If you've ever dreamed of teaching English to non-native speakers, UMBC's graduate program in ESOL (English to Speakers of Other Languages) can help you attain your goal. Our nationally recognized programs are designed to fit your schedule and your life, with both online and face-to-face options. Choose from a master's degree in ESOL, with an option for state certification, or our four-course graduate certificate program, which you can complete online if you prefer.

+ WHAT WILL I GET OUT OF THE PROGRAM?
UMBC's ESOL program combines a strong theoretical background with applied learning in teaching, linguistics, language acquisition, testing, cross-cultural studies and curricu-lum development. Our professors are immersed in both teaching and research, giving them the practical experience and cutting-edge knowledge to help you succeed.



+ WHAT IF I'M NOT READY FOR A MASTER'S DEGREE?
No problem! Our four-course certificate program gives you the ESOL credential to get started in this exciting field, and if you return later for a master’s degree, you’ll get graduate credit for all four courses.



+ WHAT ABOUT AN ONLINE DEGREE?
More than half of the courses in the ESOL master’s program are available online as well as face-to-face, giving you the flexibility you need to fit your life. (If you want to start with our certificate program, you can do it all online and then apply those credits to your master’s.)



+ HOW CAN I GET CERTIFIED TO TEACH ESOL?
Students in our master’s program can choose to add K-12 ESOL certification (with a nine-credit internship program).



+ I'M ALREADY A CERTIFIED TEACHER.
HOW DO I GET CERTIFIED IN ESOL?
If you’re a Maryland-certified teacher, you’ll need to pass the ESOL Praxis II® exam to add ESOL endorsement to your certification (get your ESOL certification.) Our four-course certificate program will give you the knowledge you need to get your ESOL certification and be a successful ESOL teacher.
+ WHEN CAN I GET STARTED?
Right away! UMBC accepts new students for both fall and spring semesters. To start in the fall, apply by April 15. If you’d rather start in the spring, apply by October 31.



+ HOW DO I APPLY?
Simple—click here.

To get started today,
tell us a little about yourself.