You probably know already how unusual and necessary teachers of ELL students must be. At the same time, this may not be the optimal time of your life to take that step to complete the degree that puts you where you should be: working with those in need and being paid more comfortably for it than you can be now.
What do these colleges have for you? Clear evidence of online support; measurable affordability; and flexible scheduling, which has increased as of late.
Online study has come so far so recently that you may find it more to your liking than you would have even five years ago. Among the tweaks and improvements that come from vast resources, at an international level, to render what was previously an incomplete simulation of in-person teaching and learning–now is more likely an integrated experience based upon your interests and schedule. The following schools on this list must have programs that have made strides in online pedagogy in teaching you how to teach English, and at the theoretical level that will make you a better teacher, student, and representative of your own interests.
We compiled this list of the top 15 online ELL master’s programs for 2020 by looking at the criteria broken down below.
US News and World Report Ranking:
- Top 25 and under – 5 points
- Top 50 and under – 4 points
- Top 125 and under – 3 points
- Top 200 and under – 2 points
- Top 250 and under – 1 point
Hourly Tuition Rate:
- $300 and below – 5 points
- $600 and below – 4 points
- $900 and below – 3 points
- $1,200 and below – 2 points
- Above $1,200 – 1 point
NCATE/CAEP Accreditation of the Graduate Program: 3 point
Regional Accreditation: 5 points
#15 – University of Southern California
Los Angeles, California
Online MA in TESOL
USNWR Online Graduate Education Ranking: not ranked
NCATE/CAEP Graduate Program Accreditation: Yes
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $1,666
Points: 9
Website
Taking your studies online at the University of Southern California for the master of arts in TESOL should be worth the investment for the innovative programs and strong southern California teaching and multilingual environment that might be just right for the sort that can envisage not just local but international communities on the horizon. The MA in TESOL program delivered by the University of Southern California online. Careers suggested by the site range from elementary school language centers to educational governmental agencies.
#14 – Spring Arbor University
Spring Arbor Michigan
MA in TESOL Online
USNWR Online Graduate Education Ranking: not ranked
NCATE/CAEP Graduate Program Accreditation: No
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $588
Points: 9
Website
Established in 1873, Spring Arbor University has joined distance learning revolution online master of arts in TESOL. Spring Arbor University’s online MA in TESOL avails students of two tracks: Adolescent and Adult Education; or K-12, which requires teaching certification. Whichever you choose, the program features courses such as Linguistics for Teachers of English and Cross Cultural Competence, and Assessment and Evaluation. You should be aware of how highly ranked the school is, especially among online Christian ones.
#13 – Murray State University
Murray, Kentucky
Online MA in TESOL
USNWR Online Graduate Education Ranking: not ranked
NCATE/CAEP Graduate Program Accreditation: No
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $544
Points: 9
Website
At Murray State University, an online master of arts in TESOL has grown and become part of the broader distance learning community. The school suggests between 24 and 36 months to complete the degree. The Murray State University online MA in TESOL can be completed at the part-time pace, fully online, and is notably a regularly requested teaching position locally and abroad. Positions suggested for graduates: from community college to industry English prep programs to younger and college-age international students abroad.
#12 – Texas A&M University
College Station, Texas
Online MEd in Bilingual Education
USNWR Online Graduate Education Ranking: 16
NCATE/CAEP Graduate Program Accreditation: No
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $1,475.15
Points: 11
Website
Those in the Texas A&M University online master of education in bilingual education are asked to be ready to immerse themselves in bilingual localities as well as language and international centers abroad that need the help. Texas A&M University MEd in bilingual education is a 36 credit, fully online program that grounds students in multilingual environments by maintaining a core course list that includes bilingual assessment and monitoring, techniques of research, and dual-language programs methodologies. Also, pragmatic experience is to be gained in field practicum.
#11 – Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
MSEd with a specialization in TESOL Online
USNWR Online Graduate Education Ranking: 166
NCATE/CAEP Graduate Program Accreditation: Yes
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $1,025
Points: 12
Website
Most of your time in the online Nova Southeastern University master of science in education with a specialization in TESOL will be in core courses, including testing & evaluation and applied linguistics. Electives include methodology, comparative international education, and international Englishes. Much like you do in other programs, you will be required to do applied academic work in the field. To get into Nova Southeastern University’s online MSEd with a specialization in TESOL, you will need at least a 2.5 GPA and recent GRE or GMAT test scores in the 50th percentile or better.
#10 – Webster University
Webster Groves, Missouri
MA in TESOL Online
USNWR Online Graduate Education Ranking: 222
NCATE/CAEP Graduate Program Accreditation: Yes
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $780
Points: 12
Website
Students considering entering the master of arts in teaching at Webster University online should note the two main tracks available: ESL/EFL education emphasis, which is designed for those considering teaching abroad; and the K-12 ELL education focus, which requires licensure.
The MA in TESOL at Webster University balances academic theories of second language acquisition, curriculum design, and the English language system with practical classroom techniques based in pragmatic and standards-based strategies. To get into Webster, you will need proof you have graduated from a 4-year institution with at least a 2.5 GPA.
#9 – Arkansas Tech University
Russellville, Arkansas
Online MS in the Art of Teaching English
USNWR Online Graduate Education Ranking: not ranked
NCATE/CAEP Graduate Program Accreditation: Yes
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $584
Points: 12
Website
Arkansas Tech University online master of science in the art of teaching English includes coursework such as second language acquisition, ESL assessment, and teaching people of other cultures. Electives range from instructional strategies to literature and society. To complete your online MS degree in the art of teaching English at Arkansas Tech University, you will be required to take exams based on three of your courses; an approximate 3.0 GPA; and some in-person study. If you are licensed and take a practicum, you may be able to avoid exams.
