In our BA in English for Secondary Education program, you’ll learn instructional strategies, curriculum development, and classroom management tailored for middle and high schools. Engage in literature studies and writing instruction to inspire critical thinking and effective communication. Gain essential skills for classroom success.
What is an English as a Second Language degree?
Reduce tuition by up to $24k
Why earn a BA in English for Secondary Education?
Our program instills the professional mindset necessary to be a successful ESL teacher. You will find success in learning in a supportive and hands-on learning environment where faculty are invested in your success.
Hands-on learning
You’ll experience hands-on learning through 100+ hours of field experience and 1 semester of student teaching.
Path to licensure
Upon completing the ESL program you’ll be recommended for a license to teach in Iowa agencies and schools.
Iowa and beyond
Whether you want to work in Illinois or another state, our faculty will guide you toward obtaining your teaching license.
Supportive environment
Our faculty, staff, and students create a learning environment, cultivating creativity, innovation, and a sense of community.
Faculty connections
Our faculty work with local businesses and school districts to help you land an internship that aligns with your goals.
What you’ll learn in your English as a Second Language program
You'll build a strong foundation in education while developing the knowledge and skills to support multilingual learners in different classroom settings. Through coursework and hands-on experiences, you'll learn how language develops and how to create learning environments where every student can succeed.
- Understanding of second language learning and language development
- Ability to design instruction for multilingual learners
- Strategies for creating culturally inclusive classrooms
- Knowledge of teaching standards and best practices for ESL education
Explore English as a Second Language courses
- This degree will require you to complete a total of 124 credits, including 36 core curriculum credits, 18 core ESL credits, and 21-22 Education credits.
- You will also complete 100 hours of pre-student teaching field experiences at two different school sites and 1 semester of student teaching.
Sample courses
| Class code | Class title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDENGL 230/530 | The Structure & Grammar of English | 3 credits |
| EDUC 300 | The Pluralistic Classroom | 3 credits |
| ENGL 313/513 | Linguistics: Language and Learning | 3 credits |
| ENGL 315 | Written Business Communication | 3 credits |
| ENGL 401 | Senior Seminar | 3 credits |
How much does a BA in English as a Second Language cost?
The cost of your degree will depend on several factors, like scholarships, housing, meal plans, and transfer credits. New students also pay a $100 matriculation fee. You will also need to budget for books, supplies, materials, transportation, personal costs, loan fees, and other expenses. Explore the cost of attendance.
Full-time student living on campus
| Expense | By semester | By year |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time tuition (12-18 credits)* | $19,674 | $39,348 |
| Housing** | $4,313 | $8,625 |
| Food*** | $3,135 | $6,270 |
| Technology fee | $150 | $300 |
| Total direct charges (billable) | $27,272 | $54,543 |
*Based on 2026-2027 tuition and fees. Tuition and fees are subject to change each summer.
**This cost is estimated, actual housing cost will vary by student selections.
***Cost estimate based on 3 meals per day.
How much does campus housing cost?
When it comes to housing, St. Ambrose University offers diverse options to meet the needs of our students. From traditional dormitories to apartment-style living, there’s something for everyone. The cost of our housing will vary based on where you decide to live and the meal plan you choose.
St. Ambrose University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Accreditation and recognition provide the assurance we meet standards for quality faculty, curriculum, leaner services, and fiscal stability.
St. Ambrose University’s English for Secondary Education program is approved by the Iowa Department of Education.
See all of SAU’s accreditations
How does SAU support ESL students?
St. Ambrose University’s English as a Second Language faculty offer students a wealth of knowledge in a variety of areas. They publish literature and creative writing works, sit on the Midwest Writing Center’s Board of Directors, and maintain relationships with school districts and businesses in the area to ensure their students get the most well-rounded education possible.
English as a Second Language faculty
Other support resources
Student Success Center
At St. Ambrose, we want you to thrive. Access free tutoring, study groups, and supplemental instruction through our Student Success Center.
