The Advantages To Earning An English As A Second Language Degree
English As A Second Language (ESL) degrees offer students a specialized program necessary for employment as an English instructor to those who speak English as a Second Language. Individuals interested in careers as ESL instructors gain the knowledge and skills necessary to perform as professionals teaching non-native English speaking students the ability to read, comprehend, and speak the English language. ESL instructors teach students of all levels within educational systems, private organizations, and various community programs. ESL programs give graduates a versatile degree through the variety of courses based in English grammar, education, methodologies of learning, literature and linguistics, and material selection. Many ESL majors specialize training in fields like adult education, primary education, or private tutoring to increase knowledge and employability upon graduating.
Most colleges and universities have recognized the increasing demand for online programs to extend learning to students unable to attend on campus instruction due to work or family obligations. Most online degree programs provide virtually the same educational experience as their traditional, brick and mortar counterparts. Online courses also offer the added benefits of a more personalized degree and flexibility in course scheduling. Most online classes have features like: groups of 25 students or less, 24 hour access to course materials and instruction, and one on one access to instructors and other students through Internet chats. Online programs are perhaps one of the most convenient, affordable, and efficient means of expanding education necessary for future personal and career success.
What Students Learn Within An English As A Second Language Degree Program
Students enrolled within English As A Second Language (ESL) degree programs receive a solid educational background necessary for a variety of career options. ESL professionals are generally required to complete bachelor degrees to qualify for employment. Many students begin their studies with associate degree programs and then advance to higher degree programs.
Courses at an associate level include: ESL in content areas, literature and contemporary issues for ESL studies, ESL contemporary issues, ESL writing and language, intensive ESL reading and conversation, English composition, foundations of critical reading, introduction to linguistics, introduction to contrastive analysis: Spanish and English, readings in american culture, introduction to communications, college writing 1, public speaking, college Algebra, keyboarding, concepts of wellness, issues in early American history, grammar and linguistics, media and meanning, teaching methodology and curriculum, issues in American history, American government, introduction to Sociology, and introduction to philosophy. Graduates from associate degree programs may advance to employment or continue studies at a bachelor level.
Bachelor level courses include: personal dimensions of education;, adult development and life assessment; personal dimensions of education; introduction to serving English language learners; linguistically and culturally diverse learners; understanding and teaching English language; racial and ethnic groups; methods, materials, and technology for learning a second language; listening and speaking in a second language; reading and writing in a second language; English language teaching and adult learners; testing and assessment for English language learner students (ELL); contemporary issues in English language instruction; language learning in a global context; and English language learner studies capstone. Graduates from bachelor degree programs may advance to entry level jobs or advance studies to graduate programs.
Courses at a master’s level include: education without boundaries; multicultural perspectives and school climate; language production, theory, and acquisition; theories of second language learning acquisition and grammar; planning, implementing, and managing instruction; applied field research for English Language Learners (ELL) ; the professional role of the ELL teacher; subject specific pedagogy in ELL; foundations of research; literature reviews for educational research; issues in educational research; tools and techniques in assessment; rethinking curriculum; learning theories, motivation, and technology; theoretical foundations of teaching ESL; methods and materials for ESL; literacy development for ELL; literacy development for ELL; assessments of ELLs; language and culture; and linguistic and language development. Graduates with master’s degrees may qualify for upper level employment or advance to doctoral degree programs.
Doctoral courses include: schooling in the United States; seminar on teacher education; second language classroom learning; reading in a second language; principles of course design for second language instruction; fundamentals of second language assessment; second language planning in education; cultural curriculum; proposal writing for second language research; issues in foreign language education; second language program management; reading in non-Roman scripts; designing materials for second language instruction; multimedia and second language instruction; problems and methods in education research; quantitative methods in education; evaluation methods for educational programs and curricula; advanced applications of quantitative methods; advanced research methods; bilingual education; educational anthropology; multicultural education; and bilingualism and second language acquisition: theory and research. Graduates from doctoral programs are qualified as experts in the field and advance to employment as researchers or instructors within facilities and higher educational institutions.
Prospective Jobs For Graduates With English As A Second Language Degrees
Graduates with English As a Second Language (ESL) Degrees qualify for various employment options based upon factors like: level of education, area of specialty, related work experience, and geographic location. Most graduates who complete associate degree programs advance to teaching assistant, teacher’s aides, or tutorial positions within various educational settings. Individuals with bachelor degrees and licensing requirements often qualify for employment as ESL instructors within adult literacy and remedial education settings. Graduates with master’s degrees often teach ESL within vocational schools and colleges or work as independent consultants within self operated businesses. Graduates with doctoral degrees are qualified as experts within the field of ESL and work as researchers or professors within facilities and higher education institutions.
Career Outlook and Advancement Opportunities For Graduates With ESL Degrees
Graduates with an English As A Second Language degree may find many employment opportunities within various educational organizations. The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics reports growth in the field of ESL to increase by 15 % through 2018 at a faster than average rate in comparison to other occupations. Graduates who complete a minimum of a bachelor degree program, gain work experience, and specialize training in adult literacy, basic education, English for Speakers of Other Languages, adult literacy and adult education are often preferred over candidates with less training and experience. Additionally, graduates who reside in states like California, Florida, Texas, and New York will find increased employability within certain geographic locations have larger populations of immigrants and other residents who need to increase or improve English skills.
Job prospects are anticipated to be favorable and generally stable though factors like economic downturns, budgetary issues, changing immigration policies, and governmental funding could affect the number of employment opportunities available to graduates with ESL degrees. The field of ESL offers graduates varied advancement opportunities. Adult education instructors, ESL teachers, and literacy professionals often begin employment within entry level, part time positions and advance to full time positions. Upon gaining adequate experience and meeting continuing education or licensing requirements, many full time instructors advance to administrative positions as ESL coordinators or directors. Other graduates may leave teaching and work within private, nonprofit, or public ESL organizations. Graduates with advanced degrees and training generally begin employment in supervisory or managerial positions and advance to research jobs within public local, State, or Federal governmental organizations. Other graduates with master’s or doctoral degrees advance to instructional coordinator positions and develop ESL teaching curricula. Few graduates may begin self operated businesses as ESL consultants upon completing studies, gaining experience, and earning adequate funding.
