BA in Linguistics / EdM in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
Study language. Teach the world.
UB Teach linguistics and English for speakers of other languages, or ESOL, is an accelerated five-year program that combines a bachelor’s degree in linguistics with a master of education in ESOL education. You will build strong knowledge of language and communication while gaining extensive classroom experience as you prepare to teach multilingual learners in grades Pre-K through 12. This program is designed for students who want to understand how language works and use that knowledge to support learners in real classrooms.
This program is built for students who want to teach English to speakers of other languages and stay grounded in the study of language. You graduate with strong content knowledge, extensive clinical experience and a clear pathway to New York State certification. You will be prepared to:
- Teach English to multilingual learners in grades Pre-K to 12
- Apply linguistic knowledge in real classroom settings
- Use evidence-based teaching practices that support a wide range of learners
- Enter the profession with a full year of teaching residency experience
As a UB Teach student, you begin with linguistics coursework and then move into advanced education coursework and supervised teaching.
This accelerated combined degree allows you to earn both a BA in Linguistics and an EdM in ESOL Education in five years. You will study in both the Department of Linguistics and the Department of Learning and Instruction, building expertise in language structure, language acquisition and teaching practice.
Throughout the program, you will:
- Study how language works, including sound, structure, meaning and use
- Build understanding of linguistic diversity across cognitive and social contexts
- Participate in clinical education experiences in Western New York schools
- Learn how to design inclusive, effective instruction for multilingual learners
- Complete a full-year residency and co-teach with an expert teacher
To continue into the graduate portion of the program, students must meet progression requirements in GPA and coursework. No separate graduate school application is required.
Program at a glance:
Degrees: Bachelor of Arts and Master of Education
Time to complete: Five years
Format: On campus with some online coursework
Certification: New York State ESOL certification
Grade levels: Pre-K to 12
- Accelerated five-year pathway to a BA in Linguistics and an EdM in ESOL Education
- Coursework in both the Department of Linguistics and the Department of Learning and Instruction
- Clinical teaching experiences built into undergraduate and graduate coursework
- A full one-year teaching residency during the final year
- A direct path to an institutional recommendation for New York State ESOL certification
You will study linguistics the way language scholars do, by analyzing patterns, examining meaning and understanding how language works across cultures and communities. At the same time, you will learn how to design lessons, support multilingual learners and create classrooms where students can thrive.
Along the way, you will:
- Study core areas of linguistics and connect them to classroom teaching
- Gain hands-on teaching experience in Western New York schools
- Build confidence, co-teaching and applying evidence-based practices during a year-long residency
- Learn how language acquisition, literacy and culture shape student learning
Sample course titles may include “Introduction to Linguistic Analysis,” “Structure of English: The Sound System,” “Linguistics for L2 Educators” and “Methods in ESL through Content Areas.”
By completing this program, students will:
- Build understanding of core concepts in linguistics and key literature in the field
- Develop awareness of linguistic diversity and variability in cognitive and social contexts
- Analyze language structure, meaning and patterns across languages
- Create inclusive learning environments that respond to student needs
- Design, assess and adapt instruction for multilingual learners
- Apply research and evidence-based practices in teaching
- Communicate clearly and professionally in educational settings
Graduates of UB Teach linguistics and ESOL education are prepared for teaching and language education roles in schools and other learning environments.
Common paths include:
- ESOL teacher
- English as a second language instructor
- Language education specialist
- Multilingual learner support roles
- Educational policy and multicultural services
UB Teach linguistics and ESOL education gives you the language expertise and classroom experience to support multilingual learners with confidence.
