The US is facing an ever-increasing need for teachers who can educate students, including children and adult learners, in the English language. The numbers differ from source to source, but it’s estimated that roughly one out of every 10 US students are English learners. These students need someone who can teach them English so that they can move into the next phase of their education. Before they can learn math, science, history, and literature, they need to understand the English language. Can you earn a master’s in ESL online to help?
With these ESL graduate programs online, you can gain the skills needed to teach English as a Second Language (ESL) to students from a wide range of backgrounds. These programs help your community and your country, and many have a surprisingly affordable price.
ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Rankings Table | Career Guide
Average Cost (In-state): ~$18,600
Least Expensive (In-state & Out-of-state): Southeastern Oklahoma State University ~$8,160
Most Expensive: University of Southern California ~$51,423
We have created one of the most reliable systems for reviewing and ranking these degrees, which all come from accredited schools. By looking at the total costs, including fees, we have built a ranking that accurately reflects the cost of these programs. Everything above the dividing line is priced below the national average and has been deemed a “Best Buy.” If you need the cheapest online master’s degree in ESL without sacrificing quality, start by researching these options.
The Cheapest Master’s in ESL Online
| Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Southeastern Oklahoma State University | (OK) | $8,160.00 | All Students |
2 | Fort Hays State University | (KS) | $9,852.00 | All Students |
3 | Concordia University - Nebraska | (NE) | $10,200.00 $12,750.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
4 | Morningside College | (IA) | $10,540.00 | All Students |
5 | Western Carolina University | (NC) | $10,608.00 $31,422.00 $10,608.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military |
6 | Valdosta State University | (GA) | $10,808.00 | All Students |
7 | Louisiana State University-Shreveport | (LA) | $11,220.00 | All Students |
8 | Lamar University | (TX) | $11,664.00 | All Students |
9 |  Campbellsville University | (KY) | $11,760.00 | All Students |
10 | Arkansas Tech University | (AR) | $11,842.00 $20,977.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
11 | Concordia University-Saint Paul | (MN) | $11,850.00 $10,500.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
12 | Upper Iowa University | (IA) | $12,058.00 | All Students |
13 | Texas A & M International University | (TX) | $12,111.00 $33,990.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
14 | Georgia Southern University | (GA) | $12,888.00 | All Students |
15 | University of Southern Maine | (ME) | $12,900.00 | All Students |
16 | The University of Texas Permian Basin | (TX) | $12,956.00 | All Students |
17 | Trevecca Nazarene University | (TN) | $13,050.00 | All Students |
18 | University of Central Missouri | (MO) | $13,190.00 | All Students |
19 |  National University | (CA) | $13,260.00 | All Students |
20 | Florida State University | (FL) | $13,328.00 $32,270.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
21 | Florida Atlantic University | (FL) | $13,386.00 $36,965.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
22 | Western New Mexico University | (NM) | $13,456.00 $16,729.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
23 | Eastern Washington University | (WA) | $13,475.00 | All Students |
24 |  Purdue University | (IN) | $13,500.00 $20,100.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
25 | Pittsburg State University | (KS) | $13,530.00 | All Students |
26 |  Liberty University | (VA) | $13,546.00 $8,350.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
27 | Dakota Wesleyan University | (SD) | $13,875.00 | All Students |
28 | Kennesaw State University | (GA) | $14,008.00 | All Students |
29 | Eastern Illinois University | (IL) | $14,339.00 | All Students |
30 | Texas A & M University - Commerce | (TX) | $14,390.00 $26,630.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
31 | Indiana Wesleyan University | (IN) | $14,400.00 | All Students |
32 | Troy University | (AL) | $14,725.00 | All Students |
33 | Greenville University | (IL) | $14,789.00 | All Students |
34 | College of Charleston | (SC) | $14,878.00 | All Students |
35 | The University of Texas at El Paso | (TX) | $14,940.00 $17,490.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
36 | Southeastern University | (FL) | $15,000.00 | All Students |
