Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (M.S.T.)

30 credits

NYSED 25421/25419

This program exposes teacher candidates to contemporary understandings about language, communication, and language education, emphasizing the development of English as an additional language in K through 12th grades. Courses explore research-based instructional practices which promote cognitive and emotional growth, academic learning, cultural and linguistic development, and enhanced understanding of the purposes and functions of using English to interact with others in diverse settings. 

This program is not available to individuals with an F-1 visa status. Individuals interested in a master’s degree in teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) without initial teaching certification should refer to the M.S. program in as a World Language in the section on non-certification programs.


CIP Code

13.1401 - Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language/ESL Language Instructor.


You can use the CIP code to learn more about career paths associated with this field of study and, for international students, possible post-graduation visa extensions. Learn more about CIP codes and other information resources.

In addition to the general requirements for graduate study and for initial teacher education programs, candidates for the TESOL program must have the following:

  • 12 college credits in a language other than English
  • proof of college-level study in the following general education core areas: history and social sciences, English-language written analysis and expression, and at least one college-level course in English literature (these courses may be part of or taken in addition to a liberal arts major/concentration)

International candidates for whom English is an additional language are also required to take and achieve a passing score in one of two tests: the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or the IELT (International English Language Test). The following scores are the recommended minimum current1 test scores for English language proficiency for admission to the Graduate School of Education:

  • IELTS1: 7 for general test score; no subtest can be lower than 6
  • TOEFL1: 577 for paper test; 90 for internet-based test (IBT)
1

Scores can be no more than two years old.

Program of Study

Course Title Credits
UEGE 5102Historical, Philosophical, and Multicultural Foundations of American Education3
CTGE 6781Instructing Bilingual Special Education Students3
CTGE 5842Second Language Acquisition and Assessment 13
CTGE 5845Learning Content Through Language in Multilingual Classrooms 13
CTGE 5846Teaching English Oracy and Literacy to Speakers of Other Languages 13
CTGE 6401Teaching the Structure of the English Language 13
PSGE 5316Psychology of Child Development and Learning3
or PSGE 5318 Human Development and Learning: Pre-K-Grade 12
CTGE 5849Designing Culturally and Technologically Relevant Instruction3
CTGE 5841Principles of Bilingual Education 13
Clinical Experience and Student Teaching
CTGE 5848TESOL Student Teaching I 10
CTGE 5858TESOL Student Teaching II3
Completion of Program Assessment0
CTGE 0712Portfolio for TESOL 10
Total Credits30
1

Courses require fieldwork. 

Required Workshops

The workshops listed below are required of all Initial Teaching (M.S.T.) programs as well as certain other programs related to NY state licensure.

  • Child Abuse Identification and Reporting Workshop (EDGE 0210)
  • Dignity for All Students Training (EDGE 0260)
  • Drug, Alcohol, and Tobacco Training (EDGE 0220)
  • Schools Against Violence Education Workshop (EDGE 0230)

In addition to the workshops listed above, the following workshop is also required of students in this MST program:

Course Title Credits
EDGE 0270Autism Training Module0