Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Elementary Education
Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Elementary Education
The Elementary Education program is designed for students who wish to teach in grades 1-6.
The program stresses a humanistic approach to teaching that is both developmentally appropriate and intellectually challenging. It prepares the teacher to work with a diverse range of children by providing the teacher with knowledge about instructional practices, along with perspectives on children, schools, and society.
Prerequisite for the program is a bachelor's degree with an arts and sciences, interdisciplinary major, or the equivalent. No prior teaching licensure is required for admission.
The Programs of Study for the program includes foundation and professional courses, and practicum experiences. The program reflects current research and practices in teaching and learning.
Courses of study are carefully planned with the faculty advisor to ensure that both degree requirements and licensure requirements are fulfilled.
Graduate students participating in the Elementary Education program will learn to promote student development, how to teach for social justice, and how to reflect on practice to improve instruction. They will be prepared to work with students of a variety of backgrounds creating classroom environments that engage all students. More specifically:
The teacher candidate will promote the learning and growth of all students by providing high-quality and coherent instruction, designing and administering authentic and meaningful student assessments, using these assessments and reflections on teaching to improve instruction, providing students with constructive feedback on an ongoing basis, and continuously refining learning objectives.
The teacher candidate will promote the learning and growth of all students through instructional practices that establish high expectations, create a safe and effective classroom environment, demonstrate cultural proficiency, and knowledge about language challenges in academic settings.
The teacher candidate will promote the learning and growth of all students through ethical, culturally proficient, skilled, and collaborative practice.
The teacher candidate will demonstrate an inquiry stance by collecting and reporting data on pupil outcomes for the purpose of assessing, teaching, and modifying instructional practice.
The teacher candidate will identify policies and practices that contribute to systemic inequities in education and be aware of how his or her own background experiences are influenced by these systems, and recognizes a professional responsibility to promote and practice principles of social justice teaching.
The Lynch School has a long history of national accreditation, which includes NCATE (National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education), TEAC (Teacher Education Accreditation Council), and CAEP (Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation). Most recently, the Lynch School was granted full and complete accreditation through CAEP, valid from Fall 2018 through Spring 2024. Boston College is currently the only CAEP accredited education preparation organization in Massachusetts.
At a Glance
How many courses?
This program consists of 13 courses and practicum, for a total of 37 credits.
How long will it take?
Full time students will typically complete the program in 1 academic year plus 2 summer sessions.
Part time students typically complete the program in 2-3 years, depending on course load.
When can I start?
Students can begin the program in the spring, summer, or fall semesters.
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What will I study?
Curriculum
- Courses: 13
- Credits: 37
- Practicum
| Course | Course Title | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| APSY7418 | Applied Child Development This course is designed to provide students with an overview of the theoretical and empirical knowledge base concerning adolescent development. In particular, four broad areas will be considered: (1) psychological, biological, and cognitive transitions; (2) central developmental tasks of adolescence; (3) primary contextual influences; and (4) prevalent types of problematic functioning that emerge during adolescence. The overarching goals of the course are to provide a solid and broad understanding of how and why adolescents develop in the manner they do, and to extend this developmental understanding into research, application, and practice. |
3 |
| EDUC7438 | Instruction of Students with Special Needs and of Diverse Learners This course focuses on the education of students with disabilities and other learners from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. The goal of the course is to promote access to the general curriculum for all students through participation in standards-based reform. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) provides the theoretical framework for this course. Through an examination of historical milestones, landmark legislation, systems for classification, approaches to intervention, and the daily life experiences of diverse learners, students acquire knowledge about diversity and the resources, services, and supports available for creating a more just society through education. |
3 |
| EDUC7520 | Mathematics and Technology: Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum in the Elementary School This course presents methods and materials useful in teaching mathematics to early childhood and elementary school children and the different ways in which technology can be used in the elementary school classroom. The course will consider the teaching of mathematics and the use of technology from both theoretical and practical perspectives. |
3 |
| EDUC7529 | Social Students and the Arts: Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum in the Elementary School This course is designed to help students examine historical interpretation with critical analysis through history and the arts. It explores different areas of content and instructional methods directly related to Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks in social studies, literature, and the arts. |
