Cost & earnings at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota What students borrow here, and what they go on to earn
The Master’s in Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is a graduate programme designed for teachers, classroom professionals and language specialists who want advanced training in second-language acquisition, pedagogy and assessment. It suits licensed and unlicensed teachers as well as career-changers seeking practical classroom skills, applied linguistics grounding and practicum experience for teaching English or French to learners of different ages and backgrounds.
The programme combines applied linguistics, language-teaching methodology, curriculum design and assessment with practicum-based experience. Core topics typically include second-language acquisition theory, phonology and pronunciation for teachers, grammar and vocabulary pedagogy, materials development, classroom assessment and testing, and culturally responsive teaching. Students choose specialisation pathways in either English as a Second or Foreign Language (ESL/EFL) or French as a Second or Foreign Language, and study advanced topics such as bilingual education, instruction for multilingual classrooms, technology-enhanced language teaching, and action research.
Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Professional teaching licensure is welcomed but not always required; the programme is appropriate for licensed teachers seeking a subject-area master’s and for non-licensed candidates with relevant classroom, tutoring, or community language-teaching experience. Typical admissions materials include transcripts, a statement of purpose addressing career goals in language teaching, and at least one academic or professional reference. For candidates whose first language is not the language of instruction, proof of English proficiency may be required in line with university policy. Prior coursework in linguistics or language teaching is helpful but many pathways include introductory modules to bring candidates to level.
Graduates progress to a range of careers in K–12 schools, adult education, community language programmes, higher education language centres, private language schools and corporate training. Typical roles include ESL/EFL teacher, French as a second language teacher, curriculum specialist, language programme coordinator, materials developer, assessment specialist and bilingual education teacher. The programme also prepares candidates for roles in refugee and immigrant services, international schools, exam preparation centres and further doctoral study in applied linguistics or education.
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota offers a small‑scale, student-centred learning environment with a focus on practical, classroom-ready skills and reflective professional development. The university’s commitment to liberal arts and education generates interdisciplinary opportunities and close faculty mentoring. Students benefit from supervised practicum placements with local schools and community partners, access to language-learning resources and technology-enhanced teaching facilities, and a cohort-based structure that fosters peer collaboration and applied research projects. The programme emphasises ethical, culturally responsive practice aligned with community needs, making it particularly suited to candidates who want hands-on preparation for diverse teaching contexts.
Shortlist scholarships and plan your application — free guidance from our advisors.