Multilingual Education (M.Ed.)

Lead transformative education for a multilingual, international, and interconnected world.

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This program was formerly known as Multilingual Learner Education. The World Languages program has been made into a pathway within this program.

Master’s in Multilingual Education at a Glance

  • Campus-based program with both teacher licensure and non-licensure tracks
  • Ranked as the #5 best curriculum and instruction program by U.S. News & World Report
  • Innovative curriculum that blends research with cutting-edge practical application
  • Expert faculty who are leaders in multilingual and global education

What is the Multilingual Education Program at Peabody College?

The innovative M.Ed. in Multilingual Education is designed for future leaders in global education. Blending research and applied linguistics for educators with technology-enhanced, hands-on practice, the program equips you to understand how people learn in multilingual and multicultural contexts.

M.Ed. in Multilingual Education Program Overview

The M.Ed. in Multilingual Education allows you to expand your expertise in multilingual and multimodal learning, language sciences, and learner-centered design and pedagogy, with the option to earn a World Languages and/or ESL endorsement.

Through immersive experiences with learners and communities, you’ll develop the skills to teach, design programs, conduct impactful research, and build meaningful connections worldwide. Graduate ready to lead and shape the future of education in our interconnected, multilingual world. 

The program includes:

  • 30–33 credit hours
  • Skill development in teaching, designing programs, conducting impactful research and building meaningful connections
  • Multiple pathways and optional licensure to become a world language or English as a second language teacher
  • Hands-on, immersive experiences with learners and communities
  • Faculty-led research in various areas of educational