Degree Details

Degree Type

  • Master's Programs

Minimum Requirements

  • 36-38 Credits

Formats

  • In-Person

Availability

  • Full-Time
  • Multiple Start Dates
  • Part-Time

Location

  • On-Campus
Degree Requirements

BU Wheelock’s EdM in TESOL (Teaching English as a Second or Other Language) Multilingual Learner Education program prepares prospective educators who want to pursue their first Massachusetts initial teaching license in English as a Second Language (ESL), as well as educators who are already licensed in another subject but want to earn an advanced degree in TESOL and an ESL initial license. You can choose two tracks within the program: PreK–6 (elementary school) or 5–12 (middle and high school).

Students in the TESOL Multilingual Learner Education program gain foundational knowledge about second language acquisition, linguistics, and policy as well as practical skills related to literacy instruction, assessment, culturally sustaining pedagogy, and curriculum development. The program takes an analytic and critical approach to teaching language, and integrates discussions for race, power, and privilege throughout the curriculum.

Hear from TESOL Multilingual Learner Education Faculty

As a student in the master’s program, you’ll learn how to support multilingual learners with language development and content acquisition—and to critically examine language education.


Dates & Deadlines

Spring & Fall 2025

Aug 15, 2024

Application Opens

Spring 2025 Semester

Dec 15, 2024

Application Deadline

Fall 2025 Semester

Jan 15, 2025

Deadline to Receive Priority Scholarship Consideration

Fall 2025 Semester

Aug 1, 2025

Application Closes

Featured Faculty

Faculty in the TESOL Multilingual Learner Education program are passionate about training teachers to provide equitable, culturally sustaining language instruction to designated English teachers in US K–12 schools. They are experienced educators who care deeply about teacher candidates’ academic and personal well-being, and collaborate to ensure that all graduate students get the support they need to concentrate on becoming excellent teachers.

Career Outcomes

Upon completion of Boston University’s EdM in TESOL Multilingual Learner Education, graduates are skilled at supporting English learners in the classroom and prepared for success in a variety of roles.

  • ESL teacher in US K–12 public, private, or charter schools 
  • ESL teacher in an international school

More Information about the EdM in TESOL Multilingual Learner Education

Field-Based Experiences

Students in the EdM program complete an English as a Second Language pre-practicum in the fall and a full practicum in the spring. Practicum experiences are completed in local public and charter schools.

Licensure

This program is for prospective educators who wish to pursue their first Massachusetts initial teaching license in ESL or licensed educators who want to earn an advanced degree in TESOL and an ESL initial license.

Graduate Admissions

Connect with BU Wheelock to learn more about the EdM in TESOL Multilingual Learner Education. Get information about application deadlines and requirements, and sign up for an upcoming information session.

Licensing Disclosure
BU Wheelock Educator Preparation Programs Licensing Disclosure provides information about BU Wheelock state-approved programs and how the educational requirements compare with those in other states. Education students in licensure programs should review this resource and contact edlic@bu.edu with questions.

Background Checks
Students who are admitted into BU Wheelock routinely participate in field experiences as a part of their respective program curriculum and requirements. Most field sites require criminal background checks to determine students’ eligibility for participation. History of a criminal background may disqualify students from participating in these required experiences, which in turn may impede the successful completion of one’s degree program.

Area of Study
Area of Interest
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