Empower multilingual learners with Siena's MAT ESOL—100% online, hands-on, and designed to launch your teaching career with confidence and real-world experience.
1 year full-time, 2 years part-time, 39-credit program
Fall, Spring, Summer
Become a Teacher Who Makes a Difference
Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (MAT ESOL): Ideal for aspiring teachers or career changers who want to earn an initial certification in ESOL.Master of Arts in Teaching
Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages - Professional (MAT ESOL Prof): A 30-credit Master's degree for NYS initially certified teachers who would like to earn additional certification in ESOL.
Certification of Advanced Study (CAS) in TESOL: Perfect for current K-12 teachers with a Master's degree and a valid NYS teaching certification who want to add an ESOL certification to better serve their students and advance their careers.
Why Choose Siena’s TESOL Programs?
Flexible and Designed for You
Our 100% online, asynchronous format fits around your busy life. Whether you’re new to teaching or an experienced educator, you can earn your MAT ESOL or your CAS in TESOL without pausing your career or personal commitments.
100% Job Placement Rate
Graduates from both our MAT ESOL and CAS in TESOL programs have a 100% job placement rate, proving the value and impact of a Siena education.
$30,000 Stipend Opportunity
Siena works with eight Capital Region school districts and the New York State Department of Labor to support $1.38 billion in stipends for graduate students pursuing a master's degree in teaching. Eligible candidates complete a full-year teaching residency in a designated school district and earn a $30,000 stipend. Once admitted to Siena's program, students interview with the districts for one of these competitive spots. For more information, please reach out to Doreen Morris, Assistant Director of Graduate Programs at dmorris@siena.edu.
Award-Winning Alumni
Our graduates have earned prestigious awards from organizations like NYS TESOL and the National Center for Teacher Residencies (NCTR), demonstrating the excellence and quality of our programs.
Clinically Rich Intensive Teaching Institute
Siena is recognized by the NYS Education Department for our rigorous curriculum and emphasis on real-world teaching experience.
Gain Real-World Experience and Insights
Our courses are taught by current and former K-12 teachers who understand the realities of today’s classrooms. They provide practical insights, guidance, and support tailored to your unique teaching journey. Both programs also emphasize practical, hands-on experience:
The MAT ESOL includes 100 hours of practicum and a year-long teaching residency, preparing you to confidently step into the classroom. You'll develop effective teaching methods for multilingual learners, master NYS learning standards, and gain real classroom experience.
The CAS in TESOL allows you to apply what you’re learning immediately in your current teaching role, ensuring a direct impact on your students. You'll apply advanced strategies in your own classroom from Day 1, collaborate with other educators, and prepare for the Content Specialty Test (CST) in ESOL, with a 100% pass rate among our graduates.
CHOOSE THE PATH THAT IS RIGHT FOR YOU
Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (MAT ESOL) Grades K-12 - Ideal for those seeking initial certification in ESOL - Gain hands-on teaching experience through a comprehensive practicum and residency - 39-credit program
Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages - Professional (MAT ESOL-Prof) Grades K-12 - for NYS initially certified teachers - 30 credit program, asynchronous-online format
Certificate of Advanced Study in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
- Designed for current teachers with a Master's degree who want an additional certification in ESOL - 16-credit program completed in 15-18 months, at your own pace
Application Requirements
Brief personal essay indicating the reason you are pursuing your chosen graduate program and your intended long-term goals (submitted online with your application). Need some tips?
Include employment history, certificate or licenses held, volunteer/extracurricular activities, leadership roles, honors/awards and education history (submitted online with your application).
Two Letters of Recommendations are required. Must be submitted by a previous faculty member at your bachelor’s degree granting institution, supervising teacher, or professional reference if you have been out of school for some time. (Recommenders are required to submit recommendations online - instructions included within the application.)
Official Transcripts are required from all post-secondary institutions which you have earned college credit. Unofficial copies may be uploaded for the purpose of application review, but official copies are required prior to enrollment.
Also, if you earned your undergraduate degree outside of the United States, an evaluated transcript is required by a recognized member of The National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES.) Our preferred evaluators are World Education Services, Inc. or Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc.
Transcripts and evaluations should be emailed directly to our registrar at transcriptreceiving@siena.edu or mailed to the address below:
Siena University Registrar's Office 515 Loudon Road Loudonville, NY 12211
Official TOEFL, IELTS or DUOLINGO Test Scores are required from international students whose native language is not English. All English examination scores are considered valid up to two years after the testing date. Certificates of Instruction may be considered if English was the medium of instruction for undergraduate studies.
