Apply Now Request Info Schedule an Appointment

Master’s in Reading & Literacy Online

Bridging the Science of Reading to Practice

Apply Now Request Info Schedule an Appointment

Additional Navigation

100% Online Reading & Literacy Programs

MSEd & EdS Enrolling for May & September Starts

Bay Path University's master's in reading education program prepares candidates to use scientific, research-based practices in curriculum, instruction, and assessment for general and specialized education across grades PreK-12. The master's in reading and literacy online emphasizes a comprehensive approach to learning that integrates cognitive, neuroscientific, and educational research with a focus on the Science of Reading. Program candidates learn a structured literacy approach to teaching. All language constructs are taught by field-experienced instructors who model direct, explicit, systematic, cumulative, diagnostic, and multimodal practices. Online instructor-led learning experiences include frequent collaboration, guided inquiry, and deliberate practice.

Why Choose Bay Path University?

Experience in developing career paths to serve in leadership, coaching and intervention roles.

Bay Path has maintained Accreditation Plus certification through IDA (International Dyslexia Association).
Bay Path has maintained provider certification through CERI (Center for Reading Effectiveness). Graduates may apply for Structured Literacy Dyslexia Interventionist or Structured Literacy Classroom Teacher Certification.
Orton Gillingham Associate Level training by an Accredited Training Fellow of the Orton Gillingham Academy.
Emphasis on structured literacy, diagnostic teaching, and evidence-based practices that directly support students with specific learning disabilities, including dyslexia, related disorders of reading and written language, and for second language learners.
The learning management system, CANVAS, has been designed with a consistent framework across all courses that is user-friendly.
Flexibility is paired with academic rigor and all courses are aligned to professional standards.
Affords mastery to the level of expertise in the study of all components of language and literacy (e.g., high rate of Massachusetts Reading Specialist Licensure test pass rate on the first try).

Bay Path's Online Reading and Literacy Programs

We have a 100% pass rate for Reading Specialist candidates.

The Reading and Literacy Instruction Online program offers a Master of Science in Education (MSEd) and an Education Specialist Degree (EdS), an advanced degree beyond a master’s.

The Master's (MSEd and EdS) in Reading & Literacy Instruction offers two tracks:

Initial Licensure: For students seeking a Massachusetts Initial License as a Reading Specialist (All Levels) ( There are specific state degree requirements for this program)
Non-Licensure: For students seeking the MSEd or EdS degree without licensure
Reading Specialist Licensure Program Certificate
- Bay Path's Graduate Reading Specialist Licensure Program Certificate is a 25 credit program for candidates seeking a Massachusetts Initial Licensure as a Reading Specialist (all levels). This license is a second initial license - applicants must have at least an initial license and have taught under that license for one year.

Do you know others interested in becoming a Literacy Professional?
If there is a significant interest in your area, contact us to discuss cohort options.

Upcoming Events

Mar 11

Graduate Ask Admissions Virtual Session

6 p.m. – 7 p.m. EDT – Virtual

Event Details

Mar 18

Graduate Ask Admissions Virtual Info Session

12 p.m. – 1 p.m. EDT – Virtual

Event Details

Apr 21

Graduate Ask Admissions Virtual Info Session

6 p.m. – 7 p.m. EDT – Virtual

Event Details

Accreditation for Reading & Literacy Programs

International Dyslexia Association Accreditation Plus

Bay Path University’s Reading and Literacy Instruction graduate programs have earned the International Dyslexia Association Accreditation Plus.

Learn More

Center for Effective Reading Instruction (CERI)

The Center for Effective Reading Instruction (CERI) has accredited the Reading and Literacy Instruction Degree Programs for Structured Dyslexia Interventionist (SLDI) and Structured Dyslexia Specialist (SLDS) levels of certification (Must meet eligibility).

Learn More

What is Structured Literacy?

In this video, Janet Stratton, MEd, speaks about Structured Literacy (SL), an evidence-based approach to teaching reading and writing that emphasizes systematic instruction of literacy's foundational and higher-level skills. The term was branded by the International Dyslexia Association (IDA, 2014). Watch the Video

Empowering Educators and Students in Massachusetts Through Evidence-Based Early Literacy

Literacy, the ability to read, write, listen, speak, and think deeply, is essential for full participation in 21st-century society. It affords access to ideas, opportunities, promotions, innovation, and so much more. The National Report Card (NAEP) is a consistent indicator that far too many students fail to reach the proficiency level for literacy. Although Massachusetts has high rankings, many districts are seeking literacy professionals to support their needed shifts in curriculum, instruction and assessment that will provide a stronger foundation for all students served. These programs prepare candidates to meet identified needs through developing expert level ownership of content and practices. Many of our faculty and students have participated in these efforts. Read the Massachusetts Dyslexia Guidelines

An Act Relating to Supporting Vermont's Young Readers Through Evidence-Based Literacy Instruction

After three years of trying to get an Early Literacy Screening Bill (Supporting Young Readers Through Evidence-based Literacy Instruction) passed, Bay Path's Reading and Literacy Instruction alum, Dr. Dorinne Dorfmann, led the charge this year with a dedicated group of teachers, parents, students, and administrators. They were finally victorious! Other alumni involved in these efforts were Marcia Davis and Andra Mills. Bill Status S.204 (Act 139) Read Dr. Dorfmann's Testimony

A Nation of Readers

How State Chief Can Help Every Child Learn to Read report prepared by Council of Chief State School Officers. Read the Report

What is an EdS degree?

