Best Online Master’s in English Language Learning Degree Programs of 2025

Students who graduate with a master’s degree in English language learning are qualified to teach English to speakers of other languages. They can pursue careers as ESL teachers, instructional coordinators, interpreters, translators, and school counselors.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for ESL teachers is $60,560, while instructional coordinators make an average of $74,620. The average annual salary for interpreters and translators is $57,090. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average annual tuition for a graduate degree is $12,596 at public universities and $28,017 at private universities. Completing this degree takes two to three years of full-time study.

Choose your area of study

Since graduates of this degree program can pursue careers in different areas of English language learning, it is important to know what you’re planning to do after graduation. Programs may offer concentrations focusing on subjects such as literature, rhetoric and writing, and TESOL. Keep in mind that not all universities provide the same concentrations. Also, it’s important to look at what internship options and field experiences are offered as part of the program and if any are available in your area. These are usually required for this degree.

You also need to decide if you want a Master of Science (MS), Master of Arts (MA), or Master of Education (MEd). All will prepare you for a career in English learning, but they have different pedagogical approaches.

Research schools and programs

Once you’ve determined your area of study and which type of degree you want, start researching different schools and their programs.

You should only apply to institutions that have been approved by a DOE-recognized regional accrediting organization, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education or Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. These organizations evaluate schools to ensure they provide students with a high-quality education. Those who attend a school that isn’t regionally accredited may be unable to access financial aid or transfer credits to another institution if needed.

Ideally, your master’s in English language learning program will also be accredited by a respected industry group like the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). This accrediting organization has particularly high standards for education-related programs.

You should also have a general idea of how much you can pay for your degree, so check the cost of each program before researching further. Don’t waste time looking into programs that exceed the amount you are willing to pay.

Although you’ll be doing the coursework online, the school’s location is still worth considering. If it’s not too far away, you can participate directly in on-campus orientations, student organizations and clubs, career fairs, and other on-campus events. Also, online programs are often offered with a hybrid option, so students can attend some classes in person if they like. If you’d like to take advantage of this, proximity to the school may be a factor in your decision.

To learn more about any schools that you’re interested in, you can visit the school’s website, contact an admissions counselor, follow the school on social media, or attend an in-person or virtual open house.

Prepare for tests and applications

Admissions requirements vary depending on the university and program, so check each school’s website. While some schools require that applications and related documents be submitted by a specific date, others offer rolling admissions. Depending on the university, online programs may or may not start at the same time as on-campus courses. Additionally, while entrance exams aren’t generally a requirement for graduate programs, some universities ask for GRE scores.

You may need to also submit additional materials, such as undergraduate transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Before submitting an application, always contact an admissions counselor to ensure you have the most accurate information regarding requirements and deadlines.

Select your program

Once you’ve done your research and have all the relevant information, it’s time to select your program. Look at the pros and cons of each one, and decide which factors are most important to you. Then, make a list, in order of preference, of all the programs that fit what you’re looking for. Apply to them all, as you don’t know what the responses will be.

Before making your final decision, review your needs and goals again. Do you plan to attend school full-time or part-time? Do you want your program to be as online as possible, or are you fine with a hybrid program that has a fair amount of in-person requirements? Some programs offer asynchronous courses, which can be completed at your own pace, while others only offer synchronous courses, which involve remotely attending lectures and completing assignments at the same time as other students — which of these two online learning formats do you prefer? Your school should accommodate your scheduling needs and learning preferences.

Determine how you’ll pay for your degree

Financial aid in the form of loans, grants, and work-study programs is offered by the U.S. government. To be eligible, you must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

You may be able to skip some courses if you have previously earned college credits that can be transferred. Military members, past or present, often receive discounted tuition. Beyond that, if you have time in your schedule, a part-time job can help pay for the program. Those who already work in the field should see if their employer offers tuition assistance benefits as well.

Be sure to speak to financial aid counselors at the schools you’re interested in for the most accurate and specific information about program cost.