Professional studies in second language education MEd
The MEd Professional Studies in multilingual education is a graduate-level program designed for language teachers with a wide range of backgrounds and experience.
Some students in this program already have teaching licenses and others have done training internationally and are looking for opportunities to learn about U.S. schooling. We welcome teachers interested in teaching any language, in any context including in schools and community settings.
This degree qualifies you for many teaching positions in the U.S. and abroad; however, it does not include a Minnesota teaching license. If you wish to earn a teaching license, visit the MEd and Teaching License in Multilingual Education program.
Quote from Saem Heo
My advisor's endless support helped me to have a better understanding of not only multilingual education, but also enlightened me as to how a scholar studying multicultural education could balance views on language policy, equity, and social issues.
Coursework
Curriculum
The Core Curriculum covers instruction, assessment, and implementation of multilingual and culture education and includes about nine courses. Courses are offered in the evenings and during the summer. To see detailed course information visit the MEd Professional Studies page in the graduate catalog, find Requirements > Program Sub-Plan Requirements> Second Language Education.
Timeline
Full-time students can finish this program in two years, taking two to three classes per term, excluding summers.
You may also take courses on a part-time basis at your own rate while working.
Career outlook
Teachers of world languages and ESL are in high demand as the population of English learners grows in the U.S. and the desire to learn new languages increases in an increasingly global nation and world.
Earning your MEd will also advance your career and earning potential in several ways:
- Teachers with a master's degree are regarded as experts in their field, making you a more competitive job candidate with an MEd
- Teachers who have a master's degree will see a roughly $7,000 annual salary increase [Teacher.org ]
- Though the salary increase with a master's degree will vary by district and state, Minnesota teachers are on the higher end of the payscale. Median Minnesota teacher salaries were $64,790 and $64,960 for middle school and high school respectively in 2019 [BLS ].
- Once a teacher is employed, there is much more mobility that comes with a Master's. Teachers with advanced degrees can be promoted to school administration positions and can become mentors to other teachers based upon specific graduate training.
How to apply
Application deadline and instructions
Applications are accepted for three different start times throughout the year:
Priority admission deadlines:
- December 15 (Spring start)
- April 30 (Summer start)
- July 31 (Fall start)
Tuition and funding
All master's degree programs in CEHD have the same cost per credit hour. The University of Minnesota tuition operates on a credit band where there is a flat rate for tuition each semester when taking 12 - 24 credits.
- Estimate your tuition cost based on credit hour.
- Calculate your cost of attendance
- Apply for financial aid when you apply
Application requirements
Before applying online, make sure you have all the required materials. Download and refer to this application tip sheet as you work through the application. The included directions will help you complete your application quickly and smoothly.
We are here to help! If you have questions, please contact the academic advisor in your program area (see below).
What we look for
We look for professionals and licensed teachers that have already achieved an undergraduate degree and professional experience and who want to advance their career and leadership capacity in their chosen program area.
Required application documents
A bachelor's degree and 2.80 GPA is required.
To apply you need:
- Unofficial transcripts. Upload your transcripts into the application system; please do not mail your transcripts. Official transcripts are required only after you are admitted.
- Resume. Tailor your resume to focus on relevant academic and work experience.
- Personal statement. Describe your career goals and rationale for pursuing your MEd Limit: 1 page.
Additional admissions information
Transfer credits
Maximum transfer credits: 10
Credits may have been taken at UMN, or at another institution. Credits must be at the graduate level and must be approved by a faculty adviser.
- Contact the academic adviser (for contact info, see below) to arrange to work with a faculty adviser to have your courses approved
- After the faculty adviser approves your transfer courses, fill out the Academic Policy Petition.
International applicants
International applicants may also need:
- An English translation of your transcripts, if the transcript is not in English.
- A course by course evaluation may be required.
- TOEFL scores. Official TOEFL scores are required. You may qualify for an exception if you have completed 16 semester or 24 quarter credits within the past 24 months in residence as a full-time student at an accredited institution of higher learning in the United States. Please see the University of Minnesota TOEFL score requirements and submission guidelines from the Graduate School. Early application is advised to ensure timely admission.
- International students with F-1 visas may take no more than the equivalent of one completely online education class (or 3 credits per semester) and count it towards their full-time course requirement. Full-time enrollment for graduate students is 6 credits. If you are enrolled in an online program and studying in your home country, you do not need full-time enrollment status.
Request information
We’re here to help. Simply complete one of these forms and a member of our department will be in touch