37 | Indiana State University | (IN) | $15,004.00 $19,327.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
38 | Valley City State University | (ND) | $15,081.00 | All Students |
39 | University of South Florida | (FL) | $15,227.00 $29,937.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
40 | University of South Alabama | (AL) | $15,555.00 | All Students |
41 | Wilson College | (PA) | $15,575.00 | All Students |
42 | Concordia University - Chicago | (IL) | $15,660.00 | All Students |
43 | Campbellsville University | (KY) | $15,684.00 | All Students |
44 | Kansas State University | (KS) | $15,829.00 | All Students |
45 | Texas Tech University | (TX) | $15,830.00 $30,518.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
46 | Roosevelt University | (IL) | $15,936.00 | All Students |
47 | University of Arkansas | (AR) | $15,998.00 | All Students |
48 | Marshall University | (WV) | $16,020.00 | All Students |
48 | Newman University | (KS) | $16,020.00 | All Students |
50 | University of Illinois at Springfield | (IL) | $16,242.00 | All Students |
51 | The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | (TX) | $16,550.00 | All Students |
52 | Sam Houston State University | (TX) | $16,559.00 | All Students |
53 |  Western Governors University | (UT) | $16,660.00 | All Students |
54 | University of Northern Iowa | (IA) | $16,670.00 | All Students |
55 | Missouri Western State University | (MO) | $16,785.00 $18,600.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
56 | University of Missouri-Columbia | (MO) | $16,846.00 $15,410.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
57 | SUNY Cortland | (NY) | $17,051.00 $19,965.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
58 | Asbury University | (KY) | $17,100.00 | All Students |
59 | Regis University | (CO) | $17,210.00 | All Students |
60 | Concordia University - Chicago | (IL) | $17,226.00 | All Students |
61 | University of Northern Colorado | (CO) | $17,490.00 | All Students |
62 | Tennessee State University | (TN) | $17,589.00 $25,146.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
63 | Carson-Newman University | (TN) | $17,640.00 | All Students |
64 | Florida International University | (FL) | $17,700.00 | All Students |
65 | Austin Peay State University | (TN) | $17,782.00 $24,652.00 $16,132.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military |
66 | University of Southern Mississippi | (MS) | $17,791.00 | All Students |
67 | University of Kansas | (KS) | $17,850.00 | All Students |
68 | McNeese State University | (LA) | $18,016.00 $20,016.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
69 | Northern Arizona University | (AZ) | $18,075.00 | All Students |
70 | McDaniel College | (MD) | $18,133.00 | All Students |
71 | Colorado Christian University | (CO) | $18,150.00 | All Students |
72 | Murray State University | (KY) | $18,285.00 | All Students |
73 | Columbia International University | (SC) | $18,350.00 | All Students |
74 | University of Virginia | (VA) | $18,380.00 | All Students |
75 | Carlow University | (PA) | $18,576.00 | All Students |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Ohio Dominican University | (OH) | $18,720.00 | All Students | |
Southwest Minnesota State University | (MN) | $18,731.00 | All Students | |
Pennsylvania Western University | (PA) | $18,768.00 $21,573.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
 Eastern Oregon University | (OR) | $18,778.00 | All Students | |
Wilkes University | (PA) | $18,890.00 | All Students | |
Auburn University | (AL) | $18,900.00 | All Students | |
Georgia State University | (GA) | $18,910.00 | All Students | |
Albizu University | (FL) | $18,966.00 | All Students | |
Freed-Hardeman University | (TN) | $19,050.00 | All Students | |
Loyola University Maryland | (MD) | $19,200.00 | All Students | |
University of Northern Colorado | (CO) | $19,239.00 | All Students | |
Azusa Pacific University | (CA) | $19,240.00 | All Students | |
Spring Arbor University | (MI) | $19,270.00 | All Students | |
Regent University | (VA) | $19,550.00 | All Students | |
Tennessee Technological University | (TN) | $19,620.00 $23,820.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Cornerstone University | (MI) | $19,845.00 | All Students | |
Saint Cloud State University | (MN) | $19,911.00 $29,108.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
University of Massachusetts-Boston | (MA) | $20,000.00 | All Students | |
Hamline University | (MN) | $20,525.00 | All Students | |
Western Colorado University | (CO) | $20,555.00 | All Students | |
DeSales University | (PA) | $20,820.00 | All Students | |
