Best Online Bachelor’s in English as a Second Language (ESL) Programs

The Best Online Bachelor’s in English Language Learning Degree Programs

Get Ranking Seal

Online Bachelor’s in English Language Learning Degree Programs Ranking Guidelines

We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.

Our Methodology

Here at TheBestSchools.org, we take the trust and welfare of our readers very seriously. When making our school and program rankings, our top priority is ensuring that our readers get accurate, unbiased information that can help them make informed decisions about online education. That's why we've developed a rigorous ranking methodology that keeps the needs of our readers front and center.

Our proprietary, multi-criteria ranking algorithm analyzes key data indicators — as collected by the federal government — for each school or program. What data we use depends on the focus of each specific ranking, but in all cases, our ranking methodology is impartial: Schools cannot buy better rankings at TBS.

While specific criteria under consideration can vary by ranking, there are a few data points that we value most highly. They are affordability, academic quality, and online enrollment. Below, we break down our algorithm to help you understand what you're getting when you use one of our rankings.

• Academics
• Affordability
• Online Enrollment

Data Sources

The data used in TBS rankings comes primarily from the federal government, and much of it is provided by the schools themselves. We aggregate and analyze this data to build our rankings.

The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) is our primary source. Its data comes from annual surveys conducted by the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Every college, university, or technical school with access to federal financial aid must participate in these surveys, which include questions about enrollment, graduation rates, finances, and faculty qualifications. This is publicly available data, which you can access yourself through the College Navigator.

Additionally, because we value a personal touch and the professional experience of our staff and Academic Advisory Board, we vet all results and adjust rankings as necessary based on our collected knowledge of schools and degree programs. Depending on the ranking, we may obtain additional input from AcademicInfluence.com, subject matter experts, prior TBS ranking lists, or other sources we deem relevant to a particular ranking.

Breakdown of Our Rankings Methodology

About Our Ranking Factors

Here at TBS, we value what you value: quality education, affordability, and the accessibility of online education. These factors guide all of our program rankings.

Each of these factors are further broken down into weighted subfactors. For example, retention rates are weighted more heavily than availability of program options because they are a better indicator of student success.

We chose the following factors for our rankings because of their influence on learning experiences and graduate outcomes. However, students should always balance our rankings against their personal priorities. For instance, a learner who needs a fully online program may prioritize online flexibility more than our rankings do. Our rankings are designed to help you make a decision — not to make a decision for you.

• Collapse All
• Expand All

Academics - 75%

Affordability - 15%

Online Enrollment - 10%

In all our school rankings and recommendations, we work for objectivity and balance. We carefully research and compile each ranking list, and as stated in our advertising disclosure, we do NOT permit financial incentives to influence rankings. Our articles never promote or disregard a school for financial gain.

If you have questions about our ranking methodology, please feel free to connect with our staff through contact page.

We thank you for your readership and trust.

Choosing a Online ESL Degree Program

Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in ESL explore topics such as cultural diversity, grammar, teaching strategies, and learn to determine a non–native speakers level of understanding. Teachers need strong communication skills and a background in teaching theory. Students learn to assist ELLs in writing, reading, and speaking.

Departments offer concentrations that cater to career goals. For instance, future instructional coordinators may select a curriculum focus for an in–depth study of teaching strategies. Other students may choose teaching English as a foreign language concentration or an age–specific specialization.

Students should consider other academic fields that may assist in career endeavors. For example, an individual who wants to open an extracurricular ESL program for children can select an education bachelor’s program and minor in business.

Program details vary by requirements. For example, some schools may require learners to complete a student teaching component, which prepares students for teaching careers. Other programs involve capstone projects or research–heavy coursework. These factors should impact school choice. For instance, a candidate who wants to work at an ESL organization may find the student teaching component time–consuming and choose a program with a capstone project instead.

What Else Can I Expect From an Online Bachelor’s in English Language Learning Program?

Each school has distinct curricula for an ESL bachelor’s degree. For instance, a bachelor’s in teaching ESL to K–12 learners includes coursework about children. While a program with a TEFL specialization includes classes on cultural diversity. Core ESL concepts will be a focus in programs, regardless of concentration.

Careers with a Bachelor’s in English Language Learning

Studying English language learning can lead to diverse careers. For instance, children in K–12 settings or immigration may need English guidance. ESL assistance is also needed in classrooms or external organizations. Candidates can pursue distinct careers, including positions at bilingual daycares and ESL summer camps.

Adult Literacy and High School Equivalency Diploma Teachers

These educators prepare learners for diploma equivalency tests. Teachers need to be fluent in speaking, reading, and writing the language. Candidates with an ESL bachelor's degree learn to teach second language concepts to non-native speakers.

• Median Annual Salary: $58,590
• Projected Growth Rate: –13%

Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers

Teachers educate young learners in subjects, such as mathematics and reading. Career responsibilities include building lesson plans, maintaining classroom regulations, and discussing academic accomplishments and weaknesses with parents. An ESL bachelor's degree prepares educators to work with ESL students and families.

• Median Annual Salary: $61,620
• Projected Growth Rate: 1%

Social and Community Service Managers

Managers of this caliber determine community needs and develop programs for current problems. These workers assess programs and develop strategies to improve an organization's influence. Earning a TESOL bachelor's degree online helps candidates perform these tasks for ESL groups.

• Median Annual Salary: $74,240
• Projected Growth Rate: 9%

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics