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TESOL students at UND
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  • Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (M.Ed.)
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Online Master's in TESOL

Master of Education (M.Ed.)

Teach English to speakers of other languages in the United States and around the world.

There is a growing demand for English language teachers. Through online courses and 90 hours of practicum experience, you'll gain the knowledge and skills necessary to teach English language learners. Teach English in K-12 settings, intensive English programs, community adult programs, or abroad.

Program type:
Master's Degree
Format:
Online
Est. time to complete:
2+ years
Credit hours:
32
  • Requirements
  • Tuition & Aid
  • How to Apply

Request Information

Why earn a master's in TESOL?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
June 1* | Aug. 10
Summer:
March 1* | May 10
Spring:
Nov. 1* | Jan. 1

*indicates priority deadline

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.


Learn from highly qualified faculty with doctoral degrees and extensive experience in teaching English as a second language. We specialize in teaching English to immigrants, refugees and Native Americans in the United States and to children and adults overseas.

  • 100% online (asynchronous) master's degree program enables you to complete all of your coursework online at the time of day and place of your choice. You are not required to come to campus at any time.
  • Lower tuition costs than comparable online TESOL graduate programs.

Through online classrooms, you'll study coursework, complete exams, listen to lectures, and interact with fellow students. You can focus on general English Language Learners (ELL) or specialize in rural ELL/English as a Second Language (ESL) education. UND also hosts an optional live seminar related to TESOL each semester, either on campus or in conjunction with a regional TESOL conference. UND encourages, but does not require, all students to participate in these opportunities.

Accredited Master's in TESOL Online

The Council of Accreditation for Educator Preparation (CAEP) recognizes that this program adheres to standards set by the International TESOL Association. UND is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

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Master's in TESOL Online

  • Instead of a thesis, you'll complete an independent study or a final project.

  • Design and implement culturally relevant and sustaining instruction that integrates English language development with academic learning.

  • Apply knowledge of linguistics and second language acquisition to instruction and assessment.

  • Address the needs of ELL/ESL students from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

  • Develop skills for teaching those whose first language isn't English with 90-hours of practicum experience. The site for this practicum can be near your home.

  • Enhance your professional skills at 60+ free workshops offered through the UND School of Graduate Studies. Our goal is to provide you with the workforce skills and job search strategies to succeed.

What can you do with a master's in TESOL?

60k

Median annual salary for adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers, 2024

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

31 

States reporting a shortage of teachers for English learners

Congress.gov

ELL / ESL is a thriving field. As a graduate, you'll be eligible for the North Dakota ELL teacher endorsement and may completely or partially fulfill ELL, ESL or TESOL endorsement requirements in other states.

A master’s degree in English language learning will allow you to engage with your students in productive ways.

The master's degree provides you with the knowledge and skills needed to teach bilingual education, adult TESOL education and English abroad. You may teach at a public or private school, community college or community-based organization.

Your proficiency will include understanding the complex linguistic, educational and cultural variables involved in teaching English language learners.

You'll be helping meet the growing need for ELL, ESL and TESOL educators, especially in rural areas. In addition, you'll become a collaborator, leader and advocate for ELL / ESL populations in schools and society.

Master's in TESOL Online Courses

T&L 551. Second Language Acquisition for ELL Teachers. 3 Credits.

This course will explore the socio- and psycho-linguisitic aspects of interlanguage by studying the theories and research of first and second language acquisition. Students will examine the nature of learners and their individual differences during the stages of language development, with a focus on children and K-12 classrooms. F.

T&L 550. Assessment and Evaluation in ELL Education. 3 Credits.

This course combines readings and theoretical discussion of assessment with hands-on experience in assessing ELLs. Students will learn how to use a variety of formal and informal assessments with a focus on how to use assessment data in planning instruction. Topics will include classroom-based assessments, language proficiency testing, testing accommodations for ELLs, and assessment of ELLs for special education and gifted education, and ELL program evaluation.

