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English Language Learner Studies

Bachelor of Arts in English Language Learner Studies

Teach to the world. With your Bachelor of Arts in English Language Learner Studies degree earned online from Ashford University, you demonstrate your readiness to provide businesses and individuals with adult language instruction.

Degree Focus
The Bachelor of Arts in English Language Learner Studies focuses on addressing the needs of those for whom English is not the first language. This degree provides you with the tools you need to perform in multiple teaching contexts, including multi-lingual classrooms and immersion settings. Many education professionals find that English Language Learner Studies make an excellent subject for their undergraduate work, in preparation for earning an advanced degree.

Career Opportunities
English language learner services are in high demand around the world. As an educator in our modern global environment, you will find this degree a perfect fit for your career. Some of the many career opportunities available to you include:

  • International English teacher
  • Corporate trainer
  • Instructional consultant
  • Adult language instructor

Certification / Licensure Terms and Conditions
Successful completion of the Bachelor of Arts in English Language Learner Studies program does not lead to certification or licensure. Completing the Bachelor of Arts in English Language Learner Studies by itself will not qualify a student for certification or licensure in any state. It is the student's responsibility to determine individual state licensure requirements for teacher certification or licensure. Please refer to the Education Resource Organizations Directory (EROD) page for individual state requirements for teacher certification or licensure. Please be advised that states change their policies from time to time and students are advised to check with their state regulatory agencies' policies and procedures relating to licensure in that state on a regular basis. Further, a criminal record may prevent an applicant from obtaining licensure, certification or employment in this field of study. For additional information, please refer to your state licensing board or agency.

Your courses in this Bachelor of Arts degree program cover subjects from grammar to inter-cultural communications and are taught by advance-degreed instructors with real-world experience in these subjects. In addition, you can transfer up to 90 approved credits toward your Bachelor's degree and accelerate your degree completion.

If this program fits your personal and professional goals, contact Ashford University at 866.711.1700 to learn more, or request additional information.

Bachelor of Arts in English Language Learner Studies

Program Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the Bachelor of Arts in English Language Learner Studies degree program will be able to:

  • Apply concepts, linguistic theories, research, knowledge of the structure of English, and sociolinguistics to facilitate the acquisition of English for English Language Learners;
  • Analyze the influences of culture and diversity as it affects second language learning;
  • Apply knowledge of meta-linguistics in second language development in constructing multiple identities;
  • Describe standards-based practices and strategies for developing and integrating English listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in instructional settings; and
  • Demonstrate knowledge of history, research and current practices in the field of second language acquisition and ELL.

Program Requirements

  • Total number of credits required: 120 credits
  • General Education Requirements: 52 credits*
  • Major Course Requirements: 36 credits*
  • Electives: 35 credits

You must complete 30 upper-division credits, of which 18 credits must be from the major program. A total of 30 credits must be completed at Ashford University® to meet the residency requirement.

* In this program, 3 credits from the major may also satisfy General Education requirements.

Program Disclosures
Federal regulations published in October, 2010 require institutions to report certain information about students who enrolled in Title IV eligible educational programs that lead to gainful employment in a recognized occupation (GE programs). These required disclosures include a program’s 1) program costs; 2) on-time completion rates; 3) median loan debt; 4) links to O*NET SOC descriptions; and 5) placement rates. Please find all of the required information at this link: Program Disclosures.

Admission Requirements

  • Have a regular high-school diploma earned through college preparatory or regular high school courses or GED equivalency recognized by the Department of Education of the state in which it was earned, completed secondary school through home schooling as defined by state law, or earned an equivalent to a US high school diploma at an international high school. An earned IEP or Special Education Diploma or Certificate of Completion based upon IEP goals does not meet the regular high school diploma requirement for admission to Ashford University. If no high school degree was earned, applicants may be admitted with a minimum of 60 transferable credits from an appropriately accredited postsecondary institution as defined by Ashford University transfer credit policies.
  • Be 22 years of age or older, or a graduate of Ashford University's Associate of Arts in Business degree program, or receive documented approval from the Registrar's Office via the "Under 22 Appeal" process.
  • English Language Requirement
  • Successful completion of Student Success Orientation for students who indicate that they have fewer than twenty-four (24) traditional college-level transferable credits at the time of application.

