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Out of state students get in state tuition through the Western Regional Graduate Program.Programs of Study
The Programs of Study outline graduate degree and certificate requirements, including the course number and the names of required coursework for each program.ESL and Bilingual Education, Master of Education
This degree program prepares candidates for a career as an English as a second language (ESL) classroom teacher, ESL resource teacher, or a teacher responsible for providing ESL instruction and support in the regular classroom or special settings. Candidates gain knowledge, skills, and dispositions for developing ESL skills across reading, writing, and listening, and for involving communities and families as partners. They will leave the program with a historical perspective of English learners in the U.S. Candidates will develop specific skills for assessing English learner proficiency and content area knowledge, as well as knowledge of various program models. They will become familiar with current research in ESL instruction and understand how theory can be structured in classroom practice to develop oral language and literacy skills of all students.
Requirements Accordion Open
To receive a master's degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject areas, consisting of at least 30 units of graduate-level courses. Many master's degree programs require more than 30 units.
You must additionally complete:- All requirements for your specific academic plan(s). This may include a thesis.
- All graduate work with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0.
- All work toward the master's degree must be completed within six consecutive years. The six years begins with the semester and year of admission to the program.
Individual degree programs may exceed the baseline University Policy for a master's degree. The program-specific requirements are provided on the Details tab below.
Read the full policy here.
Overview Accordion Closed
In addition to University Requirements:
- Complete individual plan requirements.
- Candidates in this program of study are required to demonstrate content knowledge, pedagogical knowledge and skills, and professional knowledge to enroll in the fieldwork and capstone courses.
- Content, pedagogical, and professional knowledge or skills, and professional dispositions are demonstrated through student (or candidate) performance in all major requirement courses.
| Minimum Units for Completion | 30 |
| Additional Admission Requirements | Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required. |
| Fieldwork Experience/Internship | Required |
| Arizona Endorsement | May prepare student for Arizona Endorsement. |
| Foreign Language | A foreign language may be required by chosen emphasis or offered as an option. |
| Some online/blended coursework | Required |
| Progression Plan Link | View Program of Study |
Purpose Statement
This degree program prepares candidates for a career as an English as a second language (ESL) classroom teacher, ESL resource teacher, or a teacher responsible for providing ESL instruction and support in the regular classroom or special settings. Candidates gain knowledge, skills, and dispositions for developing ESL skills across reading, writing, and listening, and for involving communities and families as partners. They will leave the program with a historical perspective of English learners in the U.S. Candidates will develop specific skills for assessing English learner proficiency and content area knowledge, as well as knowledge of various program models. They will become familiar with current research in ESL instruction and understand how theory can be structured in classroom practice to develop oral language and literacy skills of all students.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Know, understand, and use the major theories and research related to the structure and acquisition of language.
- Apply major theories and research to help English Language Learners (ELLs) develop language and literacy and achieve in the content area.
- Know, understand, and use major concepts, principles, theories, and research related to the nature and role of culture and cultural groups to construct supportive learning environments for ELLs.
- Know, understand, and apply concepts, research, and best practices to plan classroom instruction for ELLs.
- Demonstrate understanding of issues and concepts of assessment.
- Use a variety of standards-based language proficiency instruments to show language growth and to inform their instruction.
Details Accordion Closed
Graduate Admission Information
The NAU graduate online application is required for all programs. Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies.
Admission requirements include the following:- Transcripts.
- Undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale ("A" = 4.0), or the equivalent.
Visit the NAU Graduate Admissions website for additional information about graduate school application deadlines, eligibility for study, and admissions policies.
Ready to apply? Begin your application now.International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy.
Additional Admission Requirements
Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
- Essay/Letter of Intent/Personal Statement*
- IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card
- Teaching Certificate - if the applicant has one
*See the application for details.
Master's Requirements
This Master's degree requires 30 units distributed as follows:
- Required Courses: 21 units
- Foundations: 6 units
- Electives: 3 units
Take the following 30 units:- At least 50 percent of your courses must be 600-level or above.
- A maximum of two 400-level courses may be taken for graduate credit in the program of study.
Required Courses (21 units)
Foundations (6 units)
Electives (3 units)
Additional Information
For additional information about obtaining a Bilingual Education Endorsement or an English as a Second Language Endorsement in Arizona, please visit the Arizona Department of Education Endorsement Requirements website.
Some courses may have prerequisites. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.
The Bilingual and Multicultural Education, Master of Education has 2 emphasis:
- Bilingual emphasis
- English as a Second Language emphasis
- Bilingual or ESL classroom teacher
- Bilingual or ESL resource teacher
- Teacher responsible for providing bilingual or ESL support in classroom or special settings