Master of Science in Education (English for Speakers of Other Languages Endorsement)
Hours: 30 Online
About
The Master of Science in Education (English for Speakers of Other Languages Endorsement) (ESOL) at Fort Hays State University equips students with the latest academic theories and practical knowledge to meet the diverse needs of K-12 multilingual learners. The Master of Science in Education (English for Speakers of Other Languages Endorsement) program is online and asynchronous, allowing educators to balance their studies with professional and personal commitments.
The program's structure includes 8-week and 16-week sessions and minimal textbook costs, ensuring affordability and flexibility. The curriculum includes ESOL-specific courses in methods and materials, assessment and appraisal, linguistics, and a practicum. In addition, students study cultural diversity, innovative technology integration, educational research, educational leadership, data analysis and assessment, instructional design and assessment, and literacy development.
Why pursue a Master of Science in Education (English for Speakers of Other Languages Endorsement) at Fort Hays State University?
Instructors design our Master of Science in Education (English for Speakers of Other Languages Endorsement) program with flexibility in mind, featuring entirely online and asynchronous courses. This format allows students to balance their studies with professional and personal responsibilities, making it accessible for educators at all stages of their careers. Additionally, the program is coordinated by instructors with extensive experience in preK-12 ESOL teaching, ensuring that students gain insights from seasoned professionals who understand the practical challenges they will face.
FHSU's commitment to affordability and quality is evident through open educational resources (OER), eliminating the need for costly textbooks while providing up-to-date materials. The curriculum is continuously updated to reflect the latest research and trends in ESOL education, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to meet the needs of their students. Moreover, the program's structure, which includes 8-week sessions as well as traditional 16-week courses, allows for an accelerated path to complete their degree, helping graduates advance their career more quickly.
Who is this program for?
The Master of Science in Education (English for Speakers of Other Languages Endorsement) (ESOL) program is for educators and professionals passionate about supporting multilingual learners. It is ideal for:
- Educators looking to enhance their skills in teaching English to multilingual students
- Educators seeking to add an ESOL endorsement to their teaching license
- Educators seeking a path to working in higher education
- Educators seeking to deepen their understanding of teaching students identified by various terms, including ESL (English as a Second Language), ENL (English as a New Language), ELL (English Language Learner), EL (English Learner), EAL (English as an Additional Language), EIL (English as an International Language), emergent bilingual, multilingual learner, dual language learner, plurilingual learner, culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) learner, and the now outdated term, limited English proficiency (LEP)
- Individuals aiming to work in diverse educational settings
- Professionals interested in addressing the needs of English Language Learners
- Teachers looking to implement the latest research-based strategies in their classrooms
- Administrators and curriculum developers focused on ESOL education
- International educators seeking to improve their ESOL teaching practices
Learning Outcomes
The Master of Science in Education (English for Speakers of Other Languages Endorsement) program at Fort Hays State University aims to produce well-equipped graduates to meet the diverse needs of English Language Learners (ELLs). The learning outcomes ensure graduates develop a deep understanding of ESOL theory and practical teaching skills.
Culturally Responsive Teaching Practices
Graduates will demonstrate the ability to design and implement instruction that reflects an understanding of cultural diversity and supports the academic success of English language learners (ELLs) in K–12 settings.
Implement Effective Teaching Strategies
Explore various methods and materials tailored for ESOL instruction to design and implement instructional programs that effectively address the unique needs of ELLs using evidence-based strategies and resources.
Conduct Comprehensive Assessments
Learn to assess and appraise ELLs' language development and academic progress using various evaluation techniques to measure student progress and adapt your teaching strategies accordingly and accurately.
Design and Execute Research Projects
Complete a practicum involving an action research project that integrates all aspects of the program to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings, demonstrating graduates’ ability to conduct research and implement findings in their teaching practice.
Real-World Applications
Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical assignments, educators will develop a comprehensive toolkit of resources and strategies that they can immediately apply in the classroom. Methods and materials and assessment and appraisal courses equip graduates with the skills to teach and assess English Language Learners (ELLs) effectively.
In addition to coursework, the program prepares educators to pass the Praxis 5362 English to Speakers of Other Languages exam, a requirement for ESOL endorsement in Kansas. This endorsement enhances graduates’ credentials and makes them more attractive candidates for school districts.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
The Master of Science in Education (English for Speakers in Other Languages Endorsement) (ESOL) program equips students with cutting-edge knowledge and techniques by leveraging current research and best practices. For instance, the curriculum emphasizes "translanguaging," encouraging students to use their native languages as a scaffold for learning English and other academic content, a practice supported by recent educational research.
Furthermore, using open educational resources (OER) ensures that the program materials are continuously updated, providing educators with the most relevant and practical tools for their teaching practice. This approach keeps the curriculum fresh and innovative and prepares them to adapt to future changes in the educational landscape.
Practical Activities
Each course includes assignments and projects that require educators to apply what they have learned to real-world scenarios. The program culminates in a practicum, where they will conduct an action research project that integrates all aspects of their coursework. By the end of the program, graduates will have developed the skills and confidence needed to implement effective ESOL strategies in their classrooms.
What You’ll Learn:
- Understanding cultural diversity
- Methods and materials for ESOL
- Assessment and appraisal techniques
- Specialized knowledge of linguistics as applied to English language learners
- Comprehensive practicum experience
- Preparation for the Praxis 5362 exam
How You’ll Learn:
- Entirely online and asynchronous
- 8-week and 16-week course sessions
- Apply knowledge to real experiences
- Practical assignments for resource gathering
- Continuous updates with OER materials
The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere
Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $3,047.58* (online) per semester.
*Estimated cost based on 9 credit hours at the FHSU Online Graduate tuition rate ($338.62/credit hour) for online courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.
Ready for the next step?
Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.
Related Programs
In addition to the Master of Science in Education (English for Speakers of Other Languages Endorsement), Fort Hays State University offers several related programs:
- BSE in Elementary Education (Early Childhood Unified)
- BSE in Elementary Education (PreK-6)
- M.S. in Special Education (Gifted)
- M.S. in Special Education (High Incidence)
- M.S. in Special Education (Low Incidence)
- M.S. in Educational Administration
- Ed.S in Advanced Professional Studies (Education Administration)
- Certificate in Science of Language and Literacy (Graduate Level)
- B.A. in Modern Languages (Spanish and Teacher Education)
- M.A. in English
Information about the Department of Advanced Education Programs
FHSU’s Department of Advanced Education Programs (AEP) is one of the most diverse and comprehensive departments, offering a wide range of programs designed to fit the unique needs of educators at every stage of their careers. Whether you aim to enhance your teaching skills, pursue a role as a building principal or community counselor, add an endorsement, or renew your license, our department is dedicated to helping you succeed in your aspirations.
AEP aims to be the leader in preparing inclusive educational and community professionals to unlock innovative potential in a rapidly advancing world, by preparing global leaders who serve in these settings. Our programs focus on the interaction among innovative technologies, relevant content, diversity, and best practices.