Start your journey
Become a ESL or world/classical language teacher with a master's in multilingual education
This part-time program prepares you to become a licensed ESL or world/classical language teacher in Minnesota. Whether you're a current educator seeking licensure or a district staff member with a bachelor’s degree, you'll gain the knowledge and experience needed to teach with confidence, all while maintaining your job. A Minnesota teaching license is highly transferable, making you a sought-after candidate for school districts locally and across the country. Note: Students in this program do not need to currently be working in schools.
Careers
- English as a second language (ESL) teachers
- World/classical language teachers
- Non-licensed district staff with bachelor’s degrees, including:
- Paraprofessionals
- Educational assistants
- Substitute/reserve teachers
- Teachers on a district waiver
Admissions requirements
Application deadline
- December 15 (spring start)
- April 30 (summer start)
- July 31 (fall start)
Program prerequisites
Before you are admitted to the MEd and teaching license programs, you must complete some prerequisite coursework, which varies based on the type of license you are seeking. Review this list of prerequisites listed by license. Email the program advisor your unofficial transcript(s).
Application requirements
Transcripts
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Unofficial transcripts: submit all unofficial transcripts from all previous institutions. Once admitted you will need official transcripts.
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A bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S institution, or a comparable degree from a recognized college or university in another country, is required.
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2.80 GPA is required for full acceptance. Special review will be given to applicants with a GPA less than 2.80.
Resume
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Highlight experiences and achievements working with children and youth.
Personal Statement
Writing prompt: Describe the world you come from--for example, your family, community or school. Tell us about a time when your worldview has informed and/or been challenged by working with children or youth.
- Reflecting on this and other experiences, how do you hope to grow as a reflective teacher through our program?
- Statement should be no longer than 5 pages. Standard font-size. Double-spaced. Include your name at the top of each page.
Letter of Recommendation
- Ask someone who can speak to your experience working with children and/or youth, or who can vouch for your commitment to educational equity.
- When you apply, list the name and email of your recommender. We will email them with instructions on how to submit their letter into the UMN application system. Please let them know to watch their Spam inbox in case the email appears there.
Diversity of Views and Experiences (DOVE) Statement
Diversity of views and experience is fundamental to the University's mission, and the University's faculty, staff, and students share responsibility for the collective achievement of this goal.
Please describe the distinctive perspectives or life experiences, such as successfully overcoming obstacles or hardships, that you would bring to your graduate program. Describe how these perspectives or life experiences could contribute to the education and enhanced perspective of fellow students at the University of Minnesota.
(Optional) Extenuating Circumstances Statement
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Required for those with a GPA lower than 2.8.
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Only submit if there is something on your transcript that does not accurately reflect who you are as a student.
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No more than 500 words documenting unusual circumstances or hardships you have faced and the ways in which you have overcome or responded to them.
Application Fees
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$75 for U.S. applicants
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$95 for international applicants
NOTE: GRE not required.
International applicants
International applicants may also need:
TOEFL, IELTS or MELAB TOEFL
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Required for non-native English speakers: institutional code: 6874.
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IELTS and MELAB scores must be received directly from the testing center.
- 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.
- More information about English Language proficiency
Official evaluation of transcript by a NACES-approved member
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You must get a NACES-approved member organization to complete a course-by-course evaluation of your transcript
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Send to:
Michelle McElroy
Department of Curriculum and Instruction c/o Foreign Transcript EvaluationsPeik Hall, 125 159 Pillsbury Dr. SE Minneapolis, MN 55455
Tuition
Visit the College of Education and Human Development's 2025-2026 professional program costs page for information on the master's in multilingual education (MEd) for working professionals program costs.
Visit OneStop for the most up-to-date tuition information and to understand the full cost of attendance.
Funding
CEHD Fellowships, scholarships, assistantships, and grants for graduate students
As a graduate student in CEHD, you may be eligible for fellowships, grants, and scholarships from the University of Minnesota, from our college, and from your academic department. Check out the CEHD aid for future teachers and graduate funding page to get more information on funding opportunities!
Questions about funding
University funding opportunities
612.625.7579 | gsfellow@umn.edu
CEHD funding opportunities:
Financial aid
Financial aid for your graduate program works a little differently than financial aid at the undergraduate level. It’s important to know the differences and explore your options. Check out this One Stop link for more information on eligibility, required steps, and timelines. If you have questions, you should contact Michelle McElroy.
Request information
What our alumni say
Quote from Yangyang Liu, MEd '18
I felt very supported by the faculty in this program. They were great about communicating the projects and finding ways to serve the needs of working professionals.
Coursework
This program includes two components: initial teaching licensure and MEd degree.
The initial teaching licensure coursework is offered in a part-time, graduate-level format integrating educational theory with classroom practice.
Courses start at the beginning of each term.
Required courses
You can earn a license in more than one second language area, including ESL, world language, and classical language. The coursework will cover core teaching practices including leading discussion, assessments, technology in education, supporting linguistically diverse students, and developing skills to meet the needs of all learners.
View the curriculum in the graduate program catalog (requirements > subplan > second language education for working professionals.
License requirements
In order to be recommended for your Multilingual Initial license in k-12 ESL or k-12 World Language, you must successfully complete these licensure requirements mandated by the state of Minnesota.
This material is available in alternative formats upon request. Direct requests to the Office of Teacher Education at ote@umn.edu, 612-625-5060.
Our unique co-teaching program will help you gain the confidence you need to start in your own classroom with plenty of support. You will teach at both a middle school and high school as part of your student teaching practicum. Learn more about the student teaching experience.
Faculty
See the award-winning faculty with practical and research experience teaching in this area.
