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 American educational systems: early childhood, childhood and secondary schools. 

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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
Prerequisite

To be eligible for this program, you must have majored in or completed 30 credit hours in one of the following areas:

›  English
›  Languages other than English
›  Linguistics
›  A speech-related field

English for Speakers of Other Languages Education

Initial / Professional Professional

Program Overview

Academic credential granted Master of Education (EdM)
Certification option Successful completion of program leads to an institutional recommendation for NYS Initial and Professional Certification in English for Speakers of Other Languages Education
Grade levels K to 12
Credits required for completion 54
Time to completion 4 to 5 full-time semesters
Course delivery On campus
Career opportunities English for speakers of other languages teacher 
Experiential contact hours
  • 115 hours of field experience
  • 1 full semester of student teaching
  • Additional clinical experience may be embedded in content coursework 
Application deadline Priority Deadlines
Fall/Summer: Feb. 1, then rolling
Spring: Nov. 1, then rolling

Program Coursework

Download English for Speakers of Other Languages Program Sheet

Application Requirements

Fall 2020 Applicants

At this time, we encourage you to utilize the at-home GRE to fulfill the admissions requirements. An at-home MAT exam is not currently being offered.

However, for those who had cancelled tests, or are having issues with taking the at-home GRE, please contact the Office of Graduate Admissions. There are options available for having your application reviewed while we work with you to figure out an alternative plan to complete the standardized testing requirement.

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.
  • Test scores: Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or Miller Analogies Test (MAT) scores from tests taken within the last five years — including verbal, quantitative and writing sections —  for applicants pursuing any of the tracks (initial, initial/professional, professional) of the teacher education program. Please use institution code 2925 and department code 3101. For NYS-certified teachers and educational leaders who already hold a graduate degree, the GRE is not required.
  • 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.)
  • Statement of education and career goals
  • 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).

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 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. Test scores must be dated within two years of submitting your application.
    • TOEFL minimum score is a 250 for a computer based test, 600 for a paper based test and 96 for the 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 must be dated within one year of your intended enrollment date.

Are you in China and unable to take the IELTS, PTE or TOEFL?

If you currently in China and unable to take the IELTS, PTE or TOEFL tests because they are cancelled 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.

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Tuition Information
University Computing Standards

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.