M.A. in English as a Second Language

Develop your understanding of how other languages and cultures impact learning and help your students learn English reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The curriculum of the M.A. in English as a Second Language positions you as a teacher leader who creates educational environments that support learners from diverse backgrounds.

The Master of Arts in English as a Second Language program, offered at Saint Mary’s Twin Cities and Rochester, MN locations, is a great fit for either established or new teachers in Minnesota. Minnesota teachers who already hold licensure can complete the requirements necessary to add a Minnesota K–12 ESL license to their credentials. Those who have their bachelor’s degree and are seeking a Minnesota teaching license for the first time will prepare for licensure while focusing ESL.

Licensure preparation involves varying requirements depending on your background.  Initial licensure seekers will complete one year of foundational coursework pertaining to curriculum design, educational technology, classroom management, instructional techniques, and much more.

Besides classes, coursework includes a field experience and student teaching component to ensure that you have practiced your skills under the guidance of a cooperating teacher and university supervisor. 

Courses¹

Program Options

M.A. degree with initial teaching licensure: This degree option allows students without teaching credentials to prepare for initial teacher license while also preparing for Minnesota English as a Second Language licensure. Take all of the above listed courses for a total of 55 credits.

M.A. degree with additional licensure: This degree option is for currently licensed teachers who plan to seek Minnesota English as a Second Language as an additional licensure upon completion of the program. Take the classes listed above except for the Standards of Effective Practice Courses, for a total of 32 credits.

M.A. degree without additional licensure: This degree option is for currently licensed teachers who do not plan to seek Minnesota English as a Second Language as an additional licensure upon completion of the program. Take the classes listed above except for the Standards of Effective Practice Courses, for a total of 32 credits.

Upon completion of the M.A. in ESL, you will be able to:

• Employ a variety of methods, techniques, and program models suitable for second language instruction with diverse learners, including adapting existing materials.
• Facilitate full inclusion of students with limited English proficiency in the school setting.
• Communicate successfully with students, parents, colleagues, and community members
• Develop communication instruction in the second language context.
• Determine student readiness for and appropriate placement in limited English proficiency programs, and to evaluate their progress.
• Understand how the historical, social, and political aspects of language and cultural patterns in the United States influence second language instruction.
• Integrate an understanding of English as a second language with an understanding of pedagogy, students, learning, classroom management, and professional development.

A cohort model allows for a small team of students to collaborate in convenient locations across the state. Additional online instruction and activities supplement these face-to-face interactions. Cohorts are currently offered at our Twin Cities campus and at off-campus sites throughout the state.