Graduate Programs in Reading

The Master of Education in Reading program offers a 50-year legacy of augmenting the professional development of practicing educators, providing them with a challenging curriculum with a specialty in reading/literacy. The program offers institutional endorsement for Massachusetts licensure as Reading Specialist and meets NCATE accreditation.

The Master of Education in Reading program at Bridgewater State College is built on a foundation of growth for the professional educator. The program prepares educators for new professional roles by helping them learn to bridge theory and practice, foster values of diversity, and advance professionalism and ethical behavior. The curriculum balances content and pedagogical knowledge, clarifying and enhancing the development of the learner through language and critical thinking and expanding programmatic uses of resources and technologies. Prepractica and practica experiences foster collegiality and collaboration among students from the many programs within the School of Education and Allied Studies, throughout the college community, in their own schools and communities, and in professional organizations.

Graduates of the program serve the region's schools in a variety of roles, including as early childhood and elementary classroom generalists with a specialty in reading/literacy, middle and secondary reading/ literacy and English language arts teachers, reading/literacy specialists or clinicians (all levels), and school or district reading/literacy curriculum leaders. Some graduates choose to continue their studies in doctoral programs.

• M.Ed. In Reading (.pdf)
• M.Ed. In Reading (.ppt)

The Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (C.A.G.S.) in Reading program is designed for educators holding a master's degree who are seeking to expand their knowledge in the specialized area of reading/literacy, as well as their opportunities for career progression. The program offers institutional endorsement for Massachusetts licensure as Teacher of Reading and meets NCATE accreditation.

The program leading to the Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) in Reading is designed to build upon educators' extensive K-12 teaching experiences and graduate-level education. Its curriculum balances content and pedagogical knowledge, supporting the learner's development through language and critical thinking, and expanding programmatic uses of resources and technologies. Prepractica and practica experiences facilitate collaboration among students enrolled in the various programs within the School of Education and Allied Studies.

Students progress through the program with a cohort of fellow professionals, allowing them the opportunity to share and learn from each other's experiences and expertise.

Graduates of the CAGS in Reading program are prepared for roles in schools and other institutions as reading/literacy supervisors, curriculum specialists/leaders/resource personnel, program administrators and program consultants. They also have the chance to continue their education through the doctoral reading program at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. Doctoral candidates can negotiate the transfer of 24 CAGS credits toward the 60 credits required to complete the PhD program.

• C.A.G.S. In Reading  (.pdf)
• C.A.G.S. In Reading (.ppt)

Curriculum

Please consult the College Catalog, the official college resource, for up-to-date program information and course descriptions.

Not all classes are available each semester. To view what courses are currently being offered, please view current course offerings.

Admission

Application for admission should be made through the School of Graduate Studies.

Please note the following special admissions requirements:

M. Ed.

1. A 2.8 undergraduate GPA based on four years of work or a 3.0 undergraduate GPA based on work completed in the junior and senior years
2. A composite score of 900 (clear admit) or 600 (conditional admit) in the quantitative and verbal parts of the GRE General Test
3. (a) Possession Massachusetts State Department of Education (MA DOE) licensure as Reading Specialist, or
4. (b) A qualifying score on the Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure (MTEL) Communications and Literacy Skills (01)
5. One year of experience teaching in the area of licensure
6. A rating of 'one' on three letters of recommendation (at least one from teaching supervisor and one who has knowledge of applicant's aptitude for advanced scholarship)
7. Foundational knowledge in computer technology (Microsoft Word and Office) 

C.A.G.S. 

1. Master's degree from an accredited college or university
2. A rating of 'one' on three letters of recommendation (at least one from teaching supervisor and one who has knowledge of applicant's aptitude for advanced scholarship)
3. 3.0 graduate GPA
4. Possession Massachusetts State Department of Education (MA DOE) professional teacher license
5. Possession of MA DOE licensure as Reading Specialist, or
   a qualifying score on the Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure (MTEL) Communications and Literacy Skills (01)
6. Three years of experience teaching in the area of licensure
7. Foundational knowledge in computer technology (Microsoft Word and Office) 

For more information please contact Dr. Ruth Farrar at rfarrar@bridgew.edu.

Last Modified: September 24, 2009