Skip to main content
  • About
  • Library
  • News
  • Events
  • Directory
Apply Give
WSU Logo against a transparent background
  • Academics
      Solving real-world challenges.
      Academics
    • Program Finder
    • Schools & Departments
    • Provost’s Office
    • Continuing Education
    • Graduate School
    • Additional Learning Opportunities
    • MajorPlus
    • Academic Resources
    • Centers & Institutes
    • Research
    • Academic Convocation
    • Grants Office
  • Admissions & Aid
      Innovative real world solutions.
      Admissions & Aid
    • Apply to Worcester State
    • Undergraduate Admissions
    • International Applicants
    • Graduate Admissions
    • Tuition & Financial Aid
    • Visit
    • Request Information
    • En español
  • Campus Life
      Discover #WooLife
      Campus Life
    • Athletics
    • Bookstore
    • Commuter Services
    • Office of Inclusive Excellence and Belonging
    • Housing & Dining
    • Information Technology
    • Leadership Opportunities
    • Clubs & Organizations
    • Student Involvement
    • Student Services
    • Sustainability
    • Title IX
    • University Events
    • University Police
    • Discover Worcester
  • Community Impact
      Make an impact in the community.
      Community Impact
    • Global Outreach
    • Local Resources
    • Business Opportunities
    • Binienda Center for Civic Engagement
    • Urban Action Institute
    • Latino Education Institute
    • Speech-Language-Hearing Center
    • Worcester Art Museum Partnership
    • Worcester Center for Crafts
  • Alumni & Giving
      How will you take the lead?
      Alumni & Giving
    • Alumni News
    • Giving to Worcester State
    • Scholarships
    • Meet Our Donors
    • Alumni Events
    • Worcester State Magazine
    • Request a Transcript
    • Get Involved
  • Commencement
  • Academic Calendar
  • OneCard
  • Registrar
  • Bookstore
  • Housing
  • Tuition
  • Financial Aid
  • Transcript
  • FAFSA
  • Counseling Services
  • Academics
      Solving real-world challenges.
      Academics
    • Program Finder
    • Schools & Departments
    • Provost’s Office
    • Continuing Education
    • Graduate School
    • Additional Learning Opportunities
    • MajorPlus
    • Academic Resources
    • Centers & Institutes
    • Research
    • Academic Convocation
    • Grants Office
  • Admissions & Aid
      Innovative real world solutions.
      Admissions & Aid
    • Apply to Worcester State
    • Undergraduate Admissions
    • International Applicants
    • Graduate Admissions
    • Tuition & Financial Aid
    • Visit
    • Request Information
    • En español
  • Campus Life
      Discover #WooLife
      Campus Life
    • Athletics
    • Bookstore
    • Commuter Services
    • Office of Inclusive Excellence and Belonging
    • Housing & Dining
    • Information Technology
    • Leadership Opportunities
    • Clubs & Organizations
    • Student Involvement
    • Student Services
    • Sustainability
    • Title IX
    • University Events
    • University Police
    • Discover Worcester
  • Community Impact
      Make an impact in the community.
      Community Impact
    • Global Outreach
    • Local Resources
    • Business Opportunities
    • Binienda Center for Civic Engagement
    • Urban Action Institute
    • Latino Education Institute
    • Speech-Language-Hearing Center
    • Worcester Art Museum Partnership
    • Worcester Center for Crafts
  • Alumni & Giving
      How will you take the lead?
      Alumni & Giving
    • Alumni News
    • Giving to Worcester State
    • Scholarships
    • Meet Our Donors
    • Alumni Events
    • Worcester State Magazine
    • Request a Transcript
    • Get Involved
  • Current Students
  • Faculty & Staff
  • Alumni & Friends
  • En español
  • Academics
    • Program Finder
    • Schools & Departments
    • Provost’s Office
    • Continuing Education
    • Graduate School
    • Additional Learning Opportunities
    • MajorPlus
    • Academic Resources
    • Centers & Institutes
    • Research
    • Academic Convocation
    • Grants Office
  • Admissions & Aid
    • Apply to Worcester State
    • Undergraduate Admissions
    • International Applicants
    • Graduate Admissions
    • Tuition & Financial Aid
    • Visit
    • Request Information
    • En español
  • Campus Life
    • Athletics
    • Bookstore
    • Commuter Services
    • Office of Inclusive Excellence and Belonging
    • Housing & Dining
    • Information Technology
    • Leadership Opportunities
    • Clubs & Organizations
    • Student Involvement
    • Student Services
    • Sustainability
    • Title IX
    • University Events
    • University Police
    • Discover Worcester
  • Community Impact
    • Global Outreach
    • Local Resources
    • Business Opportunities
    • Binienda Center for Civic Engagement
    • Urban Action Institute
    • Latino Education Institute
    • Speech-Language-Hearing Center
    • Worcester Art Museum Partnership
    • Worcester Center for Crafts
  • Alumni & Giving
    • Alumni News
    • Giving to Worcester State
    • Scholarships
    • Meet Our Donors
    • Alumni Events
    • Worcester State Magazine
    • Request a Transcript
    • Get Involved
  • About
  • Library
  • News
  • Events
  • Directory
  • MyWooState
    • Blackboard
    • Gmail
    • Self-Service
Apply Give
WSU Logo against a transparent background WSU Logo in white text against a transparent background
Master of Education ESL

