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Add-On License in English as a Second Language (ESL) (PreK–6)
Take your education career further with an add-on license in English as a Second Language..
Add-On License in English as a Second Language (ESL) (PreK–6)
Our 16-credit Add-On License in English as a Second Language (ESL) is designed for teachers who have already obtained an Initial license or a Professional license and seek to expand or “add-on” to their current credential.
Our Add-On License in ESL prepares you to serve linguistically and culturally diverse students in PreK–6 classrooms. In addition to completing four courses, students complete an internship under the supervision of their building principal.
Quick Facts:
- Earn an additional Initial license
- Online or on-campus course options
- Complete full time or part time
- Meets DESE licensure requirements
- Six starts per year
- School district partnership discounts
- No GRE or GMAT required
- Financial aid eligible
Learn more about Merrimack’s Add-On License in English as a Second Language.
Flexible Program Format for Working Teachers
Designed for full-time teachers or career changers, the program can be completed in one year full time or two years part time.
Additionally, you can choose whether to learn online or come to campus for each course.
Expand Your Current Credentials
Our program is ideal for licensed teachers who are interested in completing the requirements for an additional license.
We’ll meet with you 1:1 to determine your specific licensing needs.
DESE-Approved Program
This program is approved by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) as an Educator Preparation Program.
Flexible Learning:
Choose Online or On-Campus for Each Course
Our flexible format allows you to register for your courses either online, on-campus, or a combination during each semester. Simply select your preference when registering courses and enjoy a convenient learning experience. International students may participate, but they must complete 50 percent of their courses on campus and cannot begin or end their program online.
As a bonus, full-time students who are U.S. citizens and who complete more than 50 percent of their courses on campus are eligible for health insurance.
Add-On License in English as a Second Language (ESL) (PreK–6) Coursework
To earn your Add-On License in English as a Second Language (ESL) you will complete four courses and an internship under the supervision of your building principal.
MTEL Requirements:
- Communications & Literacy Skills (01): Reading and Writing subtests
- English as a Second Language (54)
In this course, students will learn and apply teaching strategies that support ELL’s linguistic and academic development in science, mathematics, and social studies. They will also learn how to plan and execute content-based lessons in kindergarten-grade six classrooms. The course will address the development of ELLs’ academic vocabulary and language skills, application of academic content knowledge, and higher order thinking skills. Lesson planning, implementation, and assessment occur within the sheltered content instructional model, providing extensive scaffolding strategies for comprehension and proficiency. Field experience may be required.
This course takes a practical approach to the study of linguistics and of English as a second language with implications for teaching reading, writing, and grammar in monolingual or multilingual contexts. Theories of first and second language acquisition are studied and compared. The basic nature of language, oral and written language, language variation, language change, and the relations of language to society and culture are explored. The course focuses on the development of linguistic foundational knowledge elements such as phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics that informs planning for teaching English learners. Structural and semantic differences between students’ first languages and English as a second language are examined and used in planning for learning.
This foundational course in the graduate teacher education program for English as Second Language provides an overview of the state and federal laws pertaining to the education of English language learners as well as the background, history and philosophies surrounding instruction. The role of community, families and schools in English language learner education will also be explored.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Add-On License in English as a Second Language (ESL)
$620
per credit*
16
credits
$9,920
tuition
*Tuition based on 2025–2026 academic year.
Tuition and fees are subject to change annually.
Additional program fees may apply.
Financial Aid
As a graduate student, you may qualify for federal support in the form of loans. We strongly encourage all eligible* graduate students to apply for federal financial aid, even if they don’t demonstrate an exceptional financial need.
All graduate students also have the option of obtaining private loans and/or enrolling in an institutional payment plan.
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Merrimack College’s FAFSA school code is 002120.
*Certificate programs do not qualify for federal financial aid.
Partnership Discounts and Employer Tuition Assistance
Merrimack partners with many school districts across Massachusetts to offer 10 percent off your tuition. Contact us to see if your school district is a Merrimack partner. We also accept employer financial/tuition assistance.
It’s Easy to Apply Online
A complete application includes:
- Online application (no fee)
- Official college transcripts from all institutions attended
- Resume or LinkedIn profile
- Personal statement
GRE and GMAT scores are not required. Additional materials may be requested.
Key Dates and Deadlines
This program enrolls six times a year. Each term is eight weeks.
Merrimack College
Accolades and Accreditation
At Merrimack College, we’re proud of our long history of providing quality degrees to students entering the job market. Our faculty are more than just teachers. We are committed to helping you grow — academically, personally and spiritually — so that you may graduate as a confident, well-prepared citizen of the world.
U.S. News & World Report | Best Regional Universities North (2025)
- Most Innovative Schools (No. 5)
- Regional Universities North (No. 39)
- Best Undergraduate Teaching (No. 19)
- Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs (No. 94)
(at schools where doctorate not offered) - Best Colleges for Veterans (No. 15)
- Best Value Schools (No. 51)
NECHE-Accredited
- Merrimack College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
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