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.
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:
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.
In addition to University Requirements:
| 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
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:
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.
Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
For those applying for fall 2026 and beyond, the following will be required:
*See the application for details.
This Master's degree requires 30 units distributed as follows:
Take the following 30 units:
Required Courses (21 units)
Foundations (6 units)
Electives (3 units)
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.