The Education Specialist, also referred to as an Educational Specialist or Specialist in Education (EdS, EdS, or SEd), is an advanced professional degree beyond a master’s degree. Generally, an EdS requires 36-65 hours of graduate study, depending on the specialty. While an EdS program can prepare candidates to step into more advanced leadership positions in a broad range of settings (e.g., roles in PK-12 educational administration, higher education leadership, adult learning, student affairs administration, corporate and organizational leadership, etc.), the EdS degree is usually specific to educators who want to be more impactful in PK-12 settings through advanced training in areas such as educational leadership, educational technology, curriculum and instruction, literacy, early childhood education, special education, and more.

What are the program options?

MSEd or EdS Licensure Option: Includes Massachusetts Reading Specialist endorsement for Licensure (i.e., Reading Specialist (All Levels) * Specified state degree requirements. This is a second initial level license.
MSED or EdS Non-Licensure Option: For students who are not seeking MA Reading Specialist Licensure.

NOTE: All degree candidates receive Orton-Gillingham associate-level training by a fellow of the Orton-Gillingham Academy.

When can I start the program?

Classes start every summer (May) and fall (September).

How is the program structured?

The program is structured to meet the needs of the individual as they progress through their courses of study and affords multiple levels of advisement.

Do you accept transfer credits?

Graduate transfer credits are reviewed and determined by the program director.

Can I complete the Online Master's (MSEd/EdS) in Reading & Literacy Instruction Degree while working full-time?

The majority of our students are working full-time and are able to manage their academic coursework with their outside commitments.

How many credits is the program?

The MSEd (Master of Science in Education) is 39 credits
The EdS (Education Specialist Degree - advanced degree beyond a masters) is 39 credits

Is the program offered online or in person?

Yes, the course schedule is 100% online with synchronous and asynchronous learning. The program is designed as a cohort model where students take courses in a sequential manner.

Who teaches the courses?

Collaborate with a network of like-minded professionals and supportive field- experienced faculty in a small, intimate, highly dynamic, and interactive community.

Do you offer MTEL preparation?

Yes. Bay Path University’s educator preparation programs offer various ways candidates can prepare for MTELs (Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure). Learn more.

How much is tuition?

The per credit cost of tuition can be found here.

Can I get help paying for my degree?

Yes, financial aid is available.

Do I have to take a standardized test for admission?

No. The GMAT and GRE are not required.

What learning resources are available to me?

Yes. Students have access to mentoring, tutoring, library resources, academic resources, and career services.

Professional Licensure and Certification

Bay Path offers a number of campus-based education programs approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) for teacher certification as leading to an initial teacher license in Massachusetts. In addition to meeting all degree requirements, students seeking certification must meet all testing requirements for their specific certification area as required by DESE. Students will not be recommended for certification until all program requirements are met.

Students interested in teaching outside of Massachusetts must successfully complete the campus-based program and achieve initial teacher certification in Massachusetts. The National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) interstate agreement facilitates the mobility of educators among the states and other jurisdictions that are members of NASDTEC and have signed the agreement.

Although there may be state-specific conditions applicable to individual jurisdictions, the agreement makes it possible for an educator who completed an approved program and/or who holds a certificate or license in one jurisdiction to earn a certificate or license in another state or jurisdiction provided they meet state-specific conditions. Bay Path provides support for students who earn their Massachusetts teaching license and wish to transfer that license to teach in another state.

Please note that Bay Path also offers online post-licensure Master of Science in Education and Education Specialist (MSEd, EdS) programs for currently licensed individuals who are interested in furthering their professional development and enhancing their credentials. However, since state requirements for adding endorsements vary greatly, Bay Path does not guarantee that the completion of those programs will result in rank and/or salary endorsements and strongly encourages interested individuals to contact their state licensure board.

Apply Now

Request Info

Schedule an Appointment

Upcoming Events

Massachusetts Reading Specialist Licensure Program Certificate

Learn More

Contact Info

Anastasia Spremulli

Director of Graduate Admissions

413.216.2804 aspremulli@baypath.edu www.baypath.edu

Bay Path University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

NECHE

Learn More

Emily Hanford's Podcasts, Sold A Story: How Teaching Kids to Read Went So Wrong

In this podcast, host Emily Hanford investigates the influential authors who promote this idea and the company that sells their work. It's an exposé of how educators came to believe in something that isn't true and are now reckoning with the consequences — children harmed, money wasted, an education system upended.

Listen to the Podcast