4+ Initial License in English as a Second Language


IN THIS SECTION
  • Education (4+ Initial License)
    • 4+ Initial License in English as a Second Language
  • Education — Moderate Disabilities (Non-Licensure)
    • Master of Education — Moderate Disabilities (Non-Licensure)
  • Educational Leadership and Administration (Online)
    • Online Master of Education in Educational Leadership & Administration
  • Early Childhood Education
    • Early Childhood Education Major
  • Early Childhood Education (Online)
    • Online Master of Education in Early Childhood Education
  • Early Education and Care
    • Early Education and Care Program
  • Education
    • Education Studies Major
    • Education Studies Minor
    • Master of Education
  • Education — Moderate Disabilities
    • Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Program for Initial Teacher Licensure — Moderate Disabilities
    • Master of Education — Moderate Disabilities
  • Education — Moderate Disabilities (Online)
    • Online Master of Education — Moderate Disabilities
  • Education — Reading
    • Master of Education — Reading
  • Education in English as a Second Language
    • Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Program for Initial Teacher Licensure in English as a Second Language (Pre-K-6 and 5-12)
    • Master of Education in English as a Second Language
  • Education Specialist in Curriculum and Instruction
    • Education Specialist in Curriculum and Instruction
  • Education Specialist in School Psychology
    • Education Specialist in School Psychology
    • Education Specialist in School Psychology
  • Education Specialist in Secondary Education
    • Education Specialist in Secondary Education
  • Elementary Education
    • Elementary Education Major
  • Elementary Education (Online)
    • Online Master of Education in Elementary Education
  • Master of Education in Secondary Education
    • Master of Education in Secondary Education
  • Middle School Education
    • 4+ Initial License in Middle School Education
    • Middle School Education Minor
    • Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Program for Initial Teacher License in Middle or Secondary Education
    • 4+ Initial License and MEd in Middle School Education
  • Reading Specialist
    • Post-Baccalaureate Certificate for Initial Teacher License for Reading Specialist
  • School Leadership and Administration
    • Master of Education in School Leadership and Administration
  • Secondary School Education
    • 4+ Initial License in Secondary School Education
    • Secondary School Education Minor
    • Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Program for Initial Teacher License in Middle or Secondary Education
    • 4+ Initial License and M.Ed. in Secondary School Education

Your journey as an inspiring ESL teacher starts here.

Begin a rewarding career where you can help your students achieve their dreams.

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of students? The 4+ Initial License in English as a Second Language (ESL) is your pathway to a fulfilling career where you can empower English learners to reach their full potential. This program equips you with essential teaching strategies and cultural competencies tailored for non-native speakers, ensuring you are well-prepared to navigate the unique challenges they face.

With a hands-on 150-hour teaching practicum, you’ll gain invaluable experience in real classroom settings, helping you to develop confidence and effectiveness as an educator. From mastering second language acquisition theories to understanding the intricacies of bilingualism, you’ll be at the forefront of educational innovation.

What you will learn:

  • How to address the unique challenges faced by English learners 
  • Language learning processes for English language learners
  • Methods for teaching English language skills
  • The latest theories of second-language acquisition and bilingualism
  • How to conduct your own research, including writing hypotheses, reviewing literature, gathering data, and preparing research proposals

View the Catalog

Explore sample courses in this program

ES-903 The Art of Teaching Adolescents

The course emphasizes underlying reasons and means for pursuing excellence in teaching middle and high school students as well as implications for discipline and leadership.
3 credits

CD-910 Speech/Language Development, Differences, and Diversity

Students gain an in-depth understanding of speech/language development, knowledge of cultural differences, and the disorders of speech/language.
3 credits

ES-924 Linguistics for Teachers of English Language Learners

The course focuses on scientific study of English using current theory, research, and practice for the understanding and teaching of English language learners.
3 credits

ES-928 Second Language Acquisition

Intrinsic and extrinsic factors that impact second language learning and the bilingual student. Academic learning behaviors of second language learners and bilingual students as well as struggles presented in the classroom.
3 credits

ES-930 Sheltered Instruction and Assessment in the Immersion Classroom

The course examines theories, principles, and practices that assist English language learners in achieving academic proficiency while developing English skills.
3 credits

ED-955 Assessing English Language Learners

The course focuses on second language acquisition and linguistic principles as a guide in the review of standardized instruments, dynamic assessment strategies, standards-referenced assessment, and teacher design approaches.
3 credits

ED-981 Advanced Foundations of Education

The course explores historical, philosophical, psychological, legal, and cultural foundations for education and school practices.
3 credits

ED-978 Contemporary Issues in the Teaching of Bilingual and English Language Learners

The course focuses on language policies for educating ELLs, including bilingual, national language models, heritage languages, and multicultural education as managed in multilingual nations.
3 credits

ED-986 Literacy Instruction for the English Language Learner (ELL)

The course focuses on current approaches and theories of second language literacy and integrates reading and writing in classroom environments.
3 credits

Take the next step towards a Masters in ESL

Apply
Request Information
Visit
WSU Logo in white text against a transparent background
WSU Logo in white text against a transparent background
486 Chandler St,
Worcester, MA 01602
508-929-8000
Quicklinks
  • Academics
  • Admissions & Aid
  • Campus Life
  • Community Impact
  • Alumni & Giving
  • En español: Admisiones y Ayuda
Helpful Links
  • Bookstore
  • Careers
  • Directions
  • University Police
  • Administrative Offices
  • Campus Map
  • Transcript Requests
Connect with us on Social Media
CONTACT US
Copyright © 2025 Worcester State University
  • Student Consumer Information
  • Campus Accessibility
  • Privacy Policy
  • Public Records Requests