Affordable Online Master's In English Language Learning Degrees

Overview

The University of North Dakota is the state’s oldest public research university. Located in Grand Forks, it stands out in the region for its Carnegie Foundation designation of “high research activity.” The Division of Continuing Education offers over 110 online options, from professional development classes to doctoral degrees.

Program Features

The University of North Dakota blends together the best of both worlds in its M.Ed. in English Language Learner Education. You’ll take 35 credit-hours of online learning and then tackle 90 hours of a practicum experience. This program typically takes two years to complete. Here’s a look at the curriculum:

• ELL Methods and Materials
• Literacy Instruction for English Language Learners
• Research and Advocacy in TESOL
• Linguistics for ELL Teachers

Notables

In addition to the huge benefit of an online program, the University of North Dakota sweetens the deal by offering affordable tuition. In fact, students who are enrolled in the online program can benefit from the in-state tuition rate. That even applies to students who are out-of-state residents!

Overview

A strong regional institution, the University of Northern Iowa enrolls nearly 12,000 students. Over 90 percent of them are residents of Iowa. This year, the University of Northern Iowa was named the #1 Best Online College in Iowa by Best Value Schools. It also receives top marks for its online education programs.

Program Features

At the University of Northern Iowa, you’ll earn an MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. This is an online program that qualifies you to teach English to K-12 students, adults, and everyone in between. Your courses blend together linguistic skills with instruction and methodology. Take a look:

• Introduction to Linguistics
• Cultural Aspects of Language and Language Teaching
• Second Language Acquisition
• Phonetics, Phonology, and Language Teaching

Notables

The University of Northern Iowa brings out the big guns for its online learning platform. You’ll use a combination of platforms – Adobe Connect, a desktop video conferencing system, and eLearning through Blackboard. Even more, you have access to a 24/7 support specialist if you run into technical problems at any point.

Overview

Located on the border of Minnesota and North Dakota, Minnesota State University Moorhead was established in 1887. It delivers nearly 250 academic programs, both on-campus and online. Each year, Minnesota State University Moorhead awards over $3.3 million in scholarships to its students.

Program Features

Minnesota State University Moorhead takes a unique approach. It offers an online MS in Curriculum & Instruction with the choice to specialize in Teaching English as a Second Language. This gives you a solid foundation in theory, methodology, and research with the chance to apply it to your field. Some of the TESL classes include:

• Second Language Acquisition and Language Teaching
• English Structures
• Pedagogical Grammar
• Designing ESL Courses

Notables

Minnesota State University Moorhead offers a package that is hard to pass up. For one, its curriculum stands out for its numerous emphasis offerings. It also has an impeccable 100 percent job placement rate for its students post-graduation. This speaks volumes to the quality of the program at Minnesota State University Moorhead.

Overview

A member of the larger state university system, the University of Maryland – Baltimore County is home to around 13,600 students. UMBC consistently lands a spot on “Best Value College” rankings by Forbes and Kiplinger’s Personal Finance. It also has been noticed for its rapid growth in research endeavors.

Program Features

Delivered through the Department of Modern Languages, Linguistics, and Intercultural Communication, the University of Maryland – Baltimore County offers an MA in TESOL. This program can be completed online or in-person. The curriculum is strong in its varied course offerings. Here’s a look:

• Instructional Systems Development
• ESOL Testing and Evaluation
• Cross-Cultural Communication for ESOL
• Bilingualism

Notables

The University of Maryland – Baltimore County designed a program that can fit a number of career needs. You can either complete a non-certification internship, K-12 Student Teaching experience, or a master’s thesis. Some internship experiences have taken students to Ecuador, South Korea, Bolivia, and beyond.

Overview

Originally founded as a teacher’s college in 1874, Worcester State University is now a vibrant liberal arts school in Massachusetts. The Princeton Review has praised it both for being one of “America’s Best Value Colleges” and a “Best Northeastern College.” The school offers 60 undergraduate degrees and 29 master’s programs.

Program Features

Worcester State University brings you a Master of Education in English as a Second Language. It specializes in helping existing teachers specialize their license in ESL. The classes are offered both online and as evening courses to accommodate working adults. Some of the classes in your 34-credit-hour program include:

• Speech/Language Development, Differences, and Diversity
• Second Language Acquisition
• Literacy Instruction for the English Language Learner
• Teaching Adult ESL and SIFE

Notables

The curriculum at Worcester State University excels in giving you real-world settings to apply your learnings. Even though this is an online program, you have the option to step into the field for research, portfolio-building, and more. In fact, your final class will be an individual research project in which you tackle an existing issue in ESL.

Overview

A private university in Dobbs Ferry, NY, Mercy College began as a Roman Catholic institution but is no longer religiously affiliated. Mercy College was recently listed among the top 15 percent of New York colleges when it comes to return on investment.

Program Features

Mercy College has rolled out an MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages with two different tracks. Track I is for people who are seeking their first teaching certificate. Track II is for people with an existing teaching certificate seeking to add TESOL certification. Both degrees are attainable online, but Track I involves 36 credits while Track II is 33 credits. Here’s a look at some classes:

• Linguistics and Language Development
• Modern English Structure
• Cultural Perspectives in Teaching Language
• Teaching English as a Second Language

Notables

Another difference in the two tracks of this program is the final curriculum requirement. Track I candidates complete a 15-week student teaching experience in an area classroom. Track II candidates, however, only have to complete 20 days of a clinical practicum experience in an ESL classroom.

Overview

One of the 17 schools in the UNC system, the University of North Carolina – Wilmington offers over 90 degree programs at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. Last year, around 16,500 student were enrolled. It boasts an impressive 87 percent retention rate. UNC Wilmington is a darling of the region and ranks well for its graduate programs.

Program Features

The Watson College of Education at UNC – Wilmington offers a Master of Education in Teaching English as a Second Language. This is a 33-credit-hour online program designed for students who already have a teacher certification. The degree is divided into professional core classes, ESL core classes, and electives. Here’s a sample:

• Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
• ESL Issues: Culture, Policy, and Advocacy
• Methods for Second Language Learners
• Linguistics for Teachers

Notables

The University of North Carolina – Wilmington features an amazing loan forgiveness program. The Forgivable Education Loans for Service program makes it possible for you to get out of student debt faster by working as a teacher in North Carolina after graduating. This is a huge opportunity for you if finances are a concern.

Overview

The University of Missouri – Columbia began in 1839 and has become the largest university in the state. It is also the first public institution of higher learning that was founded west of the Mississippi River. Its main campus is located in Columbia, but the university also has branch locations in Kansas City, Rolla, and St. Louis.

Program Features

The University of Missouri – Columbia sets you up with a 100 percent online M.Ed. in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. The majority of the students in this program attend part-time and still finish within two years. The degree includes 33 credit-hours that are organized into semester-based courses. Here’s a look at a few classes:

• Language and Culture for Educators
• ESOL Curriculum Development
• Teaching ESL/EFL to Adult Learners
• Working with English Language Learners with Special Needs

Notables

The University of Missouri – Columbia is a strong contender when it comes to financial support. In fact, three out of four students at the University of Missouri receive some form of financial aid. The average financial aid package is $20,307. There are also special scholarships for active duty service members who are attending online.

Overview

Kennesaw State University corners a significant portion of the higher education scene in Georgia. With a student body of over 35,800, it remains the third-largest university in the state. The school operates two campus locations, both just north of Atlanta. It has a hugely positive economic impact on the regional economy – to the tune of $1.4 billion.

Program Features

At Kennesaw State University, you’ll earn a Master of Education in TESOL. This is an online degree that focuses on curriculum development, teaching strategies, and cultural communications. Most students complete the degree within 18 to 24 months. Here’s a look at the curriculum:

• Language, Power, and Pedagogy
• Applied Linguistics for ESOL Teachers
• Teacher Inquiry and Research in TESOL
• Content Area Reading & Writing for English Learners

Notables

There are huge perks to the program at Kennesaw State University. For one, students automatically receive an ESOL Endorsement after finishing two semesters in the program. You also are eligible for TEACH Grants, especially based on the shortage in TESOL educators in Georgia.

Overview

Located in the popular college town of Lawrence, the University of Kansas is a large public research institution. The school runs five campuses in Kansas, as well as an online campus. The University of Kansas has made significant commitments to affordable education. For example, incoming freshman pay a fixed tuition rate.

Program Features

The online MSE in Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Kansas includes a unique emphasis in TESOL. You can pursue a number of different avenues within this degree: the teacher track, the non-teacher track, or the endorsement-only track. While the number of credits differ between the three, you’ll find overlap in some of the classes:

• Reading and the English Language Learner in K-12
• Multicultural Education
• Linguistic Analysis for TESOL Educators
• Problems in Second Language Instruction

Notables

The University of Kansas is backed by reputable rankings, especially when it comes to this degree program. In the last two years, U.S. News & World Report has included it in two of its top rankings. It ranks in the Top 10 Best Education Schools among other public universities, and in the Top 20 Online Curriculum and Instruction programs.

