Are you aspiring to do business with people from all over the world? Do you love to travel and explore different cultures? Are you an international student seeking to further your education abroad? If you nod yes to these questions, an English as a Second Language (ESL) degree can significantly improve your communication skills. By advancing your knowledge and command of English, you gain immense access to education, higher earning potential, and a better social life. This article will unravel the top Online ESL Programs that offer the best value for money. Read on to discover more.
What Is An Online ESL Program?
English as a Second Language (ESL) is a robust instructional program offered to improve proficiency in the writing, listening, comprehension, reading, and speaking of the English language. It is usually taught to students whose first language is not English.
Why Study ESL?
Globalization has paved the way for different integration of culture without bounds and drawbacks. Before the 1960s, some education professionals perceived bilingualism as inessential. And quite another group of education experts believed that learning two languages would be confusing. But, a lot has changed since then, and seasoned educators now recognize that English as a Second language is highly rewarding and of uttermost importance.
Dealing with international bodies is often inevitable for persons seeking to pursue their careers to the highest level possible. And the majority of international business is conducted in English, which makes the ability to communicate effectively with anyone vital. English is almost an accepted standard language all over the world. So speaking English effectively goes a long way in influencing our interactions and social skills.
In addition to that, English as a Second Language (ESL) is a minimum requirement for most students intending to study abroad.
Online ESL Bachelor’s Degree Program
Liberty University
Degree Awarded: Bachelor of Science in Teaching English as a Second Language
Accredited by: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Liberty University is a private Evangelical University headquartered in Lynchburg, Virginia. The institution offers an online ESL bachelor’s degree program in teaching English as a Second Language. It is an accredited academic institution with a history of success in teaching English as a second language both locally and abroad.
Coursework Areas:
- Introduction to Linguistics
- Applied Grammar
- Second Language Acquisition
- Issues and Practices in TESL or TEFL
Program Benefits:
- Transfer in up to 75% of the degree total
- Tuition & Duration:
- Credit Hours: 120 hours
Duration & Delivery:
- 100% online
- 3 years and 6 months
Financial Aid:
- Federal financial aid
- Employer benefits
- Military benefits
- Institutional scholarships
Admission Requirements:
- Minimum Education: High School or Equivalent
- Recommended GPA: 2.0 or above (4.0 scale)
- Completed online application form
Grand Canyon University
Degree Awarded: Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education / English as a Second Language
Accredited by: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Grand Canyon University’s Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with an Emphasis in English as a Second Language degree program prepares teacher candidates for teaching in a K–8 classroom. This online ESL program is for those who want to work with students considered English Language Learners. After graduating from the program, participants may pursue a K-8 teaching license.
Coursework Areas:
- Literacy and phonics development for English Language Learners
- Curriculum methods and Instructional planning
- Foundations of Structured English Immersion (SEI)
- Cross-cultural studies/cultural differences
- Strategies to encourage language development
Duration & Delivery:
- Credit Hours: 120 hours
- Course Duration: about 4 years
- Course Delivery: 100% online
Financial Aid:
- Federal financial aid
- Employer benefits
- Military benefits
- Institutional scholarships
Admission Requirements:
- Minimum Education: High School or Equivalent
- Recommended GPA: 2.0 or above (4.0 scale)
- Completed online application form
Liberty University
Degree Awarded: Bachelor of Education in English as a Second Language Education (P-12)
Accredited by: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) & Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
Liberty University’s Bachelor of Education in English as a Second Language Education (P-12) program is a teaching licensure track. The program gives students the skills they need to succeed in teaching students for whom English is a Second Language. It meets state licensure requirements for teaching English as a second language from primary school through high school in Virginia. Meeting these requirements allows students to apply for reciprocity in other states.
Coursework Areas:
- 240 credit hour practicum & student teaching
- Learning and Behavioral differences among students
- Linguistics, English grammar, and etymology
- Curriculum creation
- Evaluation of learning outcomes
- World languages and second language acquisition
Program Benefits:
- Transfer in up to 75% of the degree total
Duration & Delivery:
- Credit Hours: 120 hours
- Course Duration: 3 years and 6 months
- Course Delivery: 100% online
Financial Aid:
- Federal financial aid
- Employer benefits
- Military benefits
- Institutional scholarships
Admission Requirements:
- Minimum Education: High School or Equivalent
- Recommended GPA: 2.0 or above (4.0 scale)
- Completed online application form
Online ESL Master’s Degree Program
Eastern Oregon University
Degree Awarded: Master of Science in Education / ESOL
Accredited by: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Eastern Oregon University (EOU) is a public university located in La Grande, Oregon. EOU offers an online Master of Science in Education degree (ESOL) that gives in-depth knowledge in curriculum analysis, research, development, and teaching techniques.