3 |
| EDUC7542 | Teaching Reading This course is designed to offer preservice teachers theoretical and practical knowledge and experience into teaching literacy to elementary age students. Emphasis will be placed on the social, political, and cultural context of reading instruction. Students will gain understanding of major theoretical perspectives on literacy development and the myriad strategies for teaching reading in a variety of contexts. Students will also be expected to spend time in a context where they can gain experiences in providing reading instruction in a relevant and productive way. |
3 |
| EDUC7543 | Teaching Language Arts Examines the development of written and spoken language and methods of instruction for oral and written language from the preschool years through early adolescence. Students learn strategies for identifying children's areas of strength and weakness and to plan instruction. Addresses the needs of children from non-English speaking homes. Expects students to spend at least 16 hours distributed across at least eight sessions in a classroom or other setting where they can work with one or more children. |
3 |
| EDU7546 | Teaching About the Natural World This course is designed to increase confidence, enthusiasm, and knowledge for teaching elementary science. Science can be an essential part of an elementary classroom not only to achieve key science learning goals, but also as a means to engage and motivate students as well as support literacy and mathematics learning. An overarching focus of the course is on the idea that science is a "practice" that includes specific ways of reasoning, communicating, and acting. The course is also designed in partnership with the afterschool program at Gardner Pilot Academy in BPS. For eight weeks during the course, undergraduates will work with elementary students to teach them science and to reflect on how to design more effective science lessons. |
3 |
EDUC7435 |
Social Contexts of Education Examines the role of situational, school, community, peer, and family factors on the education of children. Participants in the course will strive to understand the effects of their own social context on their education, to develop strategies to help students understand their context, and to understand and contribute to what schools can do to improve teaching and learning and school culture for all students regardless of internal and external variables |
3 |
| EDUC6346 | Teaching Bilingual Students in Elementary Schools Deals with the practical aspects of the instruction of teaching English Language Learners in Sheltered English Immersion, and mainstream classrooms. Reviews and applies literacy and content area instructional approaches. Includes such other topics as history and legislation related to English Language Learners and bilingual education, and the influences of language and culture on students, instruction, curriculum, and assessment. There are two sections of this course: one for elementary and early childhood education majors and one for secondary education majors. |
3 |
| Course | Course Title | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| EDUC7431 | Graduate Inquiry Seminar I The course will coincide with the pre-practicum experience. It is designed to introduce teacher candidates to inquiry as stance and the skills necessary to conduct classroom-based research that leads to pupil achievement and teaching for social justice. The course is designed to help teacher candidates mediate the relationships of theory and practice, pose questions for inquiry, learn through reflection and discussion, learn from their students and colleagues, construct critical perspectives about teaching, learning, and schooling, and to improve teaching and learning. The second part of this sequence is 432 which is taken in conjunction with full-time student teaching (EDUC7420). |
1 |
| EDUC7429 | Graduate Pre-practicum This is a pre-practicum experience for students in graduate programs leading to certification. Placements are made in selected schools in the greater Boston area. Apply to the Office of Practicum Experiences and Teacher Induction during the semester preceding the placement by April 15 for fall placements and December 1 for spring placements. Students who are accepted into a program after the deadlines are requested to submit the application upon notification. |
1 |
| EDUC7432 | Graduate Inquiry Seminar II The primary goal of this capstone seminar is to initiate teacher candidates into the practice of teacher research or collaborative inquiry for action. Collaborative Inquiry for Action is an ongoing, collaborative process of systematic and self-critical inquiry by educators about their own schools and classrooms in order to increase teachers' knowledge, improve students' learning, and contribute to social justice. This final project will be presented at a roundtable presentation at the end of the semester and also satisfies the M.Ed., MAT, MST Comprehensive Examination in Education. |
2 |
| EDUC7420 | Graduate Full Practicum / Initial License A semester-long practicum, five full days per week, for graduate students in the following licensure programs: Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary. Placements are made in selected schools in the greater Boston area, and designated international settings. Apply to the Office of Practicum Experiences and Teacher Induction during the semester preceding the placement: by March 15 for fall placements and by October 15 for spring placements. |
6 |
| Course | Course Title | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| EDUC4100 | Master's Comprehensive Exam In order to ensure that all students graduating from the master's program have a fundamental understanding of the field which they are about to enter, they are required to take a written comprehensive examination covering the broad areas of the core courses. |
0 |
Where do our graduates work?