Technology Requirements

Competencies
 

Students must possess the following online competencies:

  • Ability to access course and program material on the Internet;
  • Ability to correspond with University staff, students, and faculty using email and the Internet; and
  • Ability to use appropriate antivirus utilities so that files transmitted and received are virus free.

System requirements

The following minimum system configuration and software are required:

  • Platforms: Mac OS X 10.2 or higher or Windows XP or higher;
  • Hardware: 256 Mb RAM, CD-ROM, and 1 Gb free disk space;
  • Productivity Software: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel 2003 or higher; Adobe Reader 8.0 or higher; Adobe Flash 10 or higher (Constellation users);
  • Web Browser: Firefox 3.0 or higher, Internet Explorer 8.0 or higher, Safari 4.0 or higher, or Chrome;
  • Networking: 56k dialup modem, DSL, or Cable modem;
  • Email: Outlook, Outlook Express, Mac Mail, Eudora, Entourage, or Yahoo/Hotmail/Gmail.

Recommended for optimal performance

  • Productivity Software: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel 2007 or higher;
  • Networking: Broadband Internet connection (DSL, cable, or other);
  • Constellation users: Windows Media Player 7 or higher, sound card and speakers.

Transferability
Put your college credits to work at Ashford! You can transfer up to 90 semester credits (135 quarter credits) to help fulfill your degree requirements.* That means all your past hard work will not be wasted.

If you enter the program with fewer than twenty-four (24) transferable traditional semester credits, you will be required to successfully complete an online orientation prior to enrolling in credit-bearing coursework. Following successful completion of orientation, you will be required to successfully complete EXP 105 Personal Dimensions of Education as your first course. EXP 105 is required if you have little or no previous college experience and is not recommended if you have high transfer credit. EXP 105 applies toward elective credit requirements so enrollment in EXP 105 may result in the reduction of three (3) potential transfer credits in the Elective category. If you take EXP 105, you are required to take PSY 202 as your second course. 

If you enter the program with twenty-four (24) or more transferable credits, you will be required to successfully complete PSY 202 Adult Development and Life Assessment as your first course. PSY 202 is designed to help you acclimate to the online college environment, though you already have some college experience. If you have been out of school for a long time or feel that you need additional support to enter the online environment, you may appeal to enroll in EXP 105 as your first course, followed by PSY 202 as your second course. Unsuccessful completion of either EXP 105 or PSY 202 will result in the rescheduling of the course and revision of the future course sequence. See the Courses tab for descriptions of each course.

* The transferability of credits is subject to Ashford University’s transfer credit policies, and requires the submission of official transcripts. The official transcripts will be evaluated to determine the credits that will officially apply toward an Ashford University degree program.

Online Format
You will take your courses one at a time for 5 weeks each, accelerating your path to graduation. Your course content is delivered in a high-tech format, and you can complete your weekly assignments when and where it's convenient for you thanks to the asynchronous online environment.

Cost*
Your tuition rates are among the lowest available online at $390 per credit. You will also be responsible for fees to enroll. View complete cost of attendance. Call today to learn more at 866.711.1700.

* Tuition costs subject to change without notice.

Payment Options

  • Cash Plan – 100% of tuition and fees paid on or before each course start date.
  • Tuition Reimbursement – If your employer offers a tuition reimbursement plan, we'll work with you to apply this great benefit toward your education.
  • Financial Aid – You may be eligible for financial aid. Talk to an Admissions Counselor to find out if you meet the requirements to qualify.
  • Direct (Employer) Billing – If you work for a company approved for direct billing, you may qualify for this payment option.
  • Military Tuition Assistance – Includes active-duty service and Veterans Affairs benefits, such as GI Bill and Vocational Rehab, if you qualify. Learn more about military benefits.

If this program fits your personal and professional goals, contact Ashford University at 866.711.1700 to learn more, or request additional information.

Bachelor of Arts in English Language Learner Studies

The Bachelor of Arts in English Language Learner Studies offers you a comprehensive study of linguistics that can provide for the unique needs of language learners. Your courses cover subjects from reading and grammar to diversity and inter-cultural communications.

Introductory Courses
Major Course Requirements

Introductory Courses


Depending on the number of credits transferred in, you may be required to take one or both of Ashford University's introductory courses: EXP 105 Personal Dimensions of Education and PSY 202 Adult Development and Life Assessment. If you enter the program with fewer than twenty-four (24) transferable credits, you are required to successfully complete EXP 105 as your first course, followed by PSY 202 as your second course. If you enter the program with twenty-four (24) or more transferable credits, you will be required to successfully complete PSY 202 as your first course.

