The Master of Science in Education in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages provides students with the knowledge base and practical skills related to English as a Second Language (ESL) acquisition by English language learners (ELLs). The emphasis is on developing proficiency and literacy in English as a Second Language and/or English as a Foreign Language. The program provides practitioners with the skills needed to assess language and implement instruction to improve learners’ proficiency for competent second language use.
The MSEd in TESOL is the only degree of its kind in Maine and is designed to accommodate the needs and goals of a wide range of ESL professionals working with culturally and linguistically diverse students, including K-12 teachers, adult educators, and those who teach or want to teach abroad. International students are encouraged to apply. This 30-credit program may be completed in one year with careful planning alongside a faculty advisor and summer or fall matriculation. The TESOL practicum (EDU 623) provides students with numerous and varied placement opportunities and can be completed in the United States or overseas. Many courses are offered fully online or in blended formats.
The program offers courses in different delivery modes, such as online, and on campus.
There are two pathways for the TESOL program:
- A format that offers blended and on-campus courses are offered in 15-week format in fall and spring, and one-week and 7-week formats in the summer.
- An accelerated online MSEd in TESOL with a special tuition rate offers courses in 7-week format year-round.
This program does not lead to initial K-12 ESL teacher certification in Maine. It does lead to a Maine K-12 ESL endorsement for educators who are already certified to teach in Maine in another content area or grade level.