University of Colorado - Colorado Springs | (CO) | $21,077.00 $23,543.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Liberty University | (VA) | $21,436.00 $10,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Bay Path University | (MA) | $21,450.00 | All Students | |
University of North Dakota | (ND) | $21,649.00 | All Students | |
Colorado Christian University | (CO) | $21,780.00 | All Students | |
Wayland Baptist University | (TX) | $21,988.00 | All Students | |
Multnomah Campus of Jessup University Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages 14 | (OR) | $22,025.00 | All Students | |
Asbury University | (KY) | $22,325.00 | All Students | |
University of Cincinnati | (OH) | $22,380.00 $22,830.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Webster University | (MO) | $23,200.00 $12,640.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Southwestern College - Kansas | (KS) | $23,520.00 $17,940.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
George Fox University | (OR) | $23,700.00 | All Students | |
Western Michigan University | (MI) | $23,769.00 | All Students | |
 George Mason University | (VA) | $24,210.00 | All Students | |
Messiah University | (PA) | $24,255.00 | All Students | |
Eastern University | (PA) | $24,984.00 | All Students | |
Biola University | (CA) | $25,128.00 | All Students | |
Wayne State University | (MI) | $25,250.00 $51,022.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Notre Dame de Namur University | (CA) | $25,500.00 | All Students | |
Canisius College | (NY) | $26,550.00 | All Students | |
University of Michigan - Dearborn | (MI) | $26,900.00 $33,410.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Walsh University | (OH) | $27,170.00 | All Students | |
Rutgers University | (NJ) | $28,500.00 | All Students | |
University of Maryland-Baltimore County | (MD) | $30,600.00 $48,672.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Texas A & M University | (TX) | $32,104.00 $70,232.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Mercy College | (NY) | $32,883.00 | All Students | |
Clarkson University | (NY) | $39,035.00 | All Students | |
Nova Southeastern University | (FL) | $40,680.00 | All Students | |
St. John's University | (NY) | $47,900.00 | All Students | |
University of Southern California | (CA) | $51,423.00 | All Students |
Program Note: To qualify for a ranking, the master’s in ESL online must be regionally accredited. Additional programmatic accreditation is noted in the rank table. Degrees labeled with superscript 14 indicate that options for this program have changed since publication.
CAEP Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
AAQEP Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation
Rankings Note: These online college rankings are based on a GetEducated Winter/Spring 2023 review of regionally accredited, ESL master’s degree online programs. Total cost includes full-time tuition and fees and was valid at the time of collection and specific to the online learning program. School profiles for the master’s in ESL in our directory may reflect a slightly different cost based on different editorial update schedules. The published cost is an estimated sticker price for the entire master’s in ESL online including fees. Actual costs may vary by student. Factors such as transfer credits, prerequisite courses, professional licensing and financial aid availability will affect final cost.
Editorial Note: Online schools do NOT pay to be included in any GetEducated online degree ranking. These rankings are editorially independent, open to any regionally accredited or candidate college that offers an ESL master’s degree that is available at least 80 percent through online learning and that is open to enrollment by the public. If your online college is regionally accredited and not currently reviewed by GetEducated, please contact us for inclusion.
These rankings of the cheapest master’s in ESL online may NOT be re-posted online or reprinted in any format without a license from GetEducated ®. Consumer finance bloggers and writers can contact our editors for a free custom article on the cheapest master’s in ESL online for use on your website. Our mission: Help consumers GetEducated ® about the best online colleges for cost and credibility.
Why Should I Get a Master’s in ESL Online?
An ESL master’s degree can be useful for many reasons. From the important work to the affordable price, here are a few reasons why you might consider a master’s in ESL:
- An important and rewarding career: Your work as an ESL teacher will help people understand English, which is critical for the next phase of their education. You create the foundation on which their life of learning is built.
