Linguistics, BA / Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), EdM

Study the function and structure of language, and how it is concerned with communication as a general aspect of human knowledge and behavior and turn it into a career teaching English to others.

Tutor holding up a vocabularly card for a sudent.

The Secrets of Communication

The UB Teach linguistics and teaching English to speakers of other languages education program is an accelerated, combined degree program where you can earn a linguistics bachelor's and an ESOL master's in five years. It provides content expertise in linguistics and prepares you to teach English to speakers of other languages from PreK to 12. You'll study in both the Linguistics Department and the Department of Learning and Instruction.

Enrolled students will:

  1. Understand core concepts of linguistics and key literature in the field.
  2. Develop awareness of linguistic diversity and variability within cognitive and social contexts.
  3. Participate in intensive clinical education experiences with Western New York schools, learning the nuances of the teaching profession.
  4. Gain skills, expertise and confidence to implement evidence-based practices and co-teach with an expert teacher in a one-year residency.
Professor and student in conversation.

Program Overview

Academic credential granted Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Master of Education (EdM)
Certification option Successful completion of program leads to an institutional recommendation for New York State initial and professional certification in ESOL
Grade levels PreK to 12
Credits required for completion 144
Time to completion 5 years
Course delivery On campus, some online coursework
Experiential contact hours
  • Clinical experiences embedded in undergraduate and graduate  coursework
  • A full one-year teaching residency in the final year of the program
Application deadline Early action: Nov. 15
Scholarship consideration: Dec. 8
Regular decision: Feb. 1

Students can continue to submit an application for fall consideration until capacity is reached.

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