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Master of Education ESL

Master of Education 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 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
        • 4+ Initial License and M.Ed. in Secondary School Education

      Your future in education starts here.

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

      Are you ready to make a lasting impact in the lives of English-language learners? The Master of Education with a Concentration in English as a Second Language (ESL) is your gateway to a rewarding career that transcends borders. This program equips you with essential teaching strategies, cultural competencies, and the latest research in second language acquisition, ensuring you are well-prepared to address the unique challenges faced by non-native speakers.

      Through a rich curriculum that includes courses on speech development, assessment of learners with disabilities, and global perspectives on cultural diversity, you’ll gain the knowledge and skills necessary to foster an inclusive and effective learning environment. Whether you aspire to teach in diverse classrooms domestically or explore opportunities abroad, this degree will open doors and empower you to help your students achieve their dreams.

      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

      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.

      Explore sample courses in this program

      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

      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.
      3 credits

      ES-929 Assessing and Teaching English Language Learners With Disabilities

      The course considers differences between typical and atypical second language acquisition.
      3 credits

      ES-933 Global Perspectives in Cultural Diversity

      This course provides appreciation of increasing diversity in schools and examines how language is used to regulate power relations among social groups.
      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-981 Advanced Foundations of Education

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