ESL Education Master’s Degree - Wayne State College Nebraska

English as a Second Language (ESL) Education MSE program overview

Enhance your teaching, leadership, and classroom instruction skills for the subject area of ESL. In the Curriculum and Instruction MSE program, you will explore instructional theory and new approaches to curriculum design that meet the needs of today’s elementary and secondary schools. The ESL Education program aims to develop a thorough understanding of communication and culture, while studying how different groups communicate between themselves through language and symbols. You’ll research the acquisition of learning a second language and learn how to teach the English language more effectively.

Licensure: This program is designed to prepare students for licensure or certification in Nebraska. If you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Nebraska, please check that state's licensing board to determine their licensing requirements. Authorization may be required from them prior to beginning a clinical or field experience in that state. Learn more about state authorization, licensure, and reciprocity.

Student learning outcomes for the MSE Curriculum and Instruction program:

Analyze literature to improve educational practices.
Develop learning environments that promote student achievement.
Cultivate professional relationships with all stakeholders.
Utilize evidence-based inclusive practices to develop meaningful learning experiences for students.

Download program handbook (PDF) View program courses

ESL Education MSE program of study

Students must complete the MSE Curriculum and Instruction core, English as a Second Language focus area courses, and electives to total at least 36 credit hours for the program. Up to 12 credit hours may be transferred in from another regionally accredited graduate institution and applied toward a degree. Credit that has been applied toward an earned degree will not be accepted except for courses that are part of the core requirements. A cumulative GPA of 3.0 and a total of 36 credit hours are needed to graduate with this degree.

Curriculum and instruction core courses (12 credits)

Credits: 3
Description: Beginning graduate students will develop a practical knowledge and application of basic types of research, as well as basic research tools and skills that will be helpful to them throughout their program. Graduate students will create a research plan and write a review of literature (paper). Students will create appropriate survey and interview questions, develop a beginning understanding of educational statistics, and the process for developing a research proposal including Institutional Review Board requirements and application processes.
Credits: 3
Description: This class is designed to acquaint students with the latest research related to instructional theory, and further, to create opportunities for teachers to try new instructional approaches. The course surveys systems that teachers may use to assess the pros and cons of various instructional approaches.
Credits: 3
Description: A course designed to examine the principles underlying the development of a PK-12 public school and post-secondary program curriculum. Emphasis on methods of determining priorities, objectives, scope and sequence and organizational patterns. The roles of state and local involvement will also be examined.
Credits: 3
Description: Philosophies and theories underlying the American educational system. An analysis of the differing philosophies of education and their implications for education in a democratic society.

ESL focus area courses (15 credits)

Credits: 3
Description: A course aimed at developing a thorough understanding of communication and culture, in both global and community settings, and the way members of diverse cultures and subcultures utilize unique systems, symbols and media representation to communicate among themselves and other groups. Emphasis on media representation of minority groups and U.S.-sponsored health/public welfare campaigns in developing nations will enable students to critically assess the communication process in a cultural context.
Credits: 3
Description: A course to examine programs providing appropriate education for English Language Learners. Curriculum will be evaluated relative to the research in second language acquisition. Modules on formal assessment for placement and growth and informal (authentic) assessment will also be provided. Clinical experience will be included. Students will complete a project relating to the theorists who have contributed to understanding of ESL programs, curriculum, and assessment.
Credits: 3
Description: A course designed to examine methods appropriate for English Language Learners including sheltered English, total physical approach, comprehensions based and affective-humanistic approaches. Techniques for an authentic (informal) assessment of Limited English Proficient students and goal setting based on results of formal assessment as well as clinical experience will be included. Graduate students will complete a project relative to the use of appropriate methods or assessments of ELL (English Language Learner) students.
Credits: 3
Description: A course designed to offer students opportunities to work within English as a Second Language PK-12 programs and develop skill in methods and assessment relating to English Language Learners. Reflection and peer discussion will be part of the course. All students will complete a minimum of 45 hours in a PK-12 classroom setting.
Credits: 3
Description: A linguistic study primarily of English, including phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, orthography, historical linguistics, sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics, neurolinguistics, and linguistic anthropology.

Credits: 3
Description: An advanced course in children’s literature will focus on all genres including contemporary authors and multicultural materials for elementary school applications. An emphasis will be given to the integration of literature across the curriculum to facilitate literacy.
Credits: 3
Description: A course designed to enhance instruction and assessment of elementary and middle level students’ communication skills.
Credits: 3
Description: A study of theories of learning and motivation, conditions and processes of cognitive, affective, and psychomotor learning; personal qualities of a teacher; the teaching process, classroom management; teaching the exceptional learner; and the role of evaluation in learning and teaching.
Credits: 3
Description: This course offers intensive study of specific issues and trends that have direct impact upon education. Individuals will choose a topic to examine in breadth and depth. It presents a comprehensive approach to the exploration of the selected topics. The course offers opportunities for the students to examine relevant topics affecting education in breadth and depth.
Credits: 2
Description: This is an advanced course in literacy and language skills for PreK-K educators that provides deep knowledge of early literacy instruction. Topics include the integration of phonology, orthography, semantics, syntax, and morphology with an emphasis on the foundational concepts of language and reading development. This course is designed for those participating in specific training delivered through an Educational Service Unit, school district, or other approved entity.
Credits: 3
Description: This is an advanced course in literacy and language skills for K-12 educators focusing on phonology, morphology, fluency, reading difficulties, spelling, and assessment with an emphasis on the foundational concepts of language and reading development. This course is designed for those participating in specific training delivered through an Educational Service Unit, school district, or other approved entity.
Credits: 3
Description: This is an advanced course in literacy and language skills for K-12 educators focusing on vocabulary, word knowledge, reading comprehension, writing, and working with diverse populations. This course is designed for those participating in specific training delivered through an Educational Service Unit, school district, or other approved entity.
Credits: 3
Description: This course explores the legal, ethical, and political issues of school administration and implementing equity of educational opportunity and culturally responsive practices. The course will examine the principles of PK-12 education law and the management of school operations through the study of the legal system and student and employee rights.
Credits: 2-3
Description: Original research in the content area designed and conducted by the student and directed by a faculty advisor. Types of research include Final Research Paper, Final Research Project, Final Research Portfolio and Comprehensive Examinations. The results of the research project may be presented to faculty, school boards, community groups, or other appropriate groups. This course is the capstone research project for the MSE Curriculum and Instruction-Instructional Leadership emphases. It should be taken within one of the final two semesters of the program.
Credits: 0-6