Master's in ESL

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Massachusetts TESOL Programs and Requirements

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Featured Programs:
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Arizona State University Logo
Arizona State University
Featured Program: Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages, MTESOL
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Liberty University Logo
Liberty University
Featured Program: Online Master of Arts in Teaching English as a Second Language
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George Mason University Logo
George Mason University
Featured Program: MEd in Curriculum and Instruction, Concentration in TESOL
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Purdue University Logo
Purdue University
Featured Program: Online MS in Education in Curriculum and Instruction
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Capella University Logo
Capella University
Featured Program: Online MS in English Language Learning and Teaching
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Greenville University
Featured Program: Master of Arts in Education - Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL)
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Illinois College
Featured Program: English as a Second Language Endorsement Online
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Only New York and California offer more TESOL degree, ESL teacher certification, and applied linguistics graduate programs than Massachusetts. In addition, Massachusetts institutions have flexibility in their program delivery formats, including on-campus, hybrid, and online-only courses of study. Many Massachusetts programs incorporate ESL teacher certification or endorsements within their Master of Arts TESOL degrees.

ESL Teacher Certification

According to DESE’s English Language Learners Teacher Qualifications guide, teachers of ESL and sheltered English immersion programs must have coursework in second language acquisition, sheltering core content, ESL assessment, and integrating reading and writing in the sheltered content environment. Teachers may earn licenses or endorsements in English as a Second Language, at either the PreK-6 or 5-12 level.

Alternative Certification Options

DESE operates a waiver program that allows candidates to complete state licensure requirements while working in a K-12 public school. The Licensure guide describes how current employees can apply for a waiver. DESE also keeps a list of Educator Preparation Programs that includes Alternative and Practice-Based Licensure Programs. Use the online Licensure Help tool to view the latest requirements for the field, grade, and type of educator license or endorsement you seek.

Master’s in TESOL Programs

Gordon College offers the only graduate education program in the state that has a Master of Arts in TESOL track that has earned the commendation of the 2013 National Council on Teacher Quality, the Master of Education in English as Second Language. Students in the master’s program choose one of two tracks, initial teaching ESL certification or an ESL certificate endorsement. University of Massachusetts Boston offers two tracks for itsMaster of Arts in Applied Linguistics programs: on-campus or completely online. Students in the campus-based program have the opportunity to integrate TESOL coursework into their studies so they can earn an English as a Second Language (ESL) Teaching License PK-6 and 5-12.

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Site Editor

Serena Makofsky
Serena Makofsky is a bilingual educator and curriculum designer with over a decade of experience. She has written articles, books, blog posts, units, and assessments for ESL and EFL educators and students. Her interests include innovative teaching practices, speaking Spanish, world cultures, and travel.
Our site does not feature every educational option available on the market. We encourage you to perform your own independent research before making any education decisions. Many listings are from partners who compensate us, which may influence which programs we write about. Learn more about us

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