The University allows you to major in one of the following disciplines: curriculum leadership, English for speakers of other languages, literacy, trauma in educational communities, and dyslexia. With a Master of Science in Education degree, you will be eligible for careers inside the classroom, curriculum coaching, consulting, etc., that do not require an administrative license.
Note: This program can only recommend students (candidates) for endorsements in Oregon. If you reside in another state, you can request that your home state authenticate your completion of this program. In this regard, your home state determines whether or not to approve the program for your licensure.
Coursework Areas:
- Techniques in quantitative and qualitative research methods
- Research methods in education
- Foundations of leadership and mentoring
Program Benefits:
- Transfer up to 12 credits from previous college coursework.
Duration & Delivery:
- Course Duration: 18 months
- Course Delivery: 100% online
Financial Aid:
- Private and public loans
- Institutional scholarships
- Government grants
Admission Requirements:
- Minimum Education: Bachelor’s Degree
- Recommended GPA: 3.0 or above (4.0 scale)
- Completed online application
- Letter of recommendation
- Personal Essay
- Resume and cover letter
- Official transcripts
Greenville University
Degree Awarded: Master of Arts in Education / Teaching English as a Second Language
Accredited by: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Greenville University (GU) is a private University in Greenville, Illinois. The institution offers a Master’s of teaching English as a second language degree, including an endorsement option or Illinois TESL approval.
The online ESL program offered at Greenville University trains students to relate effectively with students across cultures using modern research approaches. Greenville University is an Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) approved institution.
Coursework Areas:
- Materials and methods for TESL
- Cross-Cultural Studies for TESL
- Evaluation and Assessment for TESL
- Issues and Trends in Education
- Theoretical Foundations for TESL
- Linguistics for TESL
- Equity in School and Society
Program Benefits:
- No entrance exams
- Receive lectures when and where it is convenient for you
Duration & Delivery:
- Credit Hours: 30 hours
- Course Duration: 2 years
- Course Delivery: 100% online
Financial Aid:
- Government grants
- Private and public loans
- Institutional scholarships
Admission Requirements:
- Minimum Education: Bachelor’s Degree
- Statement of Purpose/Intent
- Official College Transcript(s)
Campbellsville University
Degree Awarded: Master of Arts in Education in Teacher Leader/ESL
Accredited by: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Campbellsville University is a privately owned Southern Baptist institution situated in Campbellsville, Kentucky. The University is accredited to award eligible students professional certifications and bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
Campbellsville University offers an online Master of Arts in Education in Teacher Leader/ESL degree. The online program is self-paced and very affordable. The academic degree covers technology in the classroom for private and public school teachers and how best to integrate technology to foster learning for all students. The online ESL program’s primary curriculum introduces students to advanced teacher leadership skills. All course content is delivered online, and they can choose to learn at their convenience.
Coursework Areas:
- Digital age technology for teaching and learning
- Empowerment For Teacher Leadership
- Content specialization
- ESL endorsement
- Interdisciplinary early childhood education
Duration & Delivery:
- Credit Hours: 36 hours
- Course Duration: 2 years
- Course Delivery: 100% online
Financial Aid:
- Government grants
- Private and public loans
- Institutional scholarships
Admission Requirements:
- Minimum Education: Bachelor’s Degree
- Completed online application
- Official Transcript Request Form (via Adobe Sign).
- All official college transcripts from each high school (colleges) or University previously attended.
- GPA of 2.75 from your undergraduate studies
- Copy of teaching certificate
- One page rationale essay for graduate study
- Note: In most cases, additional requirements will be requested upon acceptance into the chosen program.
Louisiana State University
Degree Awarded: Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction/English as a Second Language
Accredited by: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Louisiana State University-Shreveport is a public university located in Shreveport, Louisiana. Through rich course content and compulsory hands-on field experience in schools and classrooms, teachers develop the knowledge and skills to effectively tackle two challenges: helping students from different ethnic (cultural) and linguistic backgrounds to master the English language and providing them the tools to succeed in academic courses taught in English.
Coursework Areas:
- Introduction to Graduate Research
- Educational Technology Applied to the Classroom
- Creating Multicultural Connections through Literature
- Utilizing Data for School Improvement
Delivery Method:
- Course Delivery: 100% online
Financial Aid:
- Federal grants
- Employer benefits
- Veteran benefits
- Institutional scholarships
Admission Requirements:
- Recommended GPA: 2.5 or above (4.0 scale)
- Admission Tests: GRE
- Minimum Education: Bachelor degree
- Official College Transcript(s)
- Occupational License
- Recommendation/Reference Letter(s) Resume/CV
Northern Arizona University
Degree Awarded: Master of Education in ESL and Bilingual Education
Accredited by: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Northern Arizona University is a public research university located in Flagstaff, Arizona. It offers an online Master of Education in ESL and Bilingual Education. The online ESL degree program prepares you for a career as an ESL resource teacher, an English as a second language (ESL) classroom teacher, or a teacher responsible for providing ESL instruction and support in the regular classroom or unique settings.
The Master of Education program has two emphases. You can choose from Bilingual Emphasis or English as a Second Language (ESL) Emphasis.
Delivery Method:
- Course Delivery: 100% online
Financial Aid:
- Employer benefits
- Veteran benefits
- Federal grants
- Institutional scholarships
Admission Requirements:
- Recommended GPA: 3.0 or above (4.0 scale)
- Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Official College Transcript(s)
- Criminal Background Check
- Additional information: Applicants may need to submit a teaching certificate (if the applicant possesses one).
Online ESL Teaching Endorsement Programs
Western Governors University (WGU)
Degree Awarded: Endorsement in English Language Learning (PreK-12)
Accredited by: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Western Governors University is a distance learning institution Located in Salt Lake City, Utah. The University is accredited to award professional certifications, bachelor’s degrees, and master’s degrees.
WGU offers a reliable and affordable online English Language Learning (ELL) Endorsement for PreK-12. The program is self-paced and delivered in an accelerated format. This program is well-structured and created to meet the need of ESL and ELL teachers looking to aid the mastery of English language learners in their classroom. The TESOL International Association nationally recognizes WGU’s online ESL program.
Coursework Areas:
- Assessment theory and practice
- Subject Specific Pedagogy: ELL
- Theory of Second Language Production
- Theories of Second Language acquisition
- Planning, Implementing and Managing
- Instruction
- Field experience
- Culture language production
Duration & Delivery:
- Course Delivery: 100% online
- Course Duration: 12 to 20 months
Note: Based on available information on the Western Governors University education platform, 79% of students finish within 18 months.
Financial Aid:
- Government grants
- Private and public loans
- Institutional scholarships
Application Requirements:
- Minimum Education: Bachelor’s Degree
- Official College Transcript(s)
- Occupational license
Online Graduate Certificates in ESL
Ohio University
Degree Awarded: Graduate Certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)
Accredited by: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Ohio University is a public research university located in Athens, Ohio. The institution offers a certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL). It is provided online asynchronously, enabling non-degree-seeking students to work at their own pace. The certificate coursework provides theoretical and practical instruction to students seeking training in TEFL. Completion of the coursework leads to a TEFL Certificate from the Linguistics Department.
Coursework Areas:
- Language Foundations
- Organization And Analysis
- Learning Theories
- Lesson And Materials Development
- Classroom methodologies in TEFL
Program Benefits:
- Transfer in up to 75% of the degree total.
Duration & Delivery:
- Credit Hours: 14 hours
- Course Delivery: 100% online
Financial Aid:
- Federal financial aid
- Employer benefits
- Institutional scholarships
Admission Requirements:
- Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Recommended GPA: GPA (or equivalent) of 2.5Transcripts
- Resume
- A brief statement of purpose
- English proficiency
University of Colorado
Degree Awarded: Graduate Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
Accredited by: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
The University of Colorado is a public research university headquartered in Boulder, Colorado. It provides an online graduate certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). This graduate certificate prepares candidates to teach young learners, adolescents, and adults in several contexts, including private language institutes, community-based programs, intensive English programs, and after-school programs.
Coursework Areas:
- Principles and Practices in TESOL
- English Structure for TESOL
- Teaching Second Language (L2) Oral Skills
- Second Language Acquisition Theory
Duration & Delivery:
- Credit Hours: 15 hours
- Course Delivery: 100% online
Financial Aid:
- Federal financial aid
- Employer benefits
- Institutional scholarships
Admission Requirements:
- Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Complete and submit the Online Enrollment Application
- Once you have received the student ID, complete and submit the Graduate Certificate in the TESOL application form.
Indiana State University
Degree Awarded: Graduate Certificate in Teaching English as a Second/Foreign Language
Accredited by: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Indiana State University is a public university located in Terre Haute, Indiana. The University offers a graduate certificate in teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) or Foreign language (TEFL). This certificate enables candidates to teach in language schools in the United States and other countries with a much higher capacity.
Coursework Areas:
- Language Acquisition
- English Syntax
- Teaching English as a Second Language
Duration & Delivery:
- Credit Hours: 12 hours
- Course Delivery: 100% online
Financial Aid:
- Federal grants
- Employer benefits
- Veteran benefits
- Institutional scholarships
Admission Requirements:
- Recommended GPA: 3.0 or above (4.0 scale)
- Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Completed online application form
- Official College Transcript(s)
- A personal statement
- A resume or curriculum vitae
- Names and contact information for 3 references
- Additional information may be requested
Messiah University
Degree Awarded: Graduate Certificate in Bilingual Education and TESOL
Accredited by: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Messiah University is a private institution headquartered in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, committed to educating through the Christian faith. The University provides an online ESL program in Graduate Certificate in Bilingual Education and TESOL. Through this program, aspiring teachers will gain knowledge and insight on how to help their students grasp precise command of the English language.
The curriculum focuses on best practices and bilingual and multilingual education models. Teachers develop in-depth curriculum and program development skills for second/additional language acquisition and content learning.
Coursework Areas:
- TESOL Methods & Assessments
- Second Language Acquisition: Theories & Contexts
- Bilingual Education
Program Benefits:
- No-fee tuition
Duration & Delivery:
- Credit Hours: 15 hours
- Course Duration: 1 year
- Course Delivery: 100% online
Financial Aid:
- Employer benefits
- Veteran benefits
- Federal grants
- Institutional scholarships
Admission Requirements:
- Recommended GPA: 3.0 or above (4.0 scale)
- Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Official College Transcript(s)
ESL FAQs
Q: What is the difference between bilingual and ESL programs?
A: In a bilingual program, students are lectured in two languages. While in an ESL program, the educator teaches English as the only language of instruction.
Q: How important are the ESL Programs for the student?
A: ESL students benefit from tapping into training and educational opportunities, resulting in higher salaries and employment options. ESL students can understand medication instructions, road signs, workplace instructions, etc.
Q: What do ESL teachers do?
A: ESL teachers work harmoniously with non-natives to teach and help them become fluent in English and communicate efficiently in both written and spoken forms. ESL teachers are primarily found in middle and high schools and tertiary education centers.
Q: What can I do with an online Bachelor’s or Master’s in ESL Degree?
A: When you have a bachelor’s or master’s degree as an ESL professional, you will be able to work in numerous fields, including:
- Instructional Coordinator
- Interpreter and Translator
- Private Business Instructor
- Government Agency
- Reading Specialist
- ESL Administrator
- School Counselors
- ESL K-12 Teacher
- ESL Adult Teacher
- English teacher abroad
- Curriculum Supervisor
Q: Which ESL company pays the most?
A: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a full-time employee makes about $887 per week.
- Bling ABC ranks among the highest-paying online teaching firms online. Depending on qualifications, they pay an average introductory rate of $22-27 per hour.
- VIPKID is the most popular online ESL company amongst teachers and students. The firm pays an average of $20 to $22 per hour.
- LANDI is a top and reputed online ESL company with a proven track record, and it has a complete course outline and class materials. The employer pays an average of $18 to $25 per hour.
- SayABC offers a flexible work schedule to ESL teachers. The firm pays an average of $21 to $25 per hour.
Q: What makes a good ESL program?
A: A good ESL program offers an intensive English program for beginners and intermediate and advanced students. In a well-structured ESL class, instructors (Teachers) must use multimedia-based technology and visual/audio materials to aid every student’s grasp of the language.
Q: What happens in an ESL classroom?
A: In an ESL classroom, instructors engage learners with props or visuals. English language teachers create a positive learning environment to increase students’ engagement in the course. The classroom is fully interactive without limitations.
Enroll in an Online ESL Program Today!
There are many Online ESL programs available to students. However, ensure the program of your choice addresses and offers all the relevant curricula.
Perhaps you haven’t made up your mind yet, and you want to know the opportunities available in other professions. In that case, explore the GetEducated.com academic resources for insights on different career and professional subjects.