The ESL (English as a Second Language) program is designed to help you become an educational leader, ready to support students who are learning English as their second, third, or additional language. It focuses on preparing you to be both culturally and linguistically aware, ensuring that you can meet the diverse needs of students in various classroom settings.
This program has received approval from the Illinois State Board of Education, meaning that once you graduate, you'll be qualified to apply for an ESL endorsement. This endorsement can be added to your existing Illinois teaching license, enhancing your qualifications and allowing you to better serve students who are English learners.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand linguistics and language acquisition theories.
- Develop skills in culturally responsive teaching.
- Master instructional strategies for English language learners.
Calendar
Don't miss an important date or deadline
Designed for working professionals, UIS programs feature multiple start dates per year, so you can begin at the time that best fits your schedule and complete your degree quickly. View the Academic Calendar
Tuition & Aid
UIS is the most affordable option to earning your University of Illinois degree. Earn a world-class education for less than you’d expect.
Tuition Estimates
Online
$6,917*
*These numbers represent an estimate of the in-state tuition cost for this program and do not include fees. To get an estimate of the full cost of attendance check out the cost of attendance page and/or use the tuition calculator.
Ways to Save on Tuition
Admissions
Applying to UIS is simple
We've streamlined our admission process to save you time and effort. Just follow the steps below.
Review admission requirements
No specific admission requirements are listed at this time. Please contact the Office of Admission for more information.
International students, will you need an F-1 student visa to study on campus at UIS? Please review the International Applicants site for additional information.
Complete your application
An email address is required to create an account. To submit a paper application, visit the Resources & Forms page. Find more information about what type of student you are on the Student Types page. Applying for an online program is the same procedure as applying for an on-campus program.
Send your official transcripts
Email your official or certified academic records/transcripts to incomingtranscripts@uis.edu or through any of the major transcript platforms. Photocopies will not be accepted.
Submit required statements/writing sample
If you are a first-year student, a statement of 250-650 words is required for admission. We want to hear about your professional aspirations, intellectual interests, and personal experiences relevant to your choice of a specific academic program. You can upload the required documents on your application status page.
Pay your application fee
You can submit your non-refundable application fee online, after completing the online application. Alternately, it can also be mailed to the university, payable to University of Illinois Springfield.
Domestic students: Undergraduate - $50, Graduate - $60;
International students: Undergraduate - $60, Graduate - $75.
Voted No. 1 public regional university in Illinois
2020 - 2024
Courses & Catalog Information
At the University of Illinois Springfield, you'll find a wide range of courses tailored to your interests and career goals. Explore your program details and get all the essential information you need to plan your future.
Career Outlook & Potential Earnings
Graduates of this program may find opportunities in the following careers. Data sourced from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors
Teach or instruct out-of-school youths and adults in basic education, literacy, or English as a Second Language classes, or in classes for earning a high school equivalency credential.
Median Annual Wage
$61,540
Wage Range
$41,810 – $98,030
Projected Growth
Below Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, High school diploma or equivalent
English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary
Teach courses in English language and literature, including linguistics and comparative literature. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and
Teach courses in English language and literature, including linguistics and comparative literature. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Median Annual Wage
$78,760
Wage Range
$48,270 – $137,250
Projected Growth
Below Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Doctoral degree, Master’s degree, Less than high school diploma
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.
Median Annual Wage
$72,040
Wage Range
$48,780 – $107,600
Projected Growth
Below Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Bachelor’s degree, Post-baccalaureate certificate, Post-master’s certificate
Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary
Teach languages and literature courses in languages other than English. Includes teachers of American Sign Language (ASL). Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combi
Teach languages and literature courses in languages other than English. Includes teachers of American Sign Language (ASL). Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Median Annual Wage
$79,350
Wage Range
$49,060 – $136,050
Projected Growth
Below Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Doctoral degree, Master’s degree, Bachelor’s degree
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Teach one or more subjects to students at the middle, intermediate, or junior high school level.
Median Annual Wage
$64,370
Wage Range
$48,080 – $102,540
Projected Growth
Below Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Bachelor’s degree, Post-baccalaureate certificate, Less than high school diploma
Special Education Teachers, Middle School
Teach academic, social, and life skills to middle school students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Includes teachers who specialize and work with students who are blind or have visu
Teach academic, social, and life skills to middle school students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Includes teachers who specialize and work with students who are blind or have visual impairments; students who are deaf or have hearing impairments; and students with intellectual disabilities.
Median Annual Wage
$66,810
Wage Range
$49,420 – $102,510
Projected Growth
Below Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree
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