Online ESL Schools

How to Earn a Bachelor's Degree in ESL Online

Combine your passion for language and teaching by earning an online English as a second language (ESL) degree. With more English language learners projected to enter language assistance classes, schools need qualified and passionate ESL teachers. Nine states (Alaska, California, Colorado, Florida, Kansas, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, and Washington) reported in 2016 that 10% or more of all public school students classified as English language learners. All but seven states reported increases in ESL students from 2000 to 2016.

Read on to learn how you can find the best online ESL degree and discover which career and salary prospects await graduates.

How Much Can You Make in an ESL Career?

Earning an ESL bachelor's degree online opens doors to a variety of occupations, most within academia. Graduates of online ESL schools become teachers who work with English language learners in kindergarten through 12th grade. Employers also need candidates with ESL degrees to fill positions as corporate trainers, social and community service managers, and instructional consultants. No degree guarantees you a certain position or salary, but graduates often qualify for competitive jobs in the field.

The list below features common jobs held by ESL graduates, including salary information and job growth rates.

Paychecks for graduates with degrees in ESL differ across the U.S. depending on the regional cost of living. Industry also dictates earning potential. See below for more details regarding job growth rates and salaries for graduates with degrees in ESL. Keep in mind that industries with above-average job growth rates almost always have job openings.

What Courses Can Be Taken for an Online ESL Degree?

Online ESL schools prepare students to teach. Well-rounded curricula include courses in grammar, the structure of the English language, cultural foundations of education, reading foundations, and teaching methods. Every school offers its own set of core and elective classes. To better understand the requirements for an ESL bachelor's degree online, see the sample classes listed below. Refer to your specific ESL program website for exact course requirements.

How to Choose the Best Online ESL Program

Think strategically when picking a college and program, taking an array of factors into consideration. Colleges feature varying tuition rates, reputations, and degree offerings, all of which influence the educational experience. Learn more about how to pick the best online bachelor's degree in ESL by browsing the Q&A below.

What strategies should I follow in choosing my ESL courses?

Look on the program website, where you can typically find the listed curriculum for a degree in ESL. Browse the major and pre-major course requirements and find elective offerings, which should include specialty courses. ELS majors must take all listed major requirements, but they can pick and choose their electives based on their interests. Academic counselors can help you map out an educational plan if you need further assistance.

How can I reach my career goals with this degree?

Bachelor's in ESL programs typically offer direct paths for students who want to become teachers or educational specialists. Learners enrolled in online ESL schools explore how to design syllabi and materials for English language learners. Courses also teach future teachers how to create assessments to evaluate language proficiency. Students gain classroom experience through internships. In states which offer ESL endorsements, degree programs often lead to these credentials.

What internships or fieldwork will I have to take and how does that work with an online degree?

Online bachelor's degree in ESL programs usually require students in their junior or senior year to complete a three-credit field experience or internship. Programs may also combine video observation with in-person experiences. Students typically intern in elementary, middle, and high schools. To receive approval for a field experience or internship, students must typically meet GPA and credit requirements.

Does it matter if my college and program are accredited?

Colleges may hold national or regional accreditation. Students who attend regionally accredited colleges can transfer their credits to other regionally accredited colleges with relative ease. To qualify for graduate school, students typically must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college. Programs may also hold specialized accreditation. The Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) International Association typically provides accreditation to quality online ESL programs.

How long will it take to earn my degree?

Earning an ESL bachelor's degree online usually takes four years. Accelerated programs may take three years or less to complete. The average college course runs 16 weeks, but accelerated programs offer eight- or 10-week classes. Exact timelines vary depending on each student's circumstances. For example, full-time learners can usually complete their degree more quickly than part-time students.

How many credits is a bachelor's degree?

The number of credits in an online bachelor's degree in ESL varies by program. Students can expect to take 120-130 credits to earn an ESL degree. Generally, students earn three credits per course, though seminars and field experience courses often offer four credits. Students with minors or concentrations in areas of study such as childhood education or adult education may need additional credits to graduate.

Will I have to attend classes on campus?

Many online ESL schools offer fully online programs in which students never have to visit campus. Others require students to complete a certain number of credits in person. Check the online ESL school website for exact requirements. Remember, even fully online programs may require students to occasionally meet in person for seminars or field experiences.

Scholarships and Financial Aid for ESL Programs

Resourceful students reign in college, especially when it comes to paying tuition. Students may take out federal and state loans to help pay for their education, which they must repay with interest later on. Learners can also find “free money” through grants and scholarships, which do not require repayment. See the five scholarships below for additional information.