Bachelor of Science in Teaching English as a Second Language

Become a licensed teacher in Minnesota and prepare to work with English language learners in K–12 classrooms with Southwest Minnesota State University's Bachelor of Science in Teaching English as a Second Language. Finish your program in two to four years and earn a degree accredited by the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board. Graduates of this program are qualified to obtain a Minnesota professional teaching license for K–12 TESL.

The fully online curriculum includes a core grounded in the state of Minnesota's Standards for Effective Practice and focuses on essential topics like early literacy, language acquisition, and assessment. All students also complete a semester-long field experience placement to apply their studies directly in classrooms with ESL learners. A research project is built into the curriculum so you can prepare for teaching and meet state requirements for performance assessment. Throughout your program, you will learn from faculty members who are passionate educators with valuable subject-area expertise.

When you graduate, you will have the specialized knowledge and skills required to make an impact in the classroom and help your students thrive. You will also be prepared to collaborate with content area educators using specific, research-based teaching strategies to enhance the understanding and performance of ESL learners.

Southwest Minnesota State University is a four-year public university offering a high-quality education in the liberal arts and professions to prepare you for a life that is successful both personally and professionally. SMSU has grown into a university of choice with high national rankings, producing scholars who become the leaders, thinkers, and entrepreneurs of the future.

Strong academics, fulfilling social activities, rewarding civic engagement projects, and support from fellow Mustangs in a close-knit environment mean you will get the education of a lifetime at a price that won’t take a lifetime to pay for. We invite you to visit SMSU and to see for yourself all that we have to offer.