Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL)

Master of Education in Teaching English as a Second Language

with/without ESL Program Specialist (PK-12) Certification

ESL Program Specialist (PK-12) Certification

Graduate online programs in TESOL include Master of Education in Teaching English as a Second Language (M.Ed. in TESOL), and ESL Program Specialist (PK-12) Certification.

The M.Ed. in TESOL program has two tracks:

with Pennsylvania ESL Program Specialist (PK-12) Certification. The certification track is for teachers who hold a PA instructional I or II or valid out-of-state ESL certificate and seek to obtain the ESL Program Specialist Certification.
without PA certification. This track is for the individuals who seek to teach ESL in higher education institutions, non public educational agencies, and abroad.

Take advantage of:

online coursework
$516/credit tuition rate, aligned with the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) institutions
rolling admissions
Act 48 credits
post-baccalaureate credits to convert Level I to Level II (permanent)Pennsylvania certification

Master of Education in Teaching ESL with (optional) ESL Program Specialist (PK-12) Certification

Credit Hours	34
Cost per Credit	$516
Transfer Credits Accepted	6
Estimated Program Length	2 years

ESL Program Specialist (PK-12) Certification

Credit Hours	16
Cost per Credit	$516
Transfer Credits Accepted	6
Estimated Program Length	1.5 years

In This Section

Online Programs

Getting Started

Application Instructions

Alvernia uses the rolling admission process: that is, we continually accept and review applications. This provides an advantage of starting the program at your convenience.

How to apply for:

Financing Your Education

Graduate education tuition rate is aligned with the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) institutions.
Tuition payment plan and tuition deferment are available.
For more information, visit alvernia.edu/ Financial Aid for a detailed overview of the process, including a link to complete the FAFSA application (fafsa.gov). AU Title IV Code: 003233.
The Office of Student Financial Services is available to help with any questions you may have. Call 610-796-8201 or email: sfs@alvernia.edu.

Request More Information

Program Overview

Topics of Study

English language development
Research-based practices in providing equitable and inclusive education to emergent bilinguals
Teaching and assessing English language learners
Laws and regulations pertaining English learners
Culturally sensitive, relevant, and responsive teaching
Working with diverse families
School law
Research for educators
Professional ethics

Curriculum: Master of Education with (optional) ESL Program Specialist (PK-12) Certification

The M.Ed. in TESOL curriculum includes the coursework in two areas: TESOL and core master of education courses, total of 11 courses (34 credits), 20 hours of fieldwork, and 40 hours of internship. This curriculum is for the certification and non-certification tracks. Up to 6 graduate credits from another university may be transferred upon approval. Course credits may be used as Act 48 credits.

TESOL Courses (19 credits)

MED 574: Foundations of Teaching English as a Second Language (3 credits, 10 field hours)
MED 576: Structure of American English for Educators (3 credits)
MED 578: Cultural Aspects of Teaching English as a Second Language I (3 credits)
MED 516: Differentiated Instruction for English Language Learners (3 credits)
MED 682: Second Language Acquisition (3 credits, 5 field hours)
MED 684: Instruction and Assessment for English Language Learners (4 credits, 40 internship hours)

Core M.Ed. Courses (15 credits)

COR 520: Ethics and Moral Leadership (3 credits)
MED 518: Quantitative Research Methods (3 credits)
MED 520: Educators as Researchers (3 credits)
MED 610: School Law & Social Advocacy (3 credits)
MED 680: Research Seminar (3 credits)

Curriculum: ESL Program Specialist (PK-12) Certification

The ESL Program Specialist (PK-12) Certification curriculum includes 5 courses (16 credits), 20 hours of fieldwork, and 40 hours of internship. After completing the program, students will be able to apply for the Pennsylvania ESL Program Specialist (PK-12) Certificate (CSPG 68) in the PDE Teacher Management System (TIMS). Up to 6 graduate credits from another university may be transferred upon approval. Course credits may be used as Act 48 credits.

MED 574: Foundations of Teaching English as a Second Language (3 credits, 10 field hours)
MED 576: Structure of American English for Educators (3 credits)
MED 578: Cultural Aspects of Teaching English as a Second Language I (3 credits)
MED 682: Second Language Acquisition (3 credits, 5 field hours)
MED 684: Instruction and Assessment for English Language Learners (4 credits)

Accreditation

The ESL Program Specialist (PK-12) Certification Program is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Alvernia is an accredited institution and a member of the (MSCHE). MSCHE is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Career Outlook

M.Ed. in TESOL with or without PA ESL Program Specialist (PK-12) offers a variety of exciting career paths. After earning your Master of Education or ESL Certification online, you can pursue a variety of careers, including: