English for Speakers of Other Languages Graduate Program (Online)

Students can choose to pursue a Master of Education in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) or an Alternative Master of Education in ESOL. Both programs are offered fully online. A master鈥檚 degree in English for Speakers of Other Languages from South provides graduates with the latest research based principles and intensive linguistics study for advancing the fluency of English language learners.

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Program Overview

Courses include Fundamentals of Teaching ESL, Linguistic Theory and Application, Cultural Issues of Learning English as a Second Language, Models of ESL Instruction, Teaching Writing Skills in English, Advancing Reading Fluency in English, Increasing Oral Language Skills, Choosing Materials for Teaching English as a Second Language, and many more. Whether students are participating in online discussions or watching lectures and demonstrations in a real ESL classroom while learning about the latest practices for advancing the fluency of English language learners, students are sure to gain a deep understanding of the many different theories and practices of language acquisition as well as a rich understanding of the linguistics of the English language, including societal and cultural influences on language learning.

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) M.Ed. (Online)

ESOL M.Ed. Course of Study

鈻� Admission Requirements for ESOL M.Ed.

A bachelor鈥檚 degree from an accredited institution of higher education.*USA students applying to a USA graduate program in the College of Education and Professional Studies should complete a transcript request form (PDF) found on the University Registrar's Office website.

In the Name/Organization field for the transcript recipient write, "USA Graduate School". There is no charge associated with this request. This option applies only to USA transcripts for students applying to USA graduate programs.

GPA Requirement: A minimum overall grade-point-average (GPA) of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale based on the GPA used as the basis for granting the degree and posted on the official transcript from a regionally accredited institution at the time the degree was earned OR a 2.5 GPA on the last 60 semester hours of undergraduate course work posted on the official transcript from a regionally accredited institution at the time the degree was earned.

GPA Exception: Individuals who have earned a bachelor 's degree from a regionally accredited institution at the time the degree was earned and who do not have a qualifying GPA for admission may seek admission based on a qualifying score of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT). For the GRE, this standard is defined as having a score at the 50th percentile on all of the following subtests: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. For the Miller Analogies Test, students must have a score at or above the 50th percentile based on the total group percentile rank score. For Alternative Class A programs, applicants must submit a qualifying alternate score on the Alabama-prescribed Praxis subject-area test.

A valid bachelor鈥檚-level Class B Professional Educator Certificate in any teaching field.
Personal statement on applicant's career goals and purpose for graduate study.

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Alt. M.Ed. (Online)

ESOL Alt. M.Ed. Course of Study

The Alternative Master of Education (Alt. M.Ed.) leading to certification in ESOL is a 42-hour fully online program that prepares those individuals who do not have a prior background or teaching certificate in education, to teach in the P-12 setting. Upon completion of the program, students are eligible for Class A, P-12 ESOL certification.

鈻� Frequently Asked Questions

When does the Alt. Masters of Education program begin?
Students are admitted into the program every semester (Spring, Summer, and Fall).
How long does the program take to complete?
The program is 42 credit hours (14 courses. Courses are readily available every semester allowing students to take a full load (9 hrs) without difficulty. The amount of time to complete the program depends upon how many courses are taken each semester. Students taking a full load (9 hours a semester) can expect to finish in 5-6 semesters while those who are working or have other responsibilities along with school may take a bit longer.
Will I be able to keep working while taking classes?
All of the education courses (except practicum and student teaching) are offered online. As a result, most students are able to maintain full-time employment until their final semester of student teaching.

鈻� Admission Requirements for ESOL Alt. M.Ed.

A bachelor鈥檚 degree from an accredited institution of higher education.

Official transcripts* can be sent by mail or electronically. *USA students applying to a USA graduate program in the College of Education and Professional Studies should complete a transcript request form (PDF) found on the University Registrar's Office website.

In the Name/Organization field for the transcript recipient write, "USA Graduate School". There is no charge associated with this request. This option applies only to USA transcripts for students applying to USA graduate programs.

GPA Requirement: A bachelor鈥檚 degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum overall GPA of 2.5 or a master鈥檚 or higher degree with a GPA of at least 3.0. This GPA must be documented on the official transcript of the degree granting institution and must be the GPA that was used as the basis for granting the degree, not a GPA that includes post-degree courses.

GPA Exception for unconditional admission to Alternative Class A State Department of Education-approved programs: Individuals who have earned a bachelor 's degree from a regionally accredited institution at the time the degree was earned and do not meet the minimum overall undergraduate GPA of 2.5, but have at least a 2.0 overall undergraduate GPA, may seek provisional admission to an Alternative Class A program if the alternate score on the Alabama prescribed Praxis subject-area test is obtained. The alternate scores can be found on the Alternate Score Requirements document at www.alsde.edu (Department Offices: Educator Assessment: Educator Assessment Policies). The ONLY tests and scores accepted are those listed on the Alternate Score Requirements document. All other requirements for admission must also be met.

Clear Alabama State Department of Education background check.

Complete Option 1: Passing score on the or Option 2: An academic major in English, Reading, or Foreign Language or an academic major in Communications with 19 hours in upper-division English, Reading, or Foreign Languages; or 32 semester hours with a minimum of 19 hours in upper-division English, Reading, or Foreign Languages.