- Strong pay available: The median income for these careers hovers around $60,000. However, the top 10% can expect annual earnings over $96,000
- Numerous affordable options: When it comes time to select an ESL master’s degree, you’ll have numerous options at a fair price. In fact, 39 programs in this database cost less than $15,000.
What is the Cost for an Online ESL Master’s Degree?
Online learning can make college attendance more affordable and convenient. However, students should research the total cost, including tuition and fees. Fortunately, an ESL master’s degree online can be surprisingly affordable. The average price for these programs is $18,600. Assuming a two-year track, the average per-year cost is about $9,300.
The cheapest online master’s degree linguistics is the Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction / English as a Second Language from Southeastern Oklahoma State University. This program only costs $8,160. It can be completed in a year, but many students will complete the program over two school years, which means about $4,080 per year and only $2,040 per semester.
If this program does not meet your needs, there are plenty of other options. Our database includes 12 master’s in ESL online priced below $12,000 and 39 priced below $15,000. Most students should find an option that meets their career goals and budget.
The most expensive ESL master’s degree comes from the University of Southern California, which charges $51,423 for its Master of Arts in Teaching / TESOL program.
Let’s take a more in-depth look at the top three cheapest master’s in ESL online programs:
#1. Southeastern Oklahoma State University – Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction / English as a Second Language
Students across the US can take advantage of the great tuition rates of the #1 most affordable master’s in ESL online. Southeastern Oklahoma State University extends its in-state pricing to all online students regardless of location. The M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in ESL will cost students an affordable $8,160 for the entire program.
This program introduces teachers to instructional strategies that specifically address the needs of students in grades preK to grade 12 who do not speak English as their first language. The 30-credit-hour program can be completed in as little as 12 months of study. In addition to affordability, students in this program can be assured of quality instruction, with coursework meeting TESOL and CAEP standards. Graduates will be eligible to sit for the Oklahoma ESL Subject Area Test for ESL certification.
After graduating from this program, some of the careers available include:
- ESL teacher
- Curriculum supervisor
- Two-way immersion teacher
- Federal or state government consultant
#2. Fort Hays State University – Master of Science in Education / English for Speakers of Other Languages
Not only is the second cheapest master’s in ESL online available at the same low price to all students, but it also offers two tracks to fit the needs of educators with different backgrounds. With Fort Hays State University, all online students pay the same tuition. The MS in Education with a concentration in ESOL can be completed for an affordable total of $9,852.
Applicants can choose to pursue an ESOL endorsement or an MSE in ESOL. Coursework in both programs takes a deep dive into theories of language learning and development. The program is designed for flexibility working educators, with year-round courses, multiple start dates per year, and a completely online curriculum. A culminating field experience can be completed at the student’s current workplace for added convenience. Graduates can qualify for Kansas state ESOL endorsement.
#3. Concordia University - Nebraska – Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction / ESL/ELL & Master of Education in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
You can choose from two different program options at the #3 school. Concordia University Nebraska offers an M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction with an ESL/ELL concentration, as well as an M.Ed in TESOL. Both programs come with a price tag of $10,200 for Nebraska residents and $12,750 for students who live outside the state.
With the M.Ed in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), you will learn the foundational principles of second-language acquisition. Educators will also gain new strategies for student assessment and intervention. A 45-hour practicum allows for valuable real-world experience with one or more ESL students in your own classroom or a school in your local area. The entire program can be completed in just 18 to 24 months.
Students in the M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction can choose from a number of emphasis areas and teaching endorsements, including English as a Second Language. In addition to ESL-specific coursework, students will learn how to approach curriculum-building through a faith-based lens. Graduates will be skilled in developing and evaluating ESL curriculum for their classroom, department, school, or district. This 30-credit-hour program also includes a 45-hour practicum where participants will propose, research, and conduct a project in their own classrooms.
Online Degree Program Types and What to Expect
Master’s degrees, of all types and subjects, generally require two years of academic study. However, some accelerated programs last just a single year. These usually include summer, fall, and spring courses, and the per-semester course load is usually higher.
Standard master’s programs are completed over four semesters. They require a high level of focus and more advanced research and writing than a bachelor’s.
