The ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Program is housed in the Education Department. It offers graduate courses for students planning on working with English language learners in k-12 public schools, in Adult Education, in college level ESL programs or in ESL and EFL programs worldwide. The program provides students with strong theoretical and practical foundations in applied linguistics, language acquisition, ESL/EFL methodology, testing, cross-cultural studies and curriculum development. The Program offers an MA in TESOL and a Post Baccalaureate Certificate in ESOL.

The basic MA TESOL Program consists of 12 courses, 36 credits. The ISD (Instructional Systems Design) core of the program prepares students for the analysis, design, and development of instructional programs and their systematic operation, evaluation and maintenance. Students can choose to add K-12 Certification which requires an additional 9 credits of instruction including a state approved internship in the public schools. Students can also choose to write a thesis in an area of interest through this program.

The TESOL Certificate Program consists of 4 courses, 12 credits. Two courses, Methods of Teaching ESOL and Cross-Cultural Communication, are required. The two elective courses can be selected on the basis of student interest and background.

The program offers courses both online and face-to-face. Students are able to complete either the MA or the Certificate completely on line with a reduction in university fees if they wish.

For more information about the ESOL Programs, please go to the program's website at http://www.umbc.edu/esol