St. John's Preparatory School
Assistant Principal of Academics
Littleton Public Schools
Fourth Grade Teacher
Papillion La Vista School District
Sixth Grade Teacher
Concord-Carlisle Regional School District
High School History Teacher
Museum of Science
Director of Exhibits
Goodwin Procter LLP
Court Procedures Attorney
Boston Public Schools
First Grade Teacher
Needham Public Schools
Special Education Teacher
Steppingstone Foundation
Mathematics Instructor
North Attleborough Public Schools
School Principal and ELL Coordinator
Career paths chosen by previous graduates of the TCS Department.
Financial Assistance
Education should level the playing field – we feel the same way about financial aid.
The Lynch School of Education and Human Development provides more than $8.4 million in financial aid to students each year. As a result, the quality of BC’s instruction, the benefit of our alumni network, and the impact a BC degree will have on your employment options is both affordable and invaluable.
Application Information
PrintDeadlines
- Fall
Regular Decision - 1/6
- Rolling Admission
- Until 8/1
- Intl. Applicants
- Until 7/1
- Spring
Regular Decision - 11/1
- Summer
Regular Decision - 4/1
Apply Now
A non-refundable application fee of $75 is required; however, this fee is waived for select applicants.
Résumé
To be uploaded to your online Application Form.
In addition to your academic history and relevant work experience, please include any licenses currently held, any social justice-related experience, any language skills other than English, and any research experience or publications.
Personal Statement
To be uploaded to your online Application Form.
In 1,000-1,500 words, describe your academic and professional goals, any experience relevant to this program, and your future plans, expectations, and aspirations.
Letters of Recommendation
Identification of recommenders/instructions to recommenders are outlined in the online Application Form.
Two letters of recommendation are required with at least one required from an academic source. Applicants may submit one additional recommendation of their choice.
Transcripts
Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in lieu of official transcripts for the application review process. In the event that one is admitted into a program and enrolls, our office will need official transcripts prior to course registration. To expedite application processing times, our office encourages you to send unofficial transcripts electronically to our email address at GSOE@BC.EDU. Please note that unofficial transcripts must include all of the following items:
- Course titles and grades for each course
- Year and entry term for each of the courses listed
- Translated into English by certified translation agent (if not already in English)
- Original and translated transcripts must be provided
If you are able to secure official transcripts, please note the following:
- An official postsecondary transcript must be printed on official institutional paper and include at least one of the following: an institutional watermark, the registrar’s signature, or the registrar's seal.
- Copies and unofficial transcripts sent directly from applicants are not acceptable, the transcript must come directly from the institution.
- If you are a current student and have not completed your undergraduate and/or graduate degree, the most updated version of your transcript is acceptable.
Official electronic transcripts are accepted when sent directly to gsoe@bc.edu from the institution. When requesting electronic transcripts, you must manually type in gsoe@bc.edu to ensure it is received by our office.
Mailed transcript(s) should be sent to the following address:
Lynch Office of Graduate Admissions, Boston College
Campion Hall 135
140 Commonwealth Avenue
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
Standardized Tests
Submitting GRE test scores is optional and not required for 2021 entry term(s). If you wish to send GRE scores, the Lynch School GRE code is 3218.
Writing Sample
Not required.
International Students
International applicants are encouraged to apply to the Lynch School of Education and Human Development. Learn about requirements for international students.
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Contact Us
gsoe@bc.edu
617-552-4214