Master of Social Work - Traditional
The traditional Master of Social Work (MSW) program at the University at Buffalo is des...
M.Ed. in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
Buffalo, New York
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.Ed. in TESOL at UB is a 33-credit hour program, typically completed within two to three full-time semesters. The program aims to provide students with a strong theoretical understanding of second language acquisition and practical, research-informed approaches to teaching English. A key component of the program is a semester-long practicum, which offers invaluable hands-on classroom experience, allowing students to refine their teaching skills under supervision. The program is designed to meet the needs of those who wish to teach in college-level ESL programs, adult-level ESL programs for immigrants and refugees in the United States, and at all educational levels internationally.
Curriculum: The 33-credit curriculum for the M.Ed. in TESOL is structured to provide a comprehensive foundation in the core areas of TESOL. Required courses (15-18 credits) typically include "Linguistics for L2 Educators," "TESOL Methods and Materials," "Principles of Language Acquisition, 1st & 2nd," "Pedagogical Grammar of English," and the crucial "TESOL Practicum." "Academic Language Writing/Literacy" is also required for international students unless waived. Students with adequate preparation in linguistics may waive "Linguistics for L2 Educators" to take an elective. The program also requires students to select at least three additional courses (9 credits) from options like "Understanding & Teaching L2 Culture," "Assessing Second Language Proficiency," "ESL Literacy: Reading Focus," and "L2 Literacy: Focus Writing." Elective courses can be chosen from within or outside the second language area, including fields such as anthropology, comparative education, educational psychology, foreign languages, and linguistics, allowing for breadth and depth in preparation.
Research Focus: The M.Ed. in TESOL at UB fosters a practical, research-informed approach to teaching. The program actively engages with current theory and research in applied linguistics, educational theory, and second language acquisition. While it is a professional teaching degree, the curriculum ensures that students develop a strong understanding of research methodologies and how to apply best practices derived from research in their teaching. Faculty members often conduct research on topics such as second language acquisition, pedagogical effectiveness, language assessment, and culturally responsive teaching. Students are encouraged to develop critical thinking skills to analyze research and inform their pedagogical decisions, contributing to an evidence-based approach to language education.
Industry Engagement: The M.Ed. in TESOL program at UB is highly focused on preparing graduates for direct entry into the professional field of English language teaching. The program is recognized as a terminal professional degree for those seeking opportunities in national and international ESL/ENL education. The required semester-long practicum provides essential hands-on experience in real classrooms, giving students practical skills and networking opportunities. Graduates are well-prepared for roles in diverse settings, including college-level ESL programs, adult education programs for immigrants and refugees, and international schools and universities. The program's comprehensive training directly aligns with the demands of the global English language teaching industry.
Global Perspective: The M.Ed. in TESOL at UB inherently boasts a strong global perspective, as its core purpose is to prepare educators to teach English to speakers of other languages, often in international contexts. The program explicitly prepares graduates to teach at "all levels internationally." The curriculum includes courses like "Understanding & Teaching L2 Culture," emphasizing the importance of cultural context in language learning and teaching. The diverse student body within the Graduate School of Education, including peers from various educational fields, fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and provides valuable perspectives on global educational approaches. This strong international focus ensures graduates are well-equipped to work effectively with diverse learners from various linguistic and cultural backgrounds worldwide.
Location
Buffalo, New York
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 28210
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 90 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 61 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 120.
The University at Buffalo (UB) offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically aimed at supporting international students who wish to pursue their studies in the United States. These scholarships are designed to reward academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement, helping to make education more affordable for talented students worldwide.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UB provides competitive merit scholarships to outstanding international undergraduate and graduate students. Awards such as the International Student Academic Excellence Scholarship recognize high-achieving students based on their academic records, standardized test scores, and extracurricular involvement.
Graduate Fellowships and Assistantships: Graduate international students can apply for teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and fellowships which offer tuition remission and stipends. These opportunities allow students to gain valuable teaching and research experience while offsetting the cost of their education.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at UB offer scholarships tailored to students in specific programs or fields of study. These awards may consider academic merit, research interests, or financial need.
External Scholarships: UB encourages international students to explore external scholarship options from private organizations, governments, and international foundations that support study in the U.S. The university’s International Student Services office provides guidance on identifying and applying for such funding sources.
Graduates with an M.Ed. in TESOL from UB are highly skilled and sought after for a variety of roles in English language education, both domestically and globally.
ESL/EFL Instructor (Higher Education): Teach English as a Second Language (ESL) at universities or colleges in the U.S., or English as a Foreign Language (EFL) in universities abroad.
Adult ESL Program Coordinator/Instructor: Teach English to adult immigrants and refugees in community centers, non-profit organizations, or government-funded programs.
International School English Teacher: Teach English to non-native speakers in private international schools worldwide, from elementary to secondary levels.
Language Program Director/Coordinator: Manage and administer English language programs in academic institutions, language schools, or private companies.
Curriculum Developer (TESOL): Design and create English language teaching materials, lesson plans, and full curricula for various educational contexts.
ESL/EFL Teacher Trainer: Train new or experienced English language teachers in effective pedagogical methods, second language acquisition theory, and classroom management.
Assessment Specialist (ESL/EFL): Develop, administer, and interpret English language proficiency tests for placement or evaluation purposes.
Academic Language Support Specialist: Work with international students or multilingual learners in content-area courses to help them develop academic language skills.
Online ESL/EFL Instructor: Teach English remotely to students globally through online platforms and virtual classrooms.
Educational Consultant (TESOL): Provide expert advice to educational institutions, governments, or private companies on best practices in English language teaching and program development.