Access and Disability Services
Whether you need classroom accommodations, alternative exam arrangements, or disability support strategies, our Access and Disability Services is here to help.
Career services
Our Academic and Career Planning Center is ready to help you polish your resume and land the job or internship that will launch your career.
Are there scholarships available for BA in English as a Second Language Education?
At St. Ambrose University, we believe that education should be accessible to all. That's why we offer a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make college more affordable for our students. We are committed to providing our students with the resources they need to succeed academically and financially.
Ambrose Advantage Scholarship
Through the Ambrose Advantage Scholarship program, a tuition-free St. Ambrose University education is available to any Pell Grant-eligible Iowans. Learn more about the Ambrose Advantage.
Merit-based and institutional scholarships
St. Ambrose offers excellent scholarships and grants based on your strong academic performance, your talent in fine arts or athletics, or your community involvement. Explore SAU scholarships.
Transfer credits
At SAU, you may be able to transfer previous college credit toward your bachelor’s degree, saving you significant time and money. Learn how to transfer credits.
Graduate Debt-Free
"The Ambrose Advantage allowed me to come to college without much worry about debt in my future."
-Caleb Gillmore, Monticello, Iowa
What’s on campus for ESL students?
Join an international organization of student teachers in student teaching programs–Phi Delta Kappa. Members engage in service projects and participate in regional conferences.
Become a published writer by submitting poetry or short stories to Quercus–St. Ambrose University’s creative-art journal. Once a year, the journal publishes works from SAU students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Want to decide the writing, artwork, and audio/visual work that make publication? Work with English department faculty to become a student editor. Quercus student editors layout and design the journal and review all submissions.
Confident and prepared for a successful career
"I feel so much more confident now than when I came as a first-year student. Being able to work in so many positions and having all of these experiences, I feel so ready for my next step in the world."
-Anna Badamo '18, BA in English and Psychology
What are the general admission requirements for a BA in ESL?
Here are the admissions requirements for our English as a Second Language program.
- You must have graduated from an accredited high school or earned a GED
- You must have a minimum cumulative, unweighted GPA of 2.5
- You must provide an official high school transcript
International student requirements
If you live outside of the U.S. there are different admissions requirements. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Official transcripts from secondary education
- A minimum 2.5 CGPA out of a 4.0 scale, or equivalent
- Proof of English language proficiency (minimum scores: TOEFL - 79, IELTS - 6.0)
- Copy of your passport and other documentation
What are the School of Education admission requirements for a BA in ESL?
We have special requirements for admittance to the School of Education.
- You must complete 40 field hours in EDUC 205 or provide verification through EDUC 207
- You must provide two professional rating forms (EDUC 205 or 207 instructor, and cooperating teacher's evaluation) which show you earned an average rating of at least Developing (3) in the three separate dispositional categories and recommended by both course instructor and cooperating teacher
- You must receive a grade of "B" or above in EDUC 205 or EDUC 207
- You must complete the application for admission to teacher education program form (including statement of fraud section and necessary signatures)
- You must complete EDUC 282 and EDUC 284 with at least a B average
What can I do with an English as a Second Language degree?
Your education and degree can help you reach your professional goals. St. Ambrose University can never promise a career or particular outcome upon graduating. We encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here is a list of potential job titles, traits, and settings a graduate in our ESL program could achieve.
Potential job titles
- English as a second language teacher
- English teacher
- Reading specialist
- Author
- School librarian
- Writing center director
Potential employment settings
- K-12 schools
- Writing centers
- Learning centers
- Freelance writing
- Book publishers
- Libraries
Traits of an English teacher
- Teaching
- Planning
- Writing
- Communicating
- Critical thinking
- Adapting
Industry facts
- Secondary school teachers earned a median wage of $62,500 in 2024. This category excludes teachers working in special education and career/technical education.
- Adult basic, secondary education, and ESL teachers earned a median income of $59,950 in 2024.
For more information on English teacher employment and wages, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook.