This accelerated bachelor’s to master’s program prepares you to become a certified K–12 teacher in Spanish, ESL (English as a Second Language), and Bilingual Education. You’ll receive a BA in Spanish while taking three graduate ESL courses as part of your undergraduate degree. You can then elect an ESL teaching certification (four additional graduate-level courses) or a master’s degree in teaching English as a second language (seven additional graduate-level courses). Your multilingual certifications will open doors to more career opportunities.
Program Coordinators: Ann Warner Ault, PhD, warner@tcnj.edu (Spanish) and Yiqiang Wu, PhD, wuyiqian@tcnj.edu (TESL)
Tracks
- BA in Spanish + NJ Certifications in SPA and ESL/Bilingual Education
Duration: in as few as 4 years and one summer - BA in Spanish + MEd in TESL + NJ Certifications in SPA and ESL/Bilingual Education
Duration: 4.5–5 years
Program Highlights
- Complete both your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in less time than a traditional program, saving you both time and tuition.
- All students who complete the program by 2027 will qualify for guaranteed scholarships covering up to 75% of the graduate courses, with full scholarships for student teaching courses and additional stipends in some districts. The fee for the ACTFL language proficiency tests and certification application is waived.
- Take advantage of global and online programs, with summer courses offered at lower tuition costs than on-campus options.
- Gain real-world teaching experience in diverse classrooms as you work toward your degree.
- With a Bilingual/Bicultural Endorsement, you can equip yourself to teach bilingual students and become a key player in growing dual-language programs in schools.
Why Pursue an Accelerated Degree?
You can save time and money by choosing an accelerated program while fast-tracking your career. You could finish your bachelor’s and master’s in less than five years with the option to take ESL courses in the summer through off-site graduate global programs. Additionally, if you complete the program by summer 2027, 75% of the graduate program cost will be covered by a grant available to all Spanish and ESL/Bilingual Education students.
Who Is This Program For?
This accelerated program is designed for incoming and current TCNJ students majoring in Spanish. Whether you’re passionate about teaching language learners, working in diverse classrooms, or gaining leadership roles in bilingual education, this program will set you on the path to success.
If you’ve already earned your bachelor’s degree or are a current TCNJ student, you can still pursue an MEd in TESL or the TESL initial certification as a stand-alone option — all current TCNJ students double-count two graduate courses as part of their undergraduate degree.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program are in high demand in both U.S. and international K–12 schools. There is a growing need for ESL and bilingual teachers in New Jersey, with districts offering signing bonuses of up to $7,000 as well as $4,500 stipends for student teachers. Beyond teaching, this degree opens doors to positions in curriculum development, education leadership, research, and more. The skills you’ll gain will set you up for leadership roles in both ESL and bilingual education programs and will also enable you to teach English abroad.
Tuition Scholarships
We offer significant financial support to help you reach your goals. Students who graduate by 2027 are guaranteed scholarships of $2,000 per ESL certification course, with full scholarships covering your student teaching semester. This makes our program both affordable and attainable.