#8 – Azusa Pacific University
Azusa, California
Online MA in TESOL
USNWR Online Graduate Education Ranking: not ranked
NCATE/CAEP Graduate Program Accreditation: Yes
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $555
Points: 12
Website
Azusa Pacific University offers an online master’s degree in teaching English to speakers of other languages. Students in-program benefit from the experience of active scholars and model practitioners in the field. Azusa Pacific University has designed an online version of the MA-TESOL to be suitable for distance students. All options require rigorous study of theory and thorough preparation for teaching in a range of environments. The school site highlights one recent alumnus who earned a Fulbright fellowship, befitting the Tier One status of the university.
#7 – Hamline University
Minneapolis, Minnesota
MA in TESOL Online
USNWR Online Graduate Education Ranking: not ranked
NCATE/CAEP Graduate Program Accreditation: Yes
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $527
Points: 12
Website
For the 30-credit Hamline University online master of arts in TESOL, you will complete six core courses but eventually settle upon one of two directions: teaching K-12 or adult students. The site proclaims complete course selection that meets the needs of both online and in-person graduate students. Hamline University Online MA in TESOL emphasizes social equity and linguistic diversity, the core of teaching in a TESOL position. Graduate students also have diverse needs, of course, and these needs are met with flexible schedules and unconventional start and end dates.
#6 – Emporia State University
Emporia, Kansas
Online MA in TESOL
USNWR Online Graduate Education Ranking: not ranked
NCATE/CAEP Graduate Program Accreditation: Yes
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $480.82
Points: 12
Website
To be accepted into Emporia State University’s online master of arts in TESOL, you will need to have a minimum GPA of 2.75. Core courses make up 21 hours, from Intro to Graduate Research to Practicum. Electives may direct you toward more linguistic or a more rhetoric-focused elective selection. Emporia State University online MA in TESOL seeks to help you complete the mission of becoming a professional that will provide valuable service and adapt to most environments, a crucial skill those in TESOL.
#5 – Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, Utah
MA in English Language Learning Online
USNWR Online Graduate Education Ranking: not ranked
NCATE/CAEP Graduate Program Accreditation: Yes
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $432 (see below)
Points: 12
Website
Western Governors University is a private, non-profit institution that has pioneered online education and continues to set standards for affordability and attention to student needs of distance learners. Nationally recognized by TESOL’s International Association,
The online MA in ELL program at Western Governors University includes a number of innovative options, though the signature feature is the school’s six-month terms. The university site claims that 74% of graduates complete degrees with 6-25 months. WGU charges $3,240 per six-month term, we divided this number by 7.5 to reach the hourly figure cited above.
#4 – Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, Arizona
MEd in ESL and Bilingual Education Online
USNWR Online Graduate Education Ranking: 126
NCATE/CAEP Graduate Program Accreditation: Yes
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $575
Points: 14
Website
The Northern Arizona University master of education in ESL and bilingual education online requires students to take courses such as foundations of ESL instruction and fieldwork experience to prepare them for what may be their first teaching experiences. To complete your degree you will need to finish with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and do so in less than 6 years. To get into the online Northern Arizona University MEd in ESL and bilingual education, students should complete an online application and [provide evidence of a 3.0 or better undergraduate GPA. Positions for graduates, suggested on the school site, include bilingual instructor, ESL teacher, and curriculum specialist, among others.
#3 – Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw, Georgia
Online MEd in TESOL
USNWR Online Graduate Education Ranking: 200
NCATE/CAEP Graduate Program Accreditation: Yes
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $383
Points: 14
Website
Kennesaw State University’s online master of education in TESOL should take between 18 and 24 months to develop a professional level of expertise to work in a range of locations and for those that need the help in an increasingly diverse place like Georgia. After only 2 semesters you will receive an ESOL Endorsement. If you have transfer or job-related training, you can get your prior learning and experience assessed (PLA) for possible college credit.
#2 – Concordia University Nebraska
Seward, Nebraska
MEd in TESOL Online
USNWR Online Graduate Education Ranking: 89
NCATE/CAEP Graduate Program Accreditation: Yes
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $425
Points: 15
Website
Emphasizing being “hassle free,” Concordia University Nebraska features an online master of education in TESOL that runs on 8 week course terms. To get in, you need to complete that degree application, submit a letter of intent and up-to-date resume/CV. Notably, tuition for those at Concordia University Nebraska online MEd in TESOL is particularly inexpensive. Also, student-friendly is the ease of transfer credit, as long as it is above a 3.0 GPA. Founded in 1894, among the church-affiliated schools this one probably does not ask much of unaffiliated students, in regard to non-degree related religious coursework.
#1 – Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, Texas
Online MEd in TESOL
USNWR Online Graduate Education Ranking: 46
NCATE/CAEP Graduate Program Accreditation: Yes
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $502.75
Points: 16
Website
In structuring their graduate programs, Sam Houston State University has put together an online master of education in TESOL flexible enough to treat all accredited courses equally in the eyes of the department. Also, Sam Houston State University boasts having one of the better-ranked online MEd in TESOL degree programs for the distinctive quality and openness to transfer credit. When taking classes the typical course load is nine credits. To apply you will need proof of your undergraduate degree, writing samples, and letters of reference.
By TED Staff
September 2019
