Master of Education ESL

Master of Education in English as a Second Language

IN THIS SECTION

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

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

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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