* Tuition:
$14,900 | 30 Credit Hours | Finish in as little as 18-24 months
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* Estimated program cost for 2025-2026 academic year. These figures are calculated
based on 2025-2026 tuition rates and specific program requirements for a student taking
less than 9 credit hours. The costs for the program may vary depending on the number
of credit hours a student enrolled in each semester. These calculations do not include
cost of housing, cost of living, or other fees a student may incur as a result of
being enrolled at UCM. These figures are not guaranteed and are subject to change
based on program requirements or tuition changes. For more information regarding the
cost of the program please contact the Office of Student Financial Services.
Interested in pursuing a career working with students learning English as a Second
Language (ESL) or English as a Foreign Language (EFL)? The University of Central Missouri’s
Master of Science in Education for English Language Learners, TESL option, prepares
you to help meet the particular needs of adult ESL students in the United States or
EFL students of all ages in other countries.
UCM’s master’s in Education, with a focus on TESL, helps you understand the process
of acquiring a second language so you can teach English as an additional language
more effectively. You’ll study advanced teaching theories and how to guide ESL and
EFL students to improve their English speaking, reading, writing and listening skills.
In our MSE program for English language learning, courses are offered at our Warrensburg
and Lee’s Summit campuses, as well as online. You’ll learn how to support adult ESL
students in the United States and prepare for teaching EFL abroad.
Program Guide Explore admissions requirements, learning outcomes, degree requirements, course options
and more.
Contact
Dr. Christina Kitson MSE in ELL TESL Option Coordinator Martin 336M Warrensburg, MO Tel: 660-543-8711 kitson@ucmo.edu
The University of Central Missouri’s TESL classes for MSE students allow you to learn
English language teaching techniques specifically for adult ESL students in the United
States and EFL students in other countries. You’ll study the current conceptual trends
and philosophical foundations that inform culturally responsive teaching, in addition
to computer-assisted learning, advanced teaching methods, applied linguistics and
more.
Completing our Master of Education in English Language Learners, TESL option, will
give you a comprehensive understanding of the main issues and theories in the teaching
of English to speakers of other languages (TESOL). You’ll gain a strong understanding
of TESOL strategies and how to create the best educational materials for adult ESL
learners in the United States and EFL learners abroad.
These are some of the courses you may take in UCM’s TESL master’s in Education program:
Advanced Teaching Methods for TESL
Practicum in English as a Second Language
Assessment and Professionalism in TESL
Language and Culture
Excellence in Education
Top 15%: Most Focused Colleges for Education (College Factual, 2022)
Top 6%: Most Popular Colleges for Education (College Factual, 2022)
Unique learning opportunities in teaching English to speakers of other languages
At the University of Central Missouri, your TESL courses extend beyond traditional
classroom lessons. You’ll have valuable opportunities to apply your knowledge in real-world
settings that prepare you for a successful career as an ESL/EFL teacher:
Volunteer for English teaching opportunities: UCM’s on-campus English Language Institute offers MSE students the chance to volunteer as ESL tutors. You’ll gain first-hand
insights into English language learning while participating in cultural activities
with international students currently studying English as a second language.
Develop lesson plans: UCM’s faculty will guide you in designing lesson plans to help students learn English
language skills, especially those working toward their academic language skills.
Hands-on teaching: The TESL option includes a teaching practicum where you’ll implement your lesson plans
in the classroom as a lead ESL teacher to hone your language-teaching techniques.
What can you do with an English Language Learners - TESL degree from UCM?
UCM’s Education master’s in English Language Learning, TESL option, prepares you to
be an ESL/EFL teacher for diverse student populations. Many graduates find jobs working
specifically with students in:
English language learning programs abroad.
Nonprofit organizations.
Adult education centers.
Language academies.
In addition to English teaching, you could pursue a career as a:
Writer and editor.
Private tutor.
ESL/TESOL program director.
English Language Proficiency test developer.
Our TESL master’s program also prepares you for jobs in academia, such as:
English professor.
ESL coordinator.
Curriculum developer.
More career opportunities for TESL graduates
Use the interactive tool below to learn about the jobs available for TESL professionals,
including potential salaries, job outlooks and more.
Financial assistance options for your Education master’s degree in Teaching English
as a Second Language option
UCM offers dozens of graduate scholarships and academic achievement awards to help
students pay for college. As a graduate student in the MSE in English Language Learners, TESL option, you
may qualify for scholarships offered by the College of Education. You may also qualify
for a variety of general university scholarships for UCM graduate students. Learn
more about these opportunities with the UCM Scholarship Finder.
Meet Alieya W.
MSE English Language Learners - TESL Option, K–12 Certification ’21
“I chose the TESL/ELL program because I wanted to work with students who spoke English
as a second language. Since joining the program, I have learned a lot about the background
of the English language, as well as the obstacles ELL students face when learning.”
Meet Christina B.
MSE English Language Learners - TESL Option ’19
“I was able to secure several scholarships that offset a large portion of my tuition.
If you’re on the fence about which program is the right fit for you, I assure you,
the TESL master’s will be a great fit.”
Meet Dr. Christina Kitson
Associate Professor of Teaching English as a Second Language and TESL Option Coordinator,
MSE English Language Learners
Dr. Kitson’s research interests include English teacher certification policy issues,
using computers in language acquisition and formative assessment practices. Her recent
scholarship includes a book chapter entitled “Formative Assessment for the Classroom
Teacher.”
Admisssion requirements for the MSE in ELL Options
To be accepted into the MSE in ELL, K-12 Option you must:
Have a minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 2.75;
Submit proof of teacher certification or professional endorsement from any of the
50 states or territories and have graduated from a CAEP or regionally accredited university;
Submit a copy of your last summative teaching evaluation (i.e., a PBTE or similar
evaluation form), or a letter from a school superintendent, principal, or professor
attesting to your teaching skills and/or graduate studies potential. If you do not
meet these criteria, you must design, with a program advisor or graduate coordinator,
a conditional program (including the program's research course) with a minimum cumulative
grade point average of 3.50.
International applicants should meet these requirements in comparable ways. International
students must meet minimum English language requirements as determined by UCM's international admissions requirements.
To be accepted into the MSE in ELL, TESL Option, you must:
Have a minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 2.75. If you do not
meet these criteria, you must design, with a program advisor or graduate coordinator,
a conditional program (including the program’s research course) with a minimum cumulative
grade point average of 3.50. International applicants should meet these requirements
in comparable ways.
Show grammar competency by the time of graduation. This can be done by having completed
a prior approved grammar course, passing a test, or enrolling in English 5110.
For acceptance into this program, non-native speakers of English must score above
85 on the International Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or earn a score
of 7.0 or above on the academic version of the International English Language Testing
System (IELTS).
After you are accepted into the MSE in ELL degree program, you will be assigned a
graduate advisor who will assist you developing a Program of Study and selecting courses
to help you finish your program in a way that best meets your needs.
