Best Online Master’s in ESL Programs
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As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the demand for English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers continues to grow. In the U.S., an estimated 5 million public school students were English learners in 2020, and the number continues to increase, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). With this in mind, there has never been a better time to pursue a career in this field.
Whether you’re already a teacher looking to advance your career or someone interested in entering the field of ESL, earning an online master’s degree in the subject can provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in this growing industry.
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of earning this degree, the cost of programs, and potential salary ranges for graduates.
Featured Online Master’s in ESL Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Master’s in ESL Programs
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$60,446
- Out-of-state$60,446
- In-State$60,446
- Out-of-state$60,446
- Retention Rate96%
- Acceptance Rate13%
- Students Enrolled49,318
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment46%
- AccreditationYes
Albizu University-Miami
- Miami, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$11,628
- Out-of-state$11,628
- In-State$11,774
- Out-of-state$11,774
- Retention Rate42%
- Acceptance Rate89%
- Students Enrolled863
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment50%
- AccreditationYes
University of Maryland-Baltimore County
- Baltimore, MD
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,056
- Out-of-state$25,820
- In-State$12,582
- Out-of-state$21,618
- Retention Rate86%
- Acceptance Rate81%
- Students Enrolled13,928
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment78%
- AccreditationYes
University of Northern Iowa
- Cedar Falls, IA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,111
- Out-of-state$19,265
- In-State$9,691
- Out-of-state$20,774
- Retention Rate83%
- Acceptance Rate95%
- Students Enrolled8,848
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment54%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$28,500
- Out-of-state$28,500
- In-State$13,500
- Out-of-state$13,500
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance Rate56%
- Students Enrolled2,740
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment61%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$40,830
- Out-of-state$40,830
- In-State$16,571
- Out-of-state$16,571
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance Rate94%
- Students Enrolled8,126
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment34%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$21,690
- Out-of-state$21,690
- In-State$10,540
- Out-of-state$10,540
- Retention Rate84%
- Acceptance Rate45%
- Students Enrolled4,793
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment30%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$35,600
- Out-of-state$35,600
- In-State$8,650
- Out-of-state$8,650
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate85%
- Students Enrolled2,989
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment28%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$32,400
- Out-of-state$32,400
- In-State$7,920
- Out-of-state$7,920
- Retention Rate69%
- Acceptance Rate72%
- Students Enrolled2,617
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment28%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$44,382
- Out-of-state$44,382
- In-State$12,006
- Out-of-state$12,006
- Retention Rate84%
- Acceptance Rate57%
- Students Enrolled5,387
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment50%
- AccreditationYes
How We Rank Schools
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We use datasets from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools and our methodologies. This ranking is from 2022. To learn more, check out our full ranking methodologies.
Why Should You Get an Online Master’s Degree in ESL?
- Flexibility: Online programs are designed to accommodate the schedules of busy working professionals and those with family responsibilities. You can typically access course materials and complete assignments at your own pace, making it easier to balance your studies with other commitments.
- Career Advancement: An advanced degree in ESL can boost your teaching salary and help you meet state-mandated teaching qualifications. This can lead to more job opportunities and potential promotions. In fact, data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that those with master’s degrees earned over $200 more each week than those with a bachelor’s degree in 2022.
- Leadership Opportunities: A master’s degree in ESL not only prepares you to teach but also to assume leadership roles in your school or district. You could become an instructional coordinator, curriculum developer, or even an academic advisor.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Typically, online programs are more affordable than their traditional counterparts. Enrolling in an online course can save you money on housing and commuting fees. Plus, online programs offer more flexibility, so you can work while earning your degree.
How Much Does an Online Master’s Degree in ESL Cost?
The cost of an online master’s degree in ESL can vary significantly based on several factors, including the specific school and program. The following table displays the average annual cost of tuition and fees at different kinds of institutions.
| Institution Type | Average Annual Tuition and Fees (2021-2022) |
|---|---|
| Public Schools | $12,596 |
| Private Schools | $28,017 |
What Can You Do With a Master’s Degree in ESL?
With an online master’s in ESL, you can choose from various careers — both in and out of the classroom. You can find roles at K-12 and postsecondary settings or at nonprofits, working with underserved communities. You can even work in government agencies, working both domestically and internationally.
Popular positions for ESL graduates include:
- Adult education teacher
- Academic advisor
- Corporate trainer
- Instructional designer
- Curriculum leader
- ESL textbook editor
- ELL program manager
According to the BLS, the jobs for ESL teachers are projected to decline over the next decade. So broadening your horizons by gaining experience outside the classroom might help your chances of securing a job after graduation.
Meanwhile, the BLS projects jobs for corporate trainers, instructional designers, and academic advisors to grow in the coming years.
How Much Can You Make With a Master’s in ESL?
It’s no secret that teachers don’t choose their profession to become rich. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t make a fair salary with a master’s in ESL. The following table displays the average annual salaries for workers with different types of master’s degrees.
| Degree | Average Annual Salary (2024) |
|---|---|
| MAT in ESL | $50,000 |
| M.Ed. in ESL | $55,000 |
| MA in ESL | $60,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions About an Online Master’s in ESL
Online master’s programs in ESL are respected. These courses of study offer rigorous curricula similar to in-person programs and can lead to career advancement opportunities. They provide flexibility for working professionals and can help them meet state requirements, potentially increasing salary.
The best way to ensure a program is reputable is to check its accreditation status. Typically, a program must be accredited for students to transfer credits and qualify for federal financial aid.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed April 15, 2024.
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