EXP 105 Personal Dimensions of Education
This course is designed to help adult learners beginning their university studies to achieve academic success. Students will explore learning theories, communication strategies, and personal management skills. Adult learners will develop strategies for achieving success in school and work. Students will also be introduced to the University's institutional outcomes and learning resources.

PSY 202 Adult Development & Life Assessment
This course presents adult development theory and links theoretical concepts of life and learning through a process of psychometric assessment and reflection. Both classical and contemporary adult development theories are examined. These theories then provide the paradigm for self-analysis and life learning, including a plan for personal, professional and academic learning.

Major Course Requirements


(36 credits, all courses are 3 credits. Courses are listed in the recommended sequence.)

EDU 321 Introduction to Serving English Language Learners
This course provides a sufficiently broad yet detailed exposure to the realities of teaching English Language Learners. The course is designed to prepare students to deliver content area instruction to English Language Learners with diverse abilities using the sheltered instruction approach.

ELL 240 Linguistically & Culturally Diverse Learners
This course explores strategies and techniques to support the success of language and culturally diverse students. The values, customs, and communication styles of cultural groups and their implication for teaching are considered. Research-based instructional approaches to developing English learner literacy will be examined.

ELL 242 Understanding & Teaching English Language
In this course students will study the structure of the English language in order to better understand the difficulties that arise in learning a second language. English phonology, syntax, analysis, and application of linguistic theory will be studied.

SOC 308 Racial & Ethnic Groups
The course considers major racial and ethnic groups, especially African Americans, Asian Americans, ethnic Whites, Hispanics, and Native Americans. The focus is on the traits of each group and its pattern of adaptation to the larger society.

ELL 355 Methods, Materials, & Technology for Learning a Second Language
Strategies for English Language Learners in the content areas while maintaining a language development focus will be illustrated. Specific strategies, materials, technology, and learning activities will be examined to support learning.

ELL 351 Listening & Speaking in a Second Language
The stages of language development as well as ideas and strategies to enhance oral language learning and acquisition in the classroom will be applied in this course. Theories and methods of teaching language as communication in oral and aural modes will also be applied.

ELL 353 Reading & Writing in a Second Language
The relationship between first and second language comprehension as well as the reading comprehension and writing connection will be explored in this course. The use of differentiated literacy instruction for English Language Learners will be the central focus.

ELL 357 English Language Teaching & Adult Learners
Theory and methodology applicable to English language instruction are integrated in the context of working with adults. Materials and methods suitable for working with adult English learners will be explored and evaluated in this course.

ELL 420 Testing & Assessment for ELL Students
Various tools and methodologies for assessing English proficiency in speaking, listening, reading and writing for both ELL children and adults will be critiqued. Formative and summative assessments will be explored with an emphasis on the application and appropriateness of their use for instructional design.

ELL 359 Contemporary Issues in English Language Instruction
Historical influences on instructional design in second language education will be explored. National and state standards for all learners and the implication for ELL instruction will be analyzed. Dual language instruction, bilingual education, and the politics of this as contrasted to English Language immersion programs will also be examined.

ELL 361 Language Learning in a Global Context
This course introduces students to the issues surrounding second language learning around the world. Emphasis will be given to educational, civic, business, governmental, and cultural issues.

ELL 497 English Language Learner Studies Capstone
This is the capstone course for the English Language Learner Studies major, to be taken at the completion of the major courses. This course provides students with the opportunity to integrate and apply their learning from the course of study for English Language Learners studies in a comprehensive manner. Students will reflect on the courses taken and develop an understanding of the Teachers of English to Other Language Speakers (TESOL) standards and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) standards, developmentally appropriate practices based upon language development research, and professionalism. This course will culminate with a comprehensive final project that integrates the student learning throughout the program.

If this program fits your personal and professional goals, contact Ashford University at 866.711.1700 to learn more, or request additional information.

Ashford University Program Disclosures


Federal regulations published in October, 2010 require institutions to report certain information about students who enrolled in Title IV eligible educational programs that lead to gainful employment in a recognized occupation (GE programs). These required disclosures include a program’s 1) program costs; 2) on-time completion rates; 3) median loan debt; 4) links to O*NET SOC descriptions; and 5) placement rates. Please find all of the required information contained below.

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English Language Learner Studies