Master of Arts in English as a Second Language (MAESL)

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

If you have licensure or a certificate in ESL, TEFL, adult ESL, or bilingual education, you have the option of pursuing an advanced degree in ESL. Developed in consultation with experts in the field and designed for those currently teaching, the MAESL offers online and evening courses to accommodate working adults. MAESL graduates are ESL teachers/leaders who understand systems of language, the language-culture relationship, how these affect learning, and integrate technology into instruction. Courses integrate linguistics and literacy, feature practical applications, and are taught by experienced professionals.

Required Courses for all Concentrations (29 credits and 3.0 GPA):

Concentration Areas

Adult ESL Concentration (11-12 credits)

The MA-ESL with the Adult ESL Concentration prepares graduates to teach ESL in community-based ESL programs, Adult Basic Education programs, and colleges, where many immigrant students start their advanced education in the United States.

One of the following:

And each of the following:

K-12 ESL Licensure Concentration (14-19 credits)

With a concentration in K-12 ESL Licensure, graduates will be able to teach K-12 and will also qualify for university and community college ESL positions in both the United States and abroad. All teachers must meet licensing requirements in the state where they teach.

ESL 6612 - Advocating for English Language Learners
ESL 7753 - Testing & Evaluation of English Language Learners
ESL 7755 - Development of Literacy Skills
ESL 7776 - ESL Methods
Practicum Experience (1-6 credits)
Elective course with a literacy, technology, or cultural focus (2 credits)

TEFL Concentration (12 credits)

Graduates who complete the MA-ESL with a TEFL concentration generally go abroad and teach English for a limited period of time. With their advanced knowledge of language theory and linguistics, graduates will qualify for university and community college positions both in the United States and abroad.

TEFL Certificate:

And each of the following:

MAESL Application Requirements:

Completed application (available through Graduate Admission, www.hamline.edu/graduate/admission/hse.html).
Two letters of recommendation from professors with whom you have studied. These may include Hamline professors.
Official sealed transcript of undergraduate and relevant graduate work. Hamline licensure and TEFL program graduates do not need to resubmit transcripts.
Submit an academic paper dealing with a second language issue that shows that you can:

synthesize information from several sources; or

apply information from academic or research articles to your teaching or personal experience.

MAESL students must have at least two years of high school or one year of college foreign language, or the equivalent. Foreign language study must be documented.
Non-native speakers of English must also submit evidence of passing scores on the Praxis or MTLE test (Minnesota standards), a bachelor’s degree from an English-language university, a TOEFL score of 107 for internet-based, 253 for computer-based, or 625 for paper based, or a score of 7.5-8.0 on the IELTS.