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School of Education

English as a Second Language (ESL)

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In UAB's ESL program, you can choose among these options: 

  • Begin your career in ESL or advance your current teaching career.
  • Pursue a master’s degree in ESL or an education specialist in TESOL.
  • Follow tracks for teaching ESL to young learners or to adult learners.
  • Receive PK-12 teacher certification in ESL, ESL/Spanish, or ESL/French.
  • Earn a certificate in multilingual learners or English as an additional language.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are all courses taught online? Yes
  • Do I have to take the GRE or MAT? No
  • Do I need experience teaching ESL? No
  • Do I need to know another language? No
  • When can I start? January, May, or August
  • Who will be my advisor? Dr. Josephine Prado This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • Where can I work? Alumni have taught throughout Alabama, across the United States, and in 42 countries.

 

What makes UAB's ESL certification program different from other ESL certification programs in Alabama?

Our graduate degrees with ESL certification are classified with code 13.1401, Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language. This code identifies programs that focus on “principles and practices of teaching English to students who are not proficient in English or who do not speak, read or write English” and that prepare “individuals to function as teachers and administrators in such programs” (Institute of Education Sciences). 

Note: Programs highlighted in blue are offered fully online.

 

Educational Specialist (K-12 Certification and Non-Certification)

Educational Specialist in TESOL (Certification Track) (Fully Online) 
Educational Specialist in TESOL (Professional Track) (Fully Online) (Fully Online)

Masters Degrees (K-12 Certification and Non-Certification)

Masters of Arts in Education in English as a Second Language (ESL) 

Graduate Certificates

Graduate Certificate in Teaching Multilingual Learners
Graduate Certificate in Teaching Multilingual Learners (Fully Online)
Graduate Certificate in Teaching English as an Additional Language (Fully Online)
 

Admission

  • Application: Graduate School
  • Deadlines: April 15 (summer), July 15 (fall), November 15 (spring)
  • Requirements: click below for each degree track
  • For more information, visit www.uab.edu/esl.

Program Faculty

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