Online Bachelor's Degree in Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL)

The BS in Teaching English as a Second Language is a fully online degree program. All coursework is delivered online, allowing you to study on your own schedule from anywhere. However, you will complete a required semester-long field experience placement in a K-12 ESL classroom (which may be virtual or hybrid depending on availability). You can complete the program in 2-4 years depending on how many courses you take per term.

Yes, the online format is designed for working professionals and practicing educators. You control when you complete coursework and assignments. Many students balance full-time employment while earning the degree. However, the field experience placement typically requires 12-16 hours per week for one semester, so plan accordingly during that period. Check with SMSU about the flexibility of scheduling your field experience around your work commitments.

This program awards a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL). TESOL stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages and refers to the field broadly; TESL specifically means teaching ESL. This is a full four-year bachelor’s degree (120+ credits), not just a certification. Graduates earn the bachelor’s degree and are eligible to apply for a Minnesota professional teaching license with an ESL endorsement for K-12 classroom teaching.

The program is designed for people who want to become ESL/TESL teachers in K-12 schools. This includes career-changers, recent graduates, working educators seeking an endorsement, and international educators who want to teach in the US. You do not need prior teaching experience to apply. However, the program assumes college-level academic skills (writing, critical thinking). If you’re currently working internationally as an ESL teacher, this degree will give you the U.S. credentials and Minnesota licensure needed to teach in American schools. Contact an admissions advisor to learn more.

The curriculum covers four main areas:

1. Language Acquisition and Linguistics – how people learn second languages, linguistic theory, phonetics

2. ESL Teaching Methods – lesson planning, classroom management, differentiation for diverse learners

3. Assessment and Standards – evaluating language proficiency, understanding Minnesota ESL standards

4. Culture and Diversity – cross-cultural communication, culturally responsive teaching, working with multilingual families.

The program also includes a research project where you investigate an ESL teaching question and present findings. All coursework is grounded in Minnesota’s Standards for Effective Practice for educators.

Yes, this BS in TESL is designed to qualify you for a Minnesota professional teaching license with an ESL/TESL endorsement for K-12 classrooms. The program is accredited by the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board and aligns with state standards. Regarding other states: ESL teaching licenses have limited reciprocity across states. Each state has its own licensure requirements and approval processes. Some states recognize Minnesota licenses, but others require you to apply for state-specific endorsement. If you plan to teach outside Minnesota, research your target state’s ESL licensure requirements early—we can help connect you with state-specific guidance.

After graduation, you’ll apply to the Minnesota Department of Education for your professional teaching license with an ESL endorsement. You’ll need to submit your transcripts, complete a background check, and pass any required exams (Minnesota has specific assessments for ESL teachers). Some states require a Praxis exam; Minnesota may require additional assessments. SMSU provides guidance on the licensing application process during your final courses. The entire licensing process typically takes 4-8 weeks after you submit your application. You can begin teaching in some states on a temporary or provisional license while your full license is being processed.

The primary career path is K-12 ESL teacher, teaching English learners in public or private schools. Within K-12, you might specialize in elementary, middle, or high school ESL.

Beyond K-12 schools, ESL degree holders work in:

– Adult Education programs (teaching immigrants and refugees English)

– International schools abroad (teaching US/English curriculum overseas)

– Corporate training (teaching English to business professionals)

– Language institutes and community colleges

– ESL tutoring (private practice or center-based)

Some graduates pursue master’s degrees in TESOL, linguistics, or education leadership. The BS TESL opens multiple career doors both domestically and internationally.

K-12 ESL teachers earn salaries comparable to other certified teachers in their district. In Minnesota, public school teachers typically earn $35,000-$70,000+ depending on experience and district. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects steady demand for ESL teachers, especially in districts with growing English learner populations. Adult ESL instructors and corporate trainers may earn different ranges (often higher for corporate roles). Job opportunities are strong in urban areas and regions with immigrant/refugee communities. Pursuing a master’s degree can lead to higher-paying leadership roles (ESL coordinator, teacher-leader, curriculum specialist).

Standard requirements include:

1. High school diploma or GED

2. Acceptable standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) or GPA from prior college work

3. Completion of prerequisite courses in English composition, math, and often a basic education or psychology course

4. Application form and essay

5. Background check (teacher candidates must pass).

For transfer students, SMSU evaluates prior coursework for credit. International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS scores typically required). There is no strict minimum GPA, but competitive admission usually requires a 2.5+ GPA. Talk to an admissions advisor about your specific background—many non-traditional students are admitted successfully.

There’s no strict minimum GPA requirement. However, teacher education programs typically look for a 2.5-3.0 GPA or higher to be competitive. If your GPA is lower, SMSU may admit you conditionally or require you to complete developmental coursework. Admissions decisions also consider your essay, recommendations, and motivation to teach. If you’re concerned about your GPA, contact an admissions counselor. They can discuss whether prerequisite courses or community college transfer credits might help strengthen your application. Work experience in education is also valued.

No, SMSU offers the same flat tuition rate to all students regardless of where you live. The total estimated cost for the BS in Teaching English as a Second Language is $38,796 for the full 120-credit program. Note that the in-state tuition parity applies to the online program; licensure field experience requirements mean you must reside in or near Minnesota to enroll.

SMSU offers merit-based scholarships for qualifying applicants, and education majors may be eligible for teacher-specific aid beyond standard federal grants and loans. Your first step is completing the FAFSA (school code: 002375). A financial aid advisor can then identify scholarships tied to your program, background, or military status. The $20 application fee is waivable for students who demonstrate financial need or submit their FAFSA.

The program includes a semester-long field experience placement in a K-12 school where you teach ESL lessons under the supervision of a cooperating teacher and university supervisor. This is not traditional ‘student teaching’ in the sense of taking over a class full-time; instead, you gradually build your teaching practice through classroom observation, co-teaching, and eventually teaching full lessons. The field experience typically requires 12-16 hours per week over one semester. You’ll apply ESL methods, assessment strategies, and culturally responsive practices you’ve learned in courses. This experience is required by Minnesota for licensure and prepares you for your first teaching job.

The program requires 120+ credit hours (typical four-year bachelor’s degree). If you’re a full-time student taking 15 credits per term, you’ll complete the degree in four years. However, the online format allows flexibility: taking 12 credits per term extends completion to 2.5-3 years; taking 18 credits per term (if you have the capacity) shortens it. SMSU recommends a balanced approach—about 12-15 credits per term allows you to work while maintaining good grades. Transfer credits from community college or prior university work may reduce your credit requirement. Speak with an academic advisor about a timeline that fits your situation.