Program Overview

Online English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), M.A.T.

Program Overview

The Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) in English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) is a fully online program designed for individuals passionate about helping immigrant students and families adjust, grow, and thrive in U.S. schools. This program helps students become the kind of teacher who can support English language learners with empathy and skill, create welcoming classrooms where all cultures and voices are valued, teach reading, writing, and speaking in ways that meet various learners where they are, and build bridges between students, families, and communities.

Program Details

• Duration: Minimum of 36 semester hours
• Class Location: All required classes to earn a degree can be completed online
• Application Deadlines:
  • Fall: March 15
  • Spring: November 15
  • Summer: March 15

Admissions Requirements

When applying to the English To Speakers of Other Languages, M.A.T. program, students will need to submit several documents for review, including:

• Online Application
• Application Fee of $50
• Goals Statement
• Resume
• Two Letters of Recommendation
• Official Transcript: Minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA required for admission
• Georgia Educator Ethics Assessment

What You'll Learn

This program is built on values that matter, including fairness and educational balance, teaching rooted in research, theory, and experience, and technology integration that prepares students for modern classrooms. Students will learn to support English language learners, create welcoming classrooms, teach reading, writing, and speaking, and build bridges between students, families, and communities.

Career Opportunities

Successful program graduates will be well-prepared to work in public, charter, and private schools and school systems in the metro-Atlanta area and beyond. Graduate placements include schools in Atlanta, Cobb County, Decatur, DeKalb County, Fulton County, and beyond, as well as international schools.

Program Highlights

• Earn your initial teacher certification in ESOL (K–12)
• Learn entirely online, on a schedule that fits your life
• Gain practical teaching experience in real classrooms from a location that works for you
• Join a community that shares your values of balanced and fair education for all
• Option to add a Reading Endorsement (grades 6–12)

Funding Your Graduate Education

Cost of attendance and funding opportunities are integral to your decision to attend graduate school. Georgia State University offers a variety of funding opportunities, from assistantships to fellowships. The Scholarship Resource Center provides guidance and support to students seeking financial assistance through scholarship opportunities.

Field Placement Experience

In the final semesters of the program, students conduct field experiences in the metro Atlanta area where they apply educational theory and research, test ideas, and practice strategies learned throughout the program. Each student works closely with a mentor teacher at the practicum school and is supervised by faculty from the Department of Middle and Secondary Education.

Georgia Teacher Certification Requirements

All students must meet Georgia Professional Standards Commission requirements to be eligible for certification, including the GaPSC Preservice Certificate and GACE Content Assessment(s).

Thinking Beyond Georgia

If you live or plan to live outside of Georgia, check with your state's licensing board to ensure the program meets local requirements.