These programs come in various forms, including master of arts, master of science, and master of education. The differences are subtle, but a master of arts (MA) usually includes theory and philosophy, while a master of science (MS) focuses on provable scientific theories. A master of education, on the other hand, generally focuses on the inner workings of the education system; many principals and administrators have master’s of education degrees.
The programs within this database are all unique. While they all focus, at some level, on English as a Second Language, they come with a variety of structures. Some concentrate almost exclusively on ESL subjects, while others focus on broader topics, such as curriculum development or administration, and have only a few classes in ESL.
Because there is so much variation, it’s important to research the programs to find one that will meet your specific goals. For example, if you want to be an ESL teacher in a public school, find one that will qualify you for teaching certification.
Endorsements
Many of these programs are master’s programs in a different education subject with an endorsement, concentration, or specialization in English as a Second Language. It’s typical to find, for example, a “master of arts in curriculum” with an endorsement in ESL. In some cases, this means the ESL component is a smaller portion of the overall degree.
Important Terms: ESL, TESOL, and More
These degrees use many different terms and acronyms. In many ways, they are different terms for saying the same thing. Here are the three most common acronyms you’ll find when researching these programs:
- ESL: English as a Second Language
- ESOL: English for Speakers of Other Languages
- TESOL: Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
Do You Already Have a Teaching Certificate?
Within these programs, you’ll find many tracks for various professionals and students. If you already have a teacher’s certificate, there are programs that can provide a higher level of certification and lead to higher incomes. There are also programs, tracks, and specializations that do not qualify graduates for teaching certificates.
Courses in an Online Master’s in ESL
These programs can be complex, so it helps to take a detailed look at a few of the master’s in ESL online in this database:
Concordia University - Chicago – Master of Arts in Curriculum & Instruction / ESL Endorsement
This is a master’s in curriculum and instruction that has an ESL concentration. The core classes, which consist of 12 total credit hours, focus on broader teaching and curriculum-building skills, while the concentration section specifically covers teaching bilingual and multicultural students. Students must also complete a single class in the bilingual concentration.
Courses in the core section include “Curriculum Construction” and “Seminar in Reflective Practice.” In the ESL focus area, students complete courses that include “Assessment of Language Minority Students,” “Foundations of Bilingual/Bicultural Education,” and “Teaching English as a Second Language.” The bilingual concentration area consists of one class: “Methods and Materials for Teaching in a Bilingual Classroom.”
Pittsburg State University – Master of Science in Teaching / English for Speakers of Other Languages
As a master of science degree, this program is more focused on research and scientific theory. Through 21 hours of core classes, students develop their knowledge of classroom management, instructional planning, and assessment. Students also complete an “English for Speakers of Other Languages Licensure Emphasis.”
The core section, which makes the bulk of this MS degree, includes “Current Teaching Practices,” developmental or education psychology, and “Assessment for Effective Teaching.” The ESOL courses can include “Advanced Curriculum Development for English Language Learners” and “Multicultural Approaches to Diversity in the Classroom.”
University of Northern Colorado – Master of Arts in Multilingual Education / Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
This is a master of arts program with a focus on teaching non-English speakers. It prepares students for careers in global settings, as well as adult education outside of a traditional classroom setting. The program includes 24 credits of required courses and six credits (two classes) of electives.
Required classes include “Applications of Multiliteracies,” “Second Language Acquisition Theory,” and “Practices in ESL/EFL Instruction and Assessment.” Students can choose from various electives that include “Teaching Culturally Linguistically Diverse and Bilingual Learners,” and “Effective Instruction in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education.”
Accreditation for Online ESL Master’s Degrees
Acting as a form of quality control for the education system, accreditation helps students select high-quality colleges and universities while enrolling in programs that have been reviewed and approved by leading organizations.
The main form of accreditation is institutional accreditation. This type reviews an entire school from top to bottom, looking at staff, leadership, programs, and more. Institutional accreditation is granted by regional groups that have, essentially, their own territory. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), for example, provides approval for schools in the southeast region of the U.S. The Higher Learning Commission, meanwhile, reviews schools states from Arizona to West Virginia and North Dakota down to Arkansas.
