Educators who are qualified to teach English as a Second Language (ESL) are in high demand at all levels of education, from preschool into adulthood. Earning an advanced degree with an emphasis in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) will open up new opportunities and advance your teaching career.
The University of Southern Maine offers an affordable, online Master of Science in Education (MSEd) in TESOL. The 30 hours of coursework focuses on pedagogy and theory, research methods and practical application, and students can complete the program in 10 months.
What Will I Study in USM’s Online MSEd in TESOL?
This degree program is designed to provide educators with the comprehensive combination of knowledge and skills necessary to teach English Language Learners (ELLs). This involves the in-depth study of the English language and generalized linguistics as applied to second language acquisition. Cross-cultural communication and diversity studies are emphasized as central components of facilitating second language acquisition.
Coursework focuses on developing and adapting curriculum, instruction, assessment and content to address the specific needs of ELLs. Courses in teaching reading and writing to ELLs tackle various linguistic learning challenges, differentiating between first and second language development.
MSEd in TESOL students also investigate research methods, focusing on real-time application of literacy research to the classroom environment. This helps teachers continually improve and adapt their ESL teaching techniques to advance student learning and second language acquisition.
Experiential application is carried one step further through a TESOL practicum course. The benefit of the online model of this practicum experience is that working educators can apply what they learn immediately in their classrooms.
Who Can Benefit From Earning an MSEd in TESOL From USM?
USM’s MSEd in TESOL program is especially well suited for ESL teachers, whether working domestically or abroad. In fact, USM’s MSEd in TESOL meets the ESL teacher endorsement requirements for Maine educators with a teacher certification.
A GRE score is not required for admission to this online program. Removing this potentially time-consuming hurdle to earning a master’s can increase access to educational attainment for busy teachers.
What Are the Benefits of Earning an MSEd in TESOL Online?
USM’s online MSEd in TESOL is affordable and accelerated in design. Each of the 10 required courses is condensed into seven weeks. With multiple program and course start dates, it is possible for students to earn their MSEd degree in as few as 10 months.
The flexibility of the online model also comes with significant, additional cost savings. Online students can complete their coursework anytime from anywhere, on their own schedules. There are no additional childcare costs while at class and no moving or travel expenses often incurred when attending on-campus classes.
Perhaps the most important benefit of completing an online degree is educators can continue working, avoiding substantial “opportunity costs,” including potential lost wages or missed promotions while attending school.
USM’s MSEd in TESOL provides a convenient and affordable path for working teachers looking to advance their education and careers. By completing the intensive study, teachers strengthen their teaching practice in ESL curriculum and instruction design, research and methodology. In turn, these teachers further the primary goal of the field — helping ELLs acquire English literacy and succeed in their academic and personal lives.
Learn more about the University of Southern Maine’s online Master of Science in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) program.
Sources:
TESOL International Association: Beginning Your Career
TESOL International Association: Choosing a Master’s Program
Chron: The Advantages of TESOL
U.S. News & World Report: 4 Reasons Online Learning Works Well for Working Adults
U.S. News & World Report: Online English Language Learning Master’s Degree
U.S. News & World Report: 3 Academic Advantages of Online Programs
U.S. News & World Report: Weight the Cost, Benefits of Graduate School
Forbes: How to Decide if Graduate School Is Worth Your Investment
U.S. News & World Report: Calculate the True Cost of an Online Degree
