Master of Science in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Online

Yes! TESOL is among the areas with the greatest shortage of certified teachers in New York State, which means many opportunities for well-prepared graduates to make an immediate impact.

TESOL teachers help multilingual learners build English skills and succeed in school. A typical day includes teaching reading, writing, speaking, and listening; working with classroom teachers to adapt lessons; and providing small-group or one-on-one support. TESOL teachers also draw on students’ first languages and cultures and serve as mentors to help students adjust and thrive in their new communities.

Graduates are prepared for roles such as:

• K–12 Education: English as a New Language (ENL) teacher, coordinator, or literacy/reading recovery specialist
• Adult & Continuing Education: Teaching English in adult literacy centers, community programs, or workforce development initiatives
• Nonprofit & Community Organizations: Supporting refugee resettlement, after-school programs, or cultural integration services
• International Education: Teaching English abroad in schools, universities, or government-sponsored language programs

TESOL focuses on teaching English as a new language, while bilingual education emphasizes supporting students in both English and their first language. Together, these approaches ensure students gain English proficiency without losing proficiency in their native language.

The curriculum focuses on theories, strategies, and teaching methods for English language learners, while also addressing information that covers sociocultural and sociolinguistic factors that affect English acquisition. 

Niagara offers several pathways depending on your background:

If you’re not yet a certified teacher, the M.S.Ed. in TESOL with Initial Certification (43 credits) is the right path. It prepares you for your first New York State teaching certification and includes prerequisite education courses, TESOL core courses, and student teaching.

If you’re already a certified teacher, you can take the M.S.Ed. in TESOL with Professional Certification (37 credits). This streamlined option skips the introductory education prerequisites and focuses directly on TESOL methods and practicum experiences.

If you’re a currently certified teacher who just wants to add TESOL as an additional area (without completing the full master’s degree), you can pursue the Advanced Certificate in TESOL (18 credits), which covers key coursework and language requirements for certification.

In all cases, New York State requires at least 12 credits in a language other than English, along with certification exams and training.

No. Fluency is not required. New York State does require at least 12 college credits in a language other than English, which you can complete before or during the program. This requirement helps you understand how languages work, gain insight into the challenges of language learning, and build empathy for students. Even basic knowledge of another language strengthens your ability to connect with students and families from diverse backgrounds.

Yes! Undergraduate foreign language courses appearing on your official transcript can count toward the 12-credit requirement. If you have already earned those credits, you likely will not need additional language coursework.

Yes! American Sign Language (ASL) does count toward the foreign language credit requirement.

All TESOL courses are offered fully online and designed for working professionals, with many courses scheduled in the evening to fit around your workday. You may enroll as full-time or part-time and plan your course load at your own pace. Most students complete the program in 1.5–3 years, depending on course load.

Yes. Although coursework is online, students are required to complete field experiences, classroom observations, and student teaching/practicum placements in schools. These supervised, hands-on experiences are monitored by mentor teachers and university supervisors.

Yes, for students in the Initial Certification track, our Field Placement Office helps arrange student teaching and field experiences, but this service is available only if you are located in the Western New York area. If you are pursuing Professional Certification or the Advanced Certificate, placement assistance is not typically provided, since these programs are designed for educators who are already working in school settings.

All students must complete the required placement hours, but there is flexibility in how you can meet them. If you are a full-time teacher and already work with English language learners, you may be able to count your current teaching hours toward the requirement. If you do not have English learners in your own classroom, you can still fulfill the hours by arranging to observe or work with a TESOL teacher in your school. Many students do this before or after school, during a planning period, or over lunch, making it possible to complete the requirement without leaving your current job.

Absolutely! Students may participate in faculty-led research projects, present at local or national conferences, and engage in organizations like the New York State TESOL Association,the NYS Association for Bilingual Education (NYSABE), and international organizations such as TESOL International Association.

Graduate tuition is charged per credit hour. Current rates are listed on Niagara University’s Graduate Tuition and Fees page.

Class sizes in Niagara’s TESOL program are kept intentionally small, typically ranging from 10 to 20 students per course. This allows for personalized feedback, close interaction with faculty, and strong collaboration with peers.

The program has rolling admissions, so you may apply at any time for an upcoming semester. Applications are reviewed as they are received and evaluated holistically in keeping with the university’s mission. Apply early for faster consideration. Apply now!

Often yes! New York’s TESOL certification is rigorous and is commonly accepted in other states through reciprocity agreements. However, requirements vary by state. Check the licensing rules in the state where you plan to teach.

To earn TESOL certification in New York, you’ll need to:

• Complete an approved TESOL program (e.g., Niagara’s M.S.Ed. in TESOL; Initial or Professional track)
• Earn at least 12 college credits in a language other than English (before or during your program)
• Pass required New York State certification exams, including:
  • Educating All Students (EAS) exam
  • Content Specialty Test (CST) in English to Speakers of Other Languages
• Complete state-mandated workshops if not already completed (e.g., DASA training)
• Finish student teaching/practicum placements as required by your degree program

Once you’ve met these requirements, you can apply for Initial Certification in TESOL Pre-K–12 through the New York State Education Department (NYSED).