Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

Earn your ESL program Specialist Certification in as just three semesters, or a TESOL Master’s degree in just five semesters, in our new seven-week format. The 30-credit Master of Science in Education with a major in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) will qualify educators to teach others whose first language is not English. Graduates will be prepared to instruct and serve as administrators in K-12 School districts or abroad.

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Program Snapshot

Program Type	Format	Credit Hours
Master's Degree	Online	30

Why Study TESOL at Wilkes?

The world is becoming more linguistically diverse and there’s a growing demand for teachers equipped with training and experience in teaching English as a second language, both in the K-12 and international market. Projected through 2030, jobs in the TESOL/ESL fields are expected to increase by 11 to 14%.

Having a master’s in TESOL will greatly expand your career opportunities, opening doors to teaching in a variety of domestic and international settings. Explore pathways to work in K-12 classrooms, community colleges, universities, or within government organizations.

TESOL International Association’s position is that the Master of Science in Education with a major in TESOL (or a related area) is considered the terminal degree for teaching positions in English as a second, foreign, or additional language. Having a master's degree in TESOL denotes a well prepared and properly trained professional in the field.

What Will You Learn as a TESOL Student?

You’ll learn various approaches to second language learning and teaching, and how to apply them to the learners' individual needs, both in K-12 schools in the U.S. and internationally, as well as how to formulate, design, teach and assess second language lesson plans and curriculum to assist students in acquiring essential second language skills.
You’ll establish a foundation in linguistic terminology, second language assessment, intercultural communication and pragmatic theory in the second language classroom, and learn to evaluate the latest theoretical constructs and research findings in the areas of listening, speaking, reading and writing.
You’ll examine and apply theories of second language acquisition and sociolinguistics, to lesson planning, classroom instruction, curricular development, program development and assessment, as well as second language syllabus design, needs analysis, curriculum design, and assessment techniques.
You’ll incorporate technology and computer assisted language learning to lesson planning and learn how to evaluate other second language professionals, and build strong second language programs.

Thank you for your interest in Wilkes University's Graduate Education programs! To learn more about our program please complete the form. If you have questions, or wish to discuss your education goals, please contact:

Tony Roma
anthony.roma@wilkes.edu
(570) 574-4886

Program Highlights

Actionable Insights

The program maintains a strong focus on taking the latest theories in the field of second language teaching and learning, and applying them to practice. Specially crafted field experiences also enable students to take what they are learning in class and apply it immediately.

Experienced Faculty

Our TESOL program faculty all have both international and domestic experience teaching English as a Second and Foreign language, and are highly qualified experts in the field, and all are proficient in a second language themselves.

Diverse Experiences

Whether you’re eager to expand your skills as a K-12 teacher or pursue a career in teaching internationally, Wilkes has designed our program to address the unique goals of every student. You’ll learn alongside educators both here and abroad.

Meet the Demand

There is a fast-growing demand for teaching English as a secondary language. Wilkes' fully online TESOL program will let you learn with a close-knit community of teachers, staff and students as you learn how to effectively teach English as a second language.

Tuition & Aid

Tuition for graduate programs in education for the 2024-25 academic year is $571 per credit, or $1,713 per course. Deferment is available for employers who reimburse tuition and financial aid is available for those who qualify.

Careers & Outcomes

Graduates of our program will be prepared to teach and serve as administrators in a variety of educational settings, including K-12 public schools, colleges and universities, community colleges, Intensive English Programs or private language schools. Having advanced training in teaching English to speakers of other languages also opens up opportunities in private industry, working with business-sponsored English programs, both in the U.S. and internationally.

Employers: Northampton Community College, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University in Japan, Berwick Area High School, Allentown Area School District, Philadelphia Area School District, Hazleton Area School District, U.S. Government

Job Titles: TESOL Teaching Material Writer, TESOL Teaching Material Editor, K-12 ESL Administrator, Private Tutor, ESL/TESOL Program Director, English as a Foreign Language Instructor

Certificate Only Option (Non-Degree Seeking)

Pennsylvania teachers with an instructional certificate may obtain the ESL Program Specialist designation by completing the first five courses of the master’s program, and 60 hours of field experience. Field experiences are structured by the course instructor and allow full time working teachers to easily meet the necessary requirements. All field experiences take place live.

Please note that the ESL Program Specialist certification is not a stand-alone instructional certificate in Pennsylvania, therefore you must have a Bachelor’s degree in Education and be a fully certified teacher in the State of PA to obtain this certification. Upon successful completion of the first five courses, whether or not you continue to pursue the master’s degree, you may request the specialist designation from the PDE by applying through the TIMS system.

Students, not possessing instructional level 1 or 2 certification are eligible to receive a letter of endorsement after successful completion of the first five courses.