Our master's degree program in teaching English to speakers of other languages is for you if you want to (1) teach in college-level English as a second language (ESL) programs, (2) teach in adult-level ESL programs for immigrants and refugees in the United States, and (3) teach in all levels internationally. The EdM TESOL degree has been considered the terminal professional degree for those seeking opportunities to teach ESL/ENL (English as a new language) in national and international institutions of higher education.
As a student in this program you will:
| Academic credential granted | Master of Education (EdM) |
|---|---|
| Credits required for completion | 33 |
| Time to completion | 2 to 3 full-time semesters |
| Course delivery | On campus |
| Career opportunities | Teach in:
|
| Application deadline | Priority Deadlines Spring: Nov. 1, then rolling until Jan. 10 Fall: Feb. 1, then rolling until Aug. 10 |
Students with adequate preparation in linguistics may waive LAI 581 Linguistics for L2 Educators, which will allow you to take a 3-hour graduate elective in lieu of this course. Consult with your advisor.
Academic Language Writing/Literacy is required for international students unless waived by your advisor.
Other courses in the L2 area offered by L2 faculty (consult with your advisor)
Elective courses may be inside or outside the second language area of the Department of Learning and Instruction, including such areas as: anthropology, comparative education, educational psychology, foreign languages, historical/social/philosophical foundations of education, instructional communications, linguistics, reading, language arts or bilingual education.
You will take your comprehensive exam during your second or third semester of coursework. Consult with your advisor.
Submit your completed online application, which includes:
Former/Maiden Name: Please provide us with your former/maiden name if you have one. When requesting transcripts, please ask the sending institution to indicate your current name and former/maiden name.
In order to qualify for the in-state residency tuition rate, you are required to provide residency documentation indicating you have lived in New York State (NYS) 12 months prior to your semester start date.
If accepted, you will need to upload 3 documents to qualify for the in-state tuition rate. See Required Documents for Residency Application for more information.
All financial forms and supporting documentation with required signatures must be uploaded with your application, and must be dated within one year of your intended enrollment date.
If you are currently unable to take the IELTS, PTE or TOEFL tests because they are canceled due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19), the University at Buffalo will accept the Duolingo English Test (DET) for proof of English proficiency. This test can be taken online, in your own home. More information can be found on the Graduate School’s website.
The TOEFL iBT® Special Home Edition is a safe and convenient option for students who are unable to take the TOEFL iBT test at a test center due to public health concerns.
We have a collection of frequently asked questions that may help you. If your questions are still unanswered, we are glad to help! Contact our admission office.
Graduate School of Education
366 Baldy Hall, North Campus
716-645-2110
gseinfo@buffalo.edu
You are required to have daily access to a reliable broadband connection and a computer that meets university computing standards. You are also expected to have basic computer competency before beginning your coursework.
