Multilingual Education Online Program Facts
Program Director: Shannon Daniel
Admissions Coordinator: Shawn Blomker
Admission Term: Fall
Credit Hours: 30
Multilingual Education Online (M.Ed.)
An M.Ed. preparing educators and leaders to advance multilingual learning through teaching, research, and leadership, with a pathway to ESL endorsement.
Duration
15 months (3 semesters + summer)
Credits
30 Credit Hours
Format
100% Online
Modules
20 x 7-week modules
Multilingual Education Online Program Overview
Multilingual Education Online is a fully online master of education (M.Ed.) program that prepares professionals to excel in three high-demand areas: Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), improving learning through applied research, and advancing leadership in language education. The Multilingual Education online M.Ed. is designed to bring together a diverse, global community of students with wide-ranging professional goals. Graduates can pursue careers in K-12 and higher education, educator coaching, instructional design, nonprofit leadership, immigrant and refugee support and any field where multilingual and cross-cultural communication skills are essential. The program focuses on three interconnected areas:
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Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
Preparing educators to support multilingual learners across age levels and contexts, with the option for teachers to add an ESL endorsement to their licensure.
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Improving Learning through Applied Research (ILAR)
Equipping students to design, analyze, and apply inquiry that drives real-world educational change in multilingual contexts.
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Innovative Leadership
Students choose one of two micro-credentials focused on Transforming Educator Leadership in Language Learning (TELL) or Emerging Technologies and AI in Education, where they develop skills to mentor, lead, and make positive change in educational initiatives locally and globally.
Flexible Course Structure
Full-Time Students
Take 3 modules (4.5 credit hours) each 7-week session. With two 7-week sessions taught each fall, spring, and summer, students attending full-time can complete up to 9 credit hours (6 modules per semester).
Part-Time Students
Take 2-4 modules per semester (as few as 3 or as many as 6 credit hours).
The Multilingual Education Online M.Ed. is a 30-credit program offering a flexible, fully online experience with weekly, personalized interactions with faculty. The program core empowers students to chart language learning processes, evaluate language education policies and practices, partner with multilingual communities, and drive meaningful educational change through rigorous, applied research. Students complete a total of 20, 1.5-credit modules. Each skill-focused module is 7 weeks. Students can complete modules at their own pace (full-time or part-time) and can personalize their learning pathway through individualized capstone projects.
The average completion time for full-time students is about 15 months.
Key Application Info
Applications are open for Fall 2026 and are reviewed on a rolling basis. Admissions decisions are communicated in 4-6 weeks.
Curriculum and Coursework
The online master's of education in Multilingual Education will equip students to teach language, lead educational efforts (teaching, policy, and research) toward multilingual and language education, and conduct, analyze, and interpret research to drive learning improvements. By combining multilingual education, applied research, and innovative leadership, the Multilingual Education Online M.Ed. enables students to connect theory and practice, drive evidence-based improvements, and lead transformative initiatives in multicultural and multilingual learning settings.
Certificates
Upon program completion, graduates earn two 12-credit certificates and one 6-credit micro-credential in addition to their degree, positioning them to lead in multilingual education by integrating teaching expertise, evidence-based inquiry, and instructional leadership or innovation in emerging technologies. Students can choose from the following three certificates and corresponding modules:
TESOL
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (12 credits)
- Applied Linguistics & Language Systems: Understanding Language for Learning
- Multilingual Perspectives & Engagement: Connecting Classrooms and Communities
- Second Language Acquisition & Development: Charting Language Growth
- Language Education Policy and Program Design: Analyzing Models & Guiding Change
- Language & Literacy Development for Multilingual Learners: Access and Agency
- Teaching & Assessing Multilingual Learners: From Planning to Practice
- Integrating Content and Language: Responsive Instruction
- Assessment Literacy for TESOL Educators: Designing for Learning and Growth
ILAR
Improving Learning through Applied Research (6 credits)
- Designing Your Inquiry Path
- Learning Sciences: Mind, Body, & Affect
- Leading Research Partnerships with Multilingual Communities
- Driving Change through Intervention Design
- Investigating Language and Learning across Modalities
- Analyzing Language in Local and Global Networks
- Merging Evidence: Surveys, Stories, & Statistics
- From Vision to Contribution
TELL
Transforming Educator Leadership in Language Learning (6 credits)
- Leading Research Partnerships with Multilingual Communities
- Mentoring Teachers of Multilingual Learners: Coaching and Professional Development
- Applying Leadership and Advocacy across Multilingual Contexts
- Cultivating Multilingualism: Leadership and Program Strategies
Who Should Apply
Education and Language Professionals
- Motivated professionals in educational and language contexts seeking professional learning and credentialing for career advancement in language education, specializations, and more
Distance Learners
- Driven students facing obstacles that prevent them from pursuing an in-person degree option, including international students or working professionals who cannot afford to stop working
Funding Your Education
A professional degree from Vanderbilt Peabody College of education and human development can take your career to the next level. Yet, we know that the cost of higher education might feel like a barrier.
Students may qualify for our Nashville Metropolitan Area K-12 Public School Scholarship or Teacher Pathway Scholarship depending on their current job and program of study. In 2025, 86% of admitted students were offered some form of scholarship.
Contact
Shannon Daniel
Director, Multilingual Education Programs
Department of Teaching and Learning
shannon.m.daniel@vanderbilt.edu
Shawn Blomker
Admissions Coordinator
shawn.blomker@vanderbilt.edu