Education, TESOL (MSEd, MA, certificate)

Program Overview

Whether you are a globetrotter who is also passionate about education or a certified teacher who wants to expand your professional repertoire, the Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) graduate program at the Binghamton University Department of Teaching, Learning and Educational Leadership (TLEL) can help meet your needs. The TESOL program offers the Master of Science in Education (MSEd) and the Master of Arts (MA) degrees. The MA enables graduates to teach in English as a Second Language (ESL) programs on college campuses or in other English programs across the globe. This track is also suitable for international students who wish to be involved in English education around the world, such as ESL programs in higher education or other intensive English programs. The MSEd is designed for those who are already certified and are looking to teach English Language Learners (ELLs) in K-12 settings.

Students will be immersed in multi-layered theoretical and practical approaches to teaching English as a second language, from language acquisition and literacy development to effective ESL pedagogies and history about ELLs. Students taking classes full-time will complete this program in just three semesters, with their studies culminating in either a capstone project or master’s thesis.

We also offer advanced certificates in TESOL and TESOL CR ITI. These exclusively online programs are designed for teachers who are certified (or becoming certified) and are seeking New York State certification in ESOL. The courses required for this certificate can be transferred to the MSEd in TESOL program.

Degrees Offered

• MSEd in TESOL
• MA in TESOL
• certificate in Clinically Rich Intensive Teacher Institute in English as a Second Language
• certificate in TESOL Advanced Certificate

Internships, Research Opportunities and More

Students are assigned a faculty advisor who will offer guidance throughout their academic career. Our lively curriculum reflects the rapidly changing needs of the national population by including language teaching in global perspectives, technology-enhanced language teaching, and courses embedded in field experience.

In addition to regular coursework, fieldwork and student teaching are important components of the program. The program boasts strong content speciality as well as diverse student and faculty backgrounds. Faculty advisors and office staff are eager to assist students in tailoring their courses of study and field placements. Students are encouraged to take advantage of a well-established network of alumni and professional connections that will help with field visits and placements. There are urban, suburban and rural schools with student teaching opportunities in close proximity.

After You Graduate

The completion of the MA degree allows graduates to work in ESL programs on college campuses, while earning the MSEd and meeting other requirements leads to New York State certification as a TESOL teacher. Employment opportunities for teachers have improved significantly over the last few years. Alumni of our programs in education teach at numerous schools regionally and around the country. Due to strict licensure rules, a New York State teaching license is well respected across the nation. Typically, graduates of the programs easily find employment as teachers in other states.

Admissions Requirements

To be eligible for graduate study, you must:

• Provide a complete set of your undergraduate (and, if applicable, graduate) transcripts showing one of the following:
  • You have earned a bachelor's degree (or its equivalent) from a nationally or regionally accredited college or university
  • You are within one academic year of earning a bachelor’s degree (or its equivalent) from a nationally or regionally accredited college or university
  • You are eligible to apply as part of a memorandum of understanding between your current institution and Binghamton University
• Have earned, at minimum, one of the following:
  • A 3.0 GPA over your entire undergraduate career
  • A 3.0 GPA during your last 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits of your undergraduate degree, with most courses graded regularly (not as "pass/fail")
  • A 3.0 GPA in a graduate degree, with most courses graded regularly (not as "pass/fail")
  • In consideration of the different grading scales used around the world, each academic department evaluates international transcripts to determine on a case-by-case basis whether they demonstrate one of the above requirements.

To apply, you must submit the following materials. For general guidelines for these materials, see the Admission Requirements website. While we make every effort to update these program pages, we recommend that you visit the TLEL Admissions website for additional information.

• Online graduate degree application with graduate degree application fee
• Transcripts from each college or university that you have attended
• Personal statement
  • Please see the TLEL Admissions website for additional information about the personal statement.
• Résumé or curriculum vitae
• Two letters of recommendations
  • The department will accept additional letters of recommendation.
• For MSEd (advanced certification) applicants: Teaching certification and proof of successful completion of at least 12 semester hours (or the equivalent) of study of a language other than English
  
• • Teaching certification should be in Early Childhood Education (birth–grade 2), Childhood Education (grades 1–6), Adolescence Education (grades 7–12) in one of the content areas (English, mathematics, sciences, social studies or foreign languages), Literacy Education and/or Special Education.
• GRE scores are not required

International students must also submit the following materials. For more information about these materials, see the International Students section of the Admission Requirements website.

• International Student Financial Statement (ISFS) form
• Supporting financial documentation (such as bank statements, scholarship or sponsor letters, etc.)
• Proof of English proficiency (such as official TOEFL/IELTS/PTE Academic/Duolingo* scores)
  • *In response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Graduate School at Binghamton University has temporarily approved the use of the Duolingo English Test as proof of English proficiency through the 2023 application cycle.

Deadlines

Accelerated/4+1 Degrees

You may also be interested in our accelerated/4+1 degree programs which allow students to complete their bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in just 5 years!

For more information, visit the Education, TESOL website.