T&L 537. ELL Methods and Materials. 3 Credits.

This course explores current methods and materials in ELL education, with a focus on teaching academic language and sheltered content instruction. F,S,SS.

T&L 514. Introduction to Multilingual Education. 3 Credits.

This course explores language education models, programs and policies with an emphasis on English language learners (ELLs). Political, legal, historical, and cultural contexts of multilingual education will be discussed with a focus on both U.S. and global challenges.

T&L 523. Literacy Instruction for English Language Learners. 3 Credits.

This course addresses the foundations of teaching English language and literacy to English Language Learners (ELLs). Topics will include practices for reading and writing instruction, vocabulary development, assessment of reading and writing, choosing literature for ELLs, and the incorporation of media and technology in ELL literacy instruction. SS.

T&L 513. Linguistics for ELL Teachers. 3 Credits.

This course introduces the complexities of human language through the study of phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax and semantics. Additional topics addressed include the brain and language, history of the English language, psycholinguistics, writing systems and language in social contexts. SS.

 

 

Master's Degree in TESOL Online

+160

online graduate programs

#1

best online college in North Dakota

Forbes

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Flexible Online TESOL Master's Classes

With asynchronous classes, you do not attend class at a set time. If you need to balance work, family and other commitments, this flexible format allows you to learn anywhere at any time.

Depending on your instructor, you’ll learn online through:

  • Lesson modules
  • Streaming video content
  • Virtual libraries
  • Posted lectures
  • Online simulations

There will be times when you interact with your instructor and classmates through online discussion boards, polls and chat rooms.

Your learning revolves around materials that can be accessed on your own time within a set time frame. However, this is not a self-paced course. You’ll have structure and deadlines.

Top-Tier TESOL Online Education

Over a third of UND's student population is exclusively online; plus, more take a combination of online and on-campus classes. You can feel reassured knowing you won't be alone in your online learning journey, and you'll have resources and services tailored to your needs.

No matter how you customize your online experience, you’ll get the same top-quality education as any other on campus student.

  • Same degree: All online programs are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Your transcript and diploma are exactly the same as our on-campus students.
  • Same classes: You’ll take courses from UND professors, start and end the semesters at the same time and take the same classes as a student on campus.
  • Real interaction: You can ask questions, get feedback and regularly connect with your professors, peers and professionals in the field.
  • Your own academic advisor: As an invaluable go-to, they’re focused on you, your personal success and your future career.
  • Free online tutoring: We're here to help you one-on-one at no cost. Plus, get access to a variety of self-help online study resources.
  • Unlimited academic coaching: Need support to achieve your academic goals or feeling stumped by a tough course? We'll help with everything from stress and time management to improving your memory to achieve higher test scores.
  • Full online access: Dig into virtual research at UND's libraries. Improve your writing skills with online help from the UND Writing Center. Get online access to career services, veteran and military services, financial services and more.
  • 24/7 technical support: UND provides free computer, email and other technical support for all online students.
  • Networking opportunities: Our significant online student population means you’ll have a large pool of peers to connect with. UND has numerous online events and activities to keep you connected.

Best Online College

Our high alumni salaries and job placement rates, with affordable online tuition rates make UND a best-value university for online education. UND's breadth of online programs rivals all other nonprofit universities in the Upper Midwest making UND one of the best online schools in the region.

UND ranks among the best online colleges in the nation for:

  • Affordability
  • Student satisfaction (retention rate)
  • Academic quality (4-year graduate rate)
  • Student outcomes (20-year return on investment per Payscale.com)

 

TESOL master's project of book covers

Leaders in TESOL

TESOL project helps New American families learn English via picture books.

Read About Project

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Explore More Options

Check out the faculty you'll work with at UND or discover additional graduate education opportunities.

  • Department of Teaching, Leadership & Professional Practice
  • Find Similar Programs
Department Contact
Hyonsuk Cho
Graduate Director
P 701.777.3162
hyonsuk.cho@UND.edu

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