The program helps you become a highly trained educator who is ready to meet the challenges of teaching students who are learning English as a second language.
The Master of Arts in English as a Second Language is a 39-credit program that offers a rich combination of online learning, classroom practice, learning community sharing, research, analysis, and assessment to build teachers’ knowledge and skills to increase the achievement of students who are learning English as a second language. Online examples are provided to help teachers of every subject and grade level provide appropriate instruction to facilitate listening, speaking, reading, writing, and comprehension skills in the English language. The program is for teachers of pre-K to grade 12 ESL students.
The courses that make up the program curriculum are designed to prepare and strengthen the classroom teacher’s skills by providing the most current research-based and proven educational strategies and knowledge. The curriculum encompasses learning theory, educational foundations, brain theory, best practices, curriculum development, standards, and assessment. The courses in child and adolescent development, special needs, and classroom management provide a framework for how teachers can provide appropriate strategies and environments for all students. Other areas of focus are specific information and practice on methods of ESL; foundations of ESL; teaching of reading and writing; linguistics; and assessment for non-English proficient students. A mentored practicum and portfolio project are included to enable the student to synthesize the knowledge and skills of the program into his/her personal understanding of an effective classroom for ESL students.
| 1 | Successful completion of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university. The degree must be verified on an original transcript duly signed and certified by the Registrar or other responsible officer of the awarding institution directly to Acacia University. Mail or secure electronic delivery is accepted. Applicants submitting transcripts from non-US institutions may be required to have their transcript evaluated by a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) member agency. |
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| 2 | English language competency – Applicants whose first language is not English and do not have a bachelor’s degree from a university in which instruction is conducted in English must provide evidence of English proficiency. The following are accepted exams and minimum scores required for admission:
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| 3 | For degrees in Education, applicants must demonstrate access to classrooms – confirmation of classroom and connectivity attestation through either a signed form https://www.acacia.edu/required-classroom-and-connectivity-attestation.pdf or declared via the Classroom and Connectivity Access Attestation section in the website admission form.
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| 4 | Ongoing access to computer technology – All Acacia University courses are presented online so each applicant must have a computer and internet access to participate. |
| COURSE NUMBER | COURSE TITLE | TOTAL COURSE CREDIT/CLOCK HOURS |
|---|---|---|
| EDC500 | Power Strategies for Effective Teachings | 3 |
| EDC510 | Power Strategies for Classroom Assessmentt | 3 |
| EDC520 | Power Strategies for Improving Comprehension | 3 |
| EDC540 | Classroom Management | 3 |
| EDC550 | Child and Adolescent Development | 3 |
| EDC570 | Special Needs Students | 3 |
| EDC564 | Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment in the ESL Classroom | 3 |
| EDC535 | Reading and Writing in the ESL Classroom | 3 |
| EDC572 | Foundations of ESL | 3 |
| EDC573 | Linguistics | 2 |
| EDC610-1 | Research Methods | 2 |
| EDC610-2 | Action Research | 3 |
| EDC620 | Mentored Practicum | 4 |
$138.88
All master’s level courses are $138.88 per credit
Example
The cost for a single 3-credit graduate level course is $416.64
($138.88 x 3)
The total cost for a 36-credit master’s degree program is $5175
($138.88 x 36 + $75.00 one-time application fee + $100 graduation fee)
Example
Application Fee (one-time)
$75
Graduation Fee
$100
Official Transcript Fee
$10
Late Fee (On Monthly Payments)
$25
Reactivation Fee
$25
Returned Check Fee
$20
The Master’s programs at Acacia University are open to professional educators, educational administrators, and other professionals who are interested in advancing their expertise in the field of education. Whether you are a certified teacher or someone looking to deepen your knowledge and expand your career opportunities in primary or secondary education, you will benefit immeasurably from acquiring the skills and in-depth knowledge that will provide you with a superb springboard for advancing your career and for contributing to the betterment of society through learning. Acacia is the premier global provider of that kind of education, with top-flight faculty and at a very affordable price.
Most Acacia courses require no textbook. For those courses that do require a textbook, it is the responsibility of the student to purchase or rent the textbook prior to the start of the course. Acacia does not sell or lease textbooks. Students may purchase or rent in any format (hardback, e-textbook, new, used, etc.) but must use the assigned edition. Prices at the time of the current student handbook publication are listed here, but are subject to change. Prices listed are from the publisher, however, students may purchase from any source.
Tuition and fees are payable at the time of registration for each course. Students will not receive official grade reports, transcripts, or be awarded a degree until all financial obligations have been met. Students who have outstanding financial obligations to Acacia University will not be permitted to register for future courses unless special arrangements have been approved through the Finance Office.
Students may pay by check, money order, wire transfer, or credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover). International students must pay with U.S. currency. Students whose employers will be invoiced for tuition shall submit a billing authorization form prior to the second week of class in lieu of course payment.
Military tuition assistance (TA) students may be eligible for a deferral of tuition once their DA 2171 Form has been completed, authorized, and received by Acacia University.
Veterans Affairs Educational Benefits
In accordance with Title 38 US Code 3679(e), Acacia University adopts the following additional provisions for any students using the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Post-9/11 G.I. Bill® (Ch. 33) or Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (Ch. 31) benefits, while payment to the institution is pending from VA. Acacia University will not:
However, to qualify for this provision, such students may be required to:
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Acacia University offers graduate degrees for educators to achieve their professional goals. Completion of a degree program in itself does not constitute having a professional credential. Professional certifications and licenses are governed by boards empowered via State laws and/or professional organizations and commissions. Therefore, Acacia programs are NOT a pathway to teacher licensures in the US.
This information is provided per U.S. Federal Regulations, 34 CFR § 668.50 (2016 Rules), 34 CFR § 668.43 (2019 Rules), and in compliance with the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) Manual version 19.2.
Acacia University is an approved institution of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) which allows the university to provide distance learning programs and coursework to students located in states other than Arizona. NC-SARA approval does not grant reciprocity or exemption from state professional licensing requirements.
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