English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Education
Our master's program in ESOL education is for you if you wish to obtain New York State initial/professional certification to teach grades K–12 bilingual and/or English language learners. This program is also for you if you have already obtained initial teacher certification before entering the program, but you aspire to complete both a master's degree in ESOL education and satisfy grades K–12 professional ESOL certification requirements. Our program focuses on teaching English as a new language to speakers of other languages in U.S. educational systems: early childhood, childhood and secondary schools.
If you already have obtained your teacher certification and are looking to add to your professional skill set, our ESOL certificate of advanced study is for you. Our extension program focuses on teaching English as a new language to speakers of other languages in U.S. educational systems: early childhood, childhood and secondary schools.
Why English for Speakers of Other Languages Education at UB?
The features of our program include:
- research and evaluation projects, including field experiences and projects in collaboration with local schools' bilingual and second language programs
- study of English language learners and bilingual education students
- study of foundation of bilingual, dual and second language education
- study of bilingualism and first and second language acquisition
- study of developmental readers, second language reading processes, and reading instruction at elementary grades; second language literacy; adolescent literacy practice; language, literacy and culture; children's and young adult literature; and classroom reading and second language assessment
English for Speakers of Other Languages Education Programs
Prerequisite
To be eligible for this program, you must have majored in or completed 30 credit hours in one of the following areas:
- Hold initial teacher certification in another certification area AND undergraduate/graduate coursework or concentration (30 credits) in English, linguistics, speech/communication or LOTE) as per our existing NYS approved, combined initial-professional program in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.
- 15 credits completed in one of the above areas AND holding a teacher certification in areas such as literacy, reading, or other language/culture-related fields. Teachers holding certification in general education (elementary/childhood or early childhood) would meet the above 15 credits with a recommendation from the faculty reviewing the application explaining equivalent courses or experiences related to the field (ESL or bilingual) which demonstrate the relevant qualifications of the applicant.
Applicants must demonstrate advanced English proficiency as per our NYS-approved, combined initial-professional ESOL certification program.
Program Overview
| Academic credential granted | Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) |
|---|---|
| Certification option | Successful completion of program leads to an institutional recommendation for a NYS English for Speakers of Other Languages Education Extension |
| Grade levels | K to 12 |
| Credits required for completion | 15 |
| Time to completion | 3 to 4 part-time semester or 2 semesters plus a summer term |
| Course delivery | On campus |
| Career opportunities | ESOL teacher |
| Application deadline | Priority Deadlines Spring: Nov. 1, then rolling until Dec. 1 Summer: Feb. 1, then rolling until April 15 Fall: Feb. 1, then rolling until July 15 |
Program Requirements
As we work to integrate curricular program changes, please email the Office of Educator Preparation (ubedprep@buffalo.edu) or contact an advisor (716-645-2461) to confirm requirements.
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| LAI 592 Foundations of Bilingual Education: Theory, Policies, and Practices | 3 |
| LAI 682 Assessment Second Language Proficiency OR LAI 681 Understanding/Teaching Second Lang. Culture OR LAI 589 Second Language Educ. Research | 3 |
| LAI 579 ESL Literacy/Focus Reading | 3 |
| LAI 582 Principles of Language Acquisition 1st and 2nd | 3 |
| LAI 587: Methods in ESL Through Content Areas | 3 |
Standardized Testing No Longer Required
Beginning with the spring 2022 semester, the GRE/MAT is no longer required for application to this program. If you still plan to take the GRE/MAT exam, you can send your scores through the testing agency, and they will automatically be added to your application; however, they are not required for admission consideration to this program.
You must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.
Submit your completed online application, which includes:
- Application fee: A $50 non-refundable application fee, submitted electronically through UB's ePayment system.
- Contact information for two individuals who will each be asked to provide an electronic recommendation letter.
- Unofficial transcripts from all colleges attended. (UB transcripts are automatically submitted for current UB students and alumni.)
- Personal statements: Please upload as two separate documents on your application.
- Statement one: Please outline your reasons for applying to UB's teacher education program. Include a discussion of one or two pivotal experiences that have brought you to the profession of teaching, your professional objectives (both long- and short-term), and how the graduate program is aligned with your goals. (250 to 300 words)
- Statement two: In Multiplication is for White People: Raising Expectations for Other People’s Children (2013), Lisa Delpit wrote: “We can educate all children if we truly want to. To do so, we must first stop attempting to quantify their capacity. We must be convinced of their inherent capability, humanity, and spiritual character ... we must learn who our children are — their lived cultures; their interests; and their intellectual, political, and historical legacies.”
Discuss how these ideas resonate with your personal or prior experiences. Then explain how they align with your personal and professional values, especially when it comes to engaging with diverse communities and student populations. (400 to 500 words)
- Applicants to the master's degree program (professional certification) must have applied for, or received, New York State initial teacher certification in the matching certification area. If application for teacher certification is in process, proof of such application must be submitted. If already certified, a copy of proof of teacher certification is required.
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.
Admissions Decision: The admissions decision will be communicated to you as soon as review is complete. The decision is based on a number of factors and is the result of a thorough and deliberate process. All decisions are final and cannot be appealed.
Dignity for All Students Act Requirement
The New York State Education Department (NYSED) Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) requires that all students applying for certification as of December 31, 2013 have 6 hours of coursework or training on the social patterns of harassment, bullying and discrimination. As mandated by NYSED six clock hours of training in harassment, bullying, and discrimination prevention and intervention. This workshop is available through the University at Buffalo as well as other NYSED-approved providers. If you have already completed a workshop through a NYSED-approved provider, you must submit proof of completion when you apply.
Students with Disabilities Requirement
The New York State Education Department requires three semester hours of study in the area of students with disabilities for those who are entering the teacher education programs. If you have not yet fulfilled this requirement, you may take our students with disabilities course (LAI 574).
In-State Residency Tuition
In order to qualify for the in-state residency tuition rate, you must provide residency documentation indicating you have lived in New York State (NYS) 12 months before your semester start date.
If accepted, you will need to upload three documents to qualify for the in-state tuition rate. See Required Documents for Residency Application for more information.
International Applicant Additional Requirements
- Official original proof of your degree
- A course-by-course transcript evaluation by a NACES member organization
- A copy of your passport biographical page
- Official test scores—dated within two years of submitting your application—for either the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or PTE (Pearson Test of English) Academic.
- TOEFL minimum score is 250 for computer-based test, 600 for paper-based test and 96 for internet-based test
- IELTS minimum score is 7.0 overall
- PTE minimum score is 55 overall
- Financial documentation: International graduate applicants must document their ability to pay for all costs incurred while studying in the U.S.
- An official bank statement
All financial forms and supporting documentation with required signatures must be uploaded with your application and dated within one year of your intended enrollment date.
New York State prides itself in the high quality of its licensed and certified professionals. For the protection of its citizens, each license and certificate has requirements that individuals must meet in order to be licensed or certified in New York State. SUNY’s academic programs leading to licensure or certification are carefully designed to meet and exceed these State requirements. This is a role SUNY plays in protecting the public. Other states frequently have their own requirements, so if your goal is to practice in another state, this disclosure will help you check to see what that state requires.
Enrolled students and prospective students are strongly encouraged to contact their State’s licensure entity using the links provided in the full disclosure document to review all licensure and certification requirements imposed by their state(s) of choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Questions About the Admission Process?
Office of Graduate Admission
Graduate School of Education
366 Baldy Hall, North Campus
716-645-2110
gseinfo@buffalo.edu