Advance your professional expertise with the Specialist (Ed.S.) in Curriculum and Instruction, specializing in ESOL/Bilingual Education. This advanced degree is designed for educators looking to deepen their specialized knowledge and instructional leadership within the field of language education.

Program Overview

The Ed.S. in ESOL/Bilingual Education provides a rigorous curriculum centered on Curriculum and Instruction. Students must meet the academic standards of the School of Teaching & Learning and the University of Florida Graduate School. This program is tailored for those who seek to bridge the gap between a Master’s and a Doctorate through focused, advanced coursework.

Program Highlights

A key feature of this degree is the Language, Education & Technology Course Pathway. This interdisciplinary track addresses the growing intersection of language learning and educational technology, preparing specialists for modern research and industry demands.

Students in this pathway have the opportunity to collaborate with an advisory committee of faculty from both the ESOL/Bilingual and Ed Tech disciplines. The curriculum incorporates emerging technologies—including GenAI, LLMs, AR, and VR—to develop and evaluate new language learning tools and instructional approaches.

Course Requirements

The program is built on a foundation of core courses that provide a comprehensive understanding of the field. Students work in consultation with their academic advisor to individually tailor the program to their professional needs.

Core Foundation

  • FLE 6165: Bilingual and Bicultural Education
  • FLE 6167: Cross-Cultural Communication for Educators
  • TSL 6145: Curriculum and Materials Development for ESOL K-12
  • TSL 6245: Principles of Language for ESOL Teachers
  • TSL 6373: Methods of Teaching English as a Second Language
  • TSL 6440: ESOL Testing and Evaluation
  • EDF 6812: Comparative and International Education

Language, Education & Technology Pathway (15 Hours)

Specialist requirements for this pathway include:

  • TSL 6385: Technology for Language and Reading Education (Required)
  • EME 5054: Foundations of Educational Technology (Required)
  • 9 Credits of approved EME, FLE, LAE, RED, or TSL prefix courses at the 5000 level or higher (or approved EDF/EDG courses addressing language and literacy).

Professional Advancement

Enhance your career as a leader in multilingual education. The Ed.S. provides the credentials and technical expertise needed to manage complex instructional environments and implement innovative technology in the classroom.

Ready to apply? Applicants are encouraged to apply by January for admission to the following fall semester. Please ensure all application materials are submitted according to the School of Teaching & Learning deadlines.

Please Note

Students seeking admission to any graduate program must meet the requirements of the School of Teaching & Learning and of the University of Florida Graduate School. The ESOL/Bilingual Education program area follows the School of Teaching & Learning deadlines posted here: School of Teaching & Learning Admissions

Applicants are encouraged to apply by January for admission the following fall semester. Applicants to the Ph.D. program who wish to be considered for scholarships and/or fellowships should apply no later than mid-December of the year prior to admission (e.g. the following fall semester).

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    Ed.S. Program Requirements

    • Must meet all admission requirements of the School of Teaching & Learning and the University of Florida Graduate School.
    • Students without prior coursework in this field or K-12 ESOL are expected to complete the program’s core courses, graduate research courses, and graduate seminars.
    • Courses and seminars are decided in collaboration with an academic advisor to ensure key degree requirements are met.
    • Admission is typically for the fall term; applications are recommended by January.
    • Degree awarded is a Specialist (Ed.S.) in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in ESOL/Bilingual Education.

    Program Highlights

    Entry: Fall
    Time to complete: ~3 years
    Credit Hours: 90
    Online-to-Campus Ratio: 10–20% online
    Thesis Required: No