The other important form of accreditation is programmatic. This type is completed by groups that specialize in a specific academic subject. For example, the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) accredits programs in interior design.
Education degrees are often accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). This group accredits bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate programs in education. Numerous master’s in ESL online programs on this list have CAEP approval. On the othter hand, a select few have accreditation from the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP). This is a newer group (founded in 2017) that also provides approval for education degrees, including ESL programs.
If a degree does not have ESL accreditation, that’s okay. As long as the degree comes from an accredited institution, it will provide a high-quality degree that employers in the job market will recognize and honor.
Typical Admission Requirements
Master’s programs have some of the most intense admission standards in all of education. Only doctorates require more from incoming students.
To enroll in the best ESL master’s programs, you first need a bachelor’s degree, preferably one in a related subject, such as teaching, curriculum, development psychology, adult education, or foreign language.
Many programs also require a specific GPA from previous studies. A 2.5, 2.75, or even a 3.0 (or higher) may be required by the school. Some schools also require a minimum score in the GRE, an exam for aspiring graduate students.
You’ll also need more documentation than other degrees. Most graduate schools require letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose from incoming students.
For some of these teaching degrees, you may also need a teaching certificate and teaching experience. Many require at least three years of teaching experience before you can enroll.
Marshall University, which offers the Master of Arts in Education / English as a Second Language program, provides a good example. This school requires a 2.5 from undergrad studies and a general education license as a teacher.Licensing and Certification for ESL Graduates
A master’s in ESL online will be enough for many education-based positions. However, if you are going to work for a public school, you will likely need a teacher’s license, often referred to as a certificate.
Each state sets its own requirements for these certificates. Iowa, for example, has different requirements than Virginia, which has different requirements than Utah. Ultimately, students will need to go through their state’s department of education to obtain a license. However, the process is usually similar from state to state.
To become a teacher, most will complete a basic skills test, which reviews your ability to guide a classroom and assess students. You will complete subject-knowledge tests as well. These include appropriate ESL tests that correspond with the grade level you will be teaching.
Expected Salary and Career Stability for ESL Professionals
With plenty of experience and an advanced education, ESL teachers can expect a strong salary. The median salary for all adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers in May 2021 was $59,720. That’s not a massive income, but the top 10% earn over $96,550, so there is room for growth.
One significant downside to this career is the decline in total jobs. Between 2021 and 2031, the BLS expects adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers to decline by 6%, dropping from 44,900 to 42,100. This decline, arguably, is a good thing. Increased high school graduation rates have created less need for these teachers, so it’s a decline caused by a positive trend.
But the numbers can be deceiving. This 6% decline includes adult teachers and secondary education, not just ESL teachers. It seems that ESL teachers, specifically, could see more demand. A report from the National Center for Education Statistics says that over 10% of US students identified as English learners in the spring of 2020. In Texas, the number was over 20%, while in California the rate was almost 18%. With these stats, it seems reasonable that ESL teachers should enjoy a stable career with consistent opportunities, especially in states with high levels of non-English speakers.
The Next Step in Your Education
A master’s in ESL online can lead to a strong, rewarding career. For many, it’s all the education you’ll need. However, some graduates may choose to extend their education and pursue a doctorate. Options include a doctorate of education (Ed.D.) or a doctorate of philosophy (Ph.D.) in education.
These degrees require a renewed commitment to education and learning. Most will include the completion of a dissertation, an advanced research paper completed throughout the program.
Even if you never pursue a doctorate, you’ll likely need continuing education, especially if you have a teaching certificate. All certified teachers need to renew their licenses. Most states require renewal every five years. Continuing education credits, which can be in-person or online courses, are part of the requirement.
Regardless of the official requirements, ESL teachers should always stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in teaching and education technology, strategies, and theories.
Start Your Degree and Contribute to Someone’s Essential Learning
Learning to speak fluent English is an important part of many people’s lives. You can help them reach greater success in the United States by providing English as a second language education. Use the databases and helpful resources on GetEducated.com to learn more about the top master’s in ESL online programs.