your career goals?

Leadership in Schooling Ed.D.- A two-page statement of purpose in which the applicant describes their understanding of equity-based educational problems and identifies and articulates the reasons to address a contextually relevant, equity-based problem (for STEM applicants should have a STEM focus).

Note: If you are applying to more than one program, you will need to submit a program-specific statement of purpose with each application package.

4. Letters of Recommendation recommendation

Master's and Ed.D. applicants need to submit two (2) letters of recommendation. Doctoral (Ph.D.) applicants are required to submit three (3) letters of recommendation. You will be asked to provide contact information for your referees during the application process, and an automated request will be sent out.

Criminal Justice, M.A.: Letters of recommendation are optional, not required.

Recommendations should be from instructors who have taught you, ideally in the field to which you are applying. Recommendations may also be from employers or supervisors who are in a position to compare your performance to that of your peers.

5. Official Transcripts transcripts

Provide a complete and official transcript from the institution that awarded or will award you a bachelor’s degree. Master’s transcripts are required for students applying to the Ed.D. and Education Ph.D. programs. Otherwise, submission of any master’s coursework is optional.

You may also include transcripts from other institutions at which you have taken relevant coursework, which may be beneficial for supporting your candidacy. Please note that waiting for additional transcripts may delay review of your application.

Review the . Candidates are encouraged to submit their official transcripts directly to GradCAS, which is particularly advantageous if you are applying to multiple schools. GradCAS will attach your transcripts to all existing applications for all schools, allowing you to request these official documents just once.

Transcripts are also accepted in sealed and signed envelopes mailed to the Office of Graduate Admissions or electronically directly from your university. Send to graduate_admissions@uml.edu. If you received your degree from UMass Lowell, it is not necessary for you to request a transcript, we are able to provide one for you.

University of Massachusetts - Lowell
Graduate Admissions
Graduate and Professional Studies (GPS) Center
839 Merrimack Street, 2nd Floor
Lowell, MA 01854-3941

International transcripts demonstrating completion of a bachelor's/master's degree require a course-by-course credential evaluation from a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) agency, such as:

  • (CED)
  • ® (ECE)
  • (WES)

Please note, the Office of Graduate Admissions reserves the right to have any application credential evaluated.

test-score 6. Official Test Score Report(s)

Submission of the GRE test score report is required for applicants to the following programs:

  • Criminology and Criminal Justice, Ph.D.
  • Global Studies, Ph.D.

Submission of passing MTEL(Massachusetts Teachers Education License) is required for the following program:
  • Master of Music in Music Education, MM - Applicants to this program must submit proof of successfully passing the MTEL test in Music.

Please request that the appropriate agency send an official test score for the GRE/GMAT or MTEL to the Office of Graduate Admissions, UMass Lowell's school code is 3911.

For more information about standardized tests, our Admissions Standards page provides current information.

7. Resume

The programs listed below require a resume for admissions consideration:

  • Music Education, M.M.
  • Public Administration, M.P.A
  • Master of Education, M.Ed., programs
    • Optional for the Education Administration, PK-12 option
  • Language Arts and Literacy, Ed.S
  • Doctoral
    • Optional for the Ph.D. in Criminology and Criminal Justice
    • Ph.D. in Psychology applicants should submit a curriculum vitae (CV) rather than a resume to highlight academic and professional achievements.

8. writing-sampleWriting Sample / Artifact

  • Leadership in Education Ph.D. and Research & Evaluation in Education Ph.D.- Please submit a writing sample that demonstrates the applicant's ability to present a cohesive, focused and persuasive response to an education issues of his or her choice. The writing sample should be accompanied by a brief note explaining the context in which it was written and identifying the kinds of support received by the applicant producing it.

If you have any trouble with the application process, please call Graduate Admissions at 978-934-2390 or emailgraduate_admissions@uml.edu.

9. Forms

Students applying to the M.Ed. Education Administration, PK-12 Option should have their principal complete the Principal's Acknowledgment Form, which can be uploaded to the Documents section of the GradCAS application.

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Take the Next Step

Start your online application today!

Questions? Contact Us!

Phone:
800-656-4723 (U.S. Students)
978-934-2390 (International Students)

Email:
Graduate_Admissions@uml.edu