TESOL

The Importance of our TESOL Programs

English is the language of global communications and demand for TESOL professionals is greater than ever before. Graduates will be able to teach English to people of all ages and conditions of life, oversee and create innovative TESOL programs, and develop effective teaching methods.

Our students are people who understand the importance of effective communication in every area of life. All are highly motivated to enter or advance in a field that allows them to work across borders and cultures and help others. Teaching English abroad is another option for our students and it is the experience of a lifetime. Recent graduates, people changing careers, or people contemplating a few more years of working before retirement are all perfect candidates to take TESOL courses.

Niagara University offers innovative master's degree and certificate programs in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).

As English continues to expand as a medium for global communication, the demand for qualified English language teachers increases. Likewise, as the non-native English-speaking immigrant population increases in this country, teachers of English as a Second Language are needed to provide linguistic and cultural training.

Niagara's TESOL programs will prepare students to meet certification requirements and will provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to meet the needs of English language learners.

Master's Degree (37 credit hours)

Niagara University offers the master of science degree in TESOL. This program is designed for candidates seeking certification in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (Pre-K -12) with a degree in education, holding initial teacher certification in New York State. This master’s degree can also be applied to satisfy requirements for professional certification.

Candidates are expected to demonstrate competency in each of the standards associated with the nationally recognized association of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. Candidates seeking New York State certification in TESOL must complete at least 12 credit hours of study in a language(s) other than English.

Master's Degree in TESOL with Initial Teacher Certification (46 credit hours)

**For individuals who do not hold an initial teacher certification.

Niagara University offers this program for candidates seeking initial teaching certification in New York state in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) (Pre-K -12). These candidates will need to complete three additional Education Foundation prerequisite courses and (2) full-time student teaching placements in order to meet the requirements for New York state initial teacher certification (EDU 523, EDU 536, EDU 571).

Candidates are expected to demonstrate competency in each of the standards associated with the nationally recognized association of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. Candidates seeking New York State teaching certification as well as certification in TESOL must complete at least 12 credit hours of study in a language(s) other than English.

Advanced Certificate in TESOL (18 credit hours)

Niagara University offers an Advanced Certificate in TESOL for practicing teachers who currently hold initial teaching certification and wish to extend their certification to TESOL. The Advanced Certificate requires candidates seeking New York State certification in TESOL to enter with an initial teaching certification and complete 12 credit hours of study in a language(s) other than English or for international candidates who seek qualifications in their home jurisdiction and are not seeking certification in New York State.

Interested in obtaining a masters degree in both literacy and TESOL? Read about our Literacy and English Language Learners Program!

Accelerated 4+1 Option

Niagara University College of Education undergraduate students have the option to apply for our 4+1 TESOL program in their junior year. This allows our students to get a head start on their master's degree and finish their graduate coursework in just 1 year. Learn more here.