Master of Education ESL

Master of Education in English as a Second Language

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Start a versatile and exciting career

The Master of Education in English as a Second Language program at Worcester State University helps you become a highly trained educator who is ready to meet the challenges of teaching English Language Learners in today’s diverse schools. Our program is designed for individuals with an initial teacher license in ESL and leads to a professional teacher license in ESL. If you completed Worcester State’s post-baccalaureate program in ESL, all of those credits transfer to our master’s program.

With classes available in the late afternoons and evenings as well as online, our convenient program is designed for working professionals like you. You can earn your degree on your schedule with the option to complete the program either part- or full-time.

You’ll gain valuable insight from professors who are experienced practitioners in the field. What’s more, you’ll apply the theories you learn in class to real-world settings, where you’ll observe and implement effective teaching strategies in classrooms across Central Massachusetts. Your studies culminate in an individual research project, for which you’ll address a question related to ESL pedagogy.

As you progress through our program, you’ll record your achievements in a portfolio of work that not only demonstrates your mastery of all program competencies, but also showcases your professional development. Graduates of our program are sought after by employers, and they go on to pursue rewarding teaching careers in schools across the state.

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Explore sample courses in this program
ED-981 Advanced Foundations of Education
The course explores historical, philosophical, psychological, legal, and cultural foundations for education and school practices.
3 credits
ED-982 Research in Education
The course examines different research methods and designs, including writing hypothesis, reviewing literature, gathering data and preparing research proposals.
3 credits
ES-934 ESL Seminar: Research in Language & Education
The course emphasizes using research of ESL pedagogies, studies of linguistically and culturally diverse learners, students evaluate, design and carry out action research.
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
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
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
ES-928 Second Language Acquisition
Examines recent research and theories of second-language acquisition and bilingualism in order to prepare teachers for the challenges of educating a linguistically and culturally diverse population. Focuses on intrinsic and extrinsic factors which impact second language learning and the bilingual student. Explores academic learning behaviors of second language learners and bilingual students as well as struggles presented in the classroom. Attention is paid to teaching strategies proven to be successful for second language learners and bilingual students. Emphasis is given to grammatical and linguistic rules that apply to first and second language as well as the culturally significant issues that arise from positive and negative linguistic transfer. Participants will be able to discriminate between individuals with a language difference versus individuals diagnosed with a language disorder.
3 credits
ES-914 Methods and Materials for Teaching English Language Skills to the ELL
The course analyzes language learning processes for English language Learners and appropriate methods for teaching English language skills.
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
ED-955 Assessing English Language Learners
The course focuses on second language acquisition and linguistic principles guide the review of standardized instruments, dynamic assessment strategies, standards-referenced assessment and teacher design approaches.
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

Admission requirements

In addition to the general graduate program admission requirements, applicants for the Master of Education in English as a Second Language (ESL) must provide the following:

  • Completed graduate application, including fee and essay
  • Official transcripts (Transcripts from outside the United States must be officially translated and evaluated.)
  • Two current letters of recommendation
  • Results of a language proficiency assessment, if applicable
  • Copy of initial or professional license in English as a Second Language
  • Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or Millers Analogies Test (MAT) scores, or passing of appropriate MTELs

OR

Applicants who are pursuing a Master of Education in ESL, but have not yet obtained initial licensure in ESL must provide:

  • Completed graduate application, including fee and essay
  • Official transcripts (Transcripts from outside the United States must be officially translated and evaluated.)
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Documentation of participation at an intermediate level in a language other than English from a college or university or foreign secondary school through the successful completion of foreign language courses deemed appropriate by the foreign language program in the World Languages and Literature Department or demonstrated ability as determined by a member of the Education Department faculty.
  • Evidence of an existing bachelor’s degree and passing of Communication and Literacy MTELs

Students who meet the above requirements will be provisionally admitted into the program. Full admission into the program is based upon successful completion of a prerequisite course in human, child, or adolescent development at the undergraduate level resulting in a B+ or higher. Final admission is granted by the Department of Graduate and Continuing Education after departmental recommendation is provided.

Candidates who have obtained initial licensure in ESL from another program or by another route are required to take at least two other courses (e.g., SIFE or Global Perspectives, or a graduate course approved by the Graduate Coordinator e.g., History of the English Language or a reading course). Candidates who have not yet obtained initial licensure in ESL must take and pass the ESL MTEL before beginning practicum.

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