Linguistics and Teaching English as a Second Language

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What is Linguistics and Teaching English as a Second Language?

Linguistics and Teaching English as a Second Language (Linguistics + TESL) studies an overarching question: How do speakers of different languages learn, use, teach, and assess English as a second language (ESL)? Linguistics + TESL is an interdisciplinary program for students who plan to pursue careers in areas related to English as second and foreign language education. As a Linguistics + TESL major, you'll gain a solid background in both general linguistics and educational linguistics. You'll learn subject knowledge from multiple disciplines that help understand linguistics principles and linguistic developmental trajectories. You'll also receive a practical training in ESL/EFL teaching, assessment, and material development.

Career Options

Language teaching
Language testing
Material development
Government
Publishing
Translation
Technical or professional communication

Post-Graduation Success¹

Insufficient survey data is available for employment information.

Insufficient survey data is available for grad school attendance.

Insufficient survey data is available for average starting annual income.

Sample employer destinations: Insufficient survey data is available for sample employer destinations.

Sample grad school destinations: Insufficient survey data is available for sample grad school destinations.

Program Resources

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Program Webpage Degree Requirements

Review Criteria

First-Year Major-Specific Criteria

Demonstrated understanding of and interest in the major

View All Review Criteria

Transfer Criteria

Transfer Handbook

Graduation & Retention²

3.5 years to degree

98% returned for second year

69% graduated within 4 years

83% graduated within 6 years

Annual Program Costs³

Illinois Resident

Tuition: $13,252
Fees: $5,182
Expenses: $19,558
Total: $37,992

Non-Resident

Tuition: $35,928
Fees: $5,182
Expenses:$19,898
Total: $61,008

International

Tuition: $38,576
Fees: $5,182
Expenses: $19,898
Total: $63,656

Related Majors

Elementary Education (Grades 1-6) - EDU

English - LAS

Global Studies - LAS

Psychology - LAS

Secondary Education - LAS

¹ Post-graduate data was collected through the Illini Success initiative, which primarily relies on self-reported survey data sources. Statistics are aggregated from the past three years. Please note that total compensation may be greater than annual salary as other forms of compensation (e.g., signing bonus, commission, benefits) are not included. For more information on Illini Success data and methods, please visit the Illini Success website. For average wage or salary information five years after entry into an occupation, visit the Post-Secondary Employment Outcomes Explorer.

² Graduation and retention data comes from several majors within a similar interest area. Data may not yet be available for newly created programs. Years-to-degree data is only available for programs from which you can earn a degree. Retention and graduation rates are only available for programs that you can apply directly into. Retention rates reflect retention to the university, not necessarily retention within the major.

³ "Expenses" are estimated and include books, supplies, housing, and other living expenses. The exact amount you’ll pay depends on where you decide to live, the meal plan you choose, and your overall lifestyle. To learn more about costs, please visit the Office of Student Financial Aid website. To learn the average monthly student loan payment over a period of 20 years based on estimated cost, visit the Illinois College2Career website.