Overview

Affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene, MidAmerica Nazarene University is a small liberal arts college based in Kansas. Aside from its on-campus degree programs, the school delivers online education in business, computer information systems, education, and more. It integrates faith teachings into each curriculum.

Program Features

MidAmerica Nazarene University takes a different path to English language learning. You’ll earn a Master of Education with a certification as a Reading Specialist. This curriculum considers a instruction from a number of different worldviews. This is a degree you can apply nearly anywhere with classes like:

• Ethical Worldviews for Educations
• Emergent Literacy (K-2)
• Corrective Reading
• Diagnostic Literacy Practicum

Notables

MidAmerica Nazarene University has a number of ways that you can save on your education. For one, the school is generous in offering a payment plan that fits your specific needs. MidAmerica Nazarene University is also partnered with a number of area companies and organizations in order to offer a Family Education Discount.

Overview

Known as the second-largest evangelical university in Michigan, Spring Arbor University is affiliated with the Free Methodist Church. It was established in 1873. Spring Arbor University has been recognized by numerous sources as one of the Best Value Christian Colleges in the Nation.

Program Features

Offered 100 percent online, Spring Arbor University brings you an MA in TESOL. It splits the curriculum into two camps: K-12 or Adolescent and Adult Education. That way, you can specialize your degree to a demographic. Both tracks require 33 total credit-hours. Here’s a look at a few classes:

• Cross Cultural Competence in Communication
• Assessment & Evaluation of Language Minority Students
• Linguistics for Teachers of English
• TESOL Methods and Materials for Second Language Acquisition

Notables

This year, Spring Arbor University was praised by SR Education Group for being the #14 Best Online College for ESL Teaching Degrees. The program is unique in that it teaches TESOL from a faith-based perspective. You’ll encounter classes like Integrity in Teaching English as Mission.

Overview

One of the nine schools in the Concordia University system, Concordia University – Nebraska is based in the town of Seward. It is divided into three academic schools, one of which is the College of Education. Concordia University – Nebraska also delivers over 40 unique online programs.

Program Features

Concordia University – Nebraska is all about making its M.Ed. in TESOL work for you. That’s why you’re able to complete this 36 credit-hour program on either a part-time or accelerated basis. Most students finish the degree anywhere from 18 to 24 months. At the end of the program, you’ll complete a 45-hour practicum. Here are some classes:

• ESL/ELL Curriculum and Assessment
• Language and Culture
• Word Study: Decoding, Comprehension, and Fluency
• Linguistics for Educators

Notables

Concordia University – Nebraska has a commitment to a “hassle-free master’s degree.” This means the school goes out of its way to make you feel at home. Here are some examples: you’ll be assigned to an enrollment specialist to get signed up for classes, your textbooks will be free, and you’re not required to take the GRE to apply.

Overview

A nondenominational Christian school in Grand Rapids, MI, Cornerstone University is a small but mighty school in the Midwest. It was originally founded through the Baptist Church, and still requires students to abide by a “Lifestyle Statement” that is rooted in the Christian faith. CU Online offers degrees in business, ministry, and education, just to name a few.

Program Features

At Cornerstone University, you’ll embark on a 33 credit-hour MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. This program makes it easy to match up your life schedule with your class schedule. You have the option of attending online or through a blended format. Some of the classes you’ll take include:

• Sociolinguistics
• TESOL Methodology
• Issues in TESOL
• Second Language Acquisition

Notables

The degree program at Cornerstone University makes sure that you recieve education beyond the classroom. That’s why students in the online program are required to attend two TESOL conferences. Students in the blended program are required to attend two one-week residencies on the Grand Rapids campus.

Overview

Originally founded as a teacher education college, Concordia University – Chicago has grown into a fully versatile private university. It is affiliated with the larger Concordia University system and upholds the Lutheran teachings of its past. It is located just 10 miles from downtown Chicago. Online students can choose from a wide range of degrees.

Program Features

At Concordia University – Chicago, you’ll be earning an online MA in TESOL. This degree spans 30 total credit-hours and can be completed in 12 to 24 months. Your curriculum will prepare you to teach English to a wide range of ages, from children to adults. Some of your highlight classes might include:

• Applied Philology and World Englishes
• TESOL Curriculum Planning and Methodology
• Issues in Second Language Rhetoric and Composition
• Language and Linguistics

Notables

Concordia University – Chicago has received praise from all over. This year it was awarded as an Illinois College of Distinction, a Christian College of Distinction, and an Education College of Distinction. It also performs well for its students. Over 90 percent of CUC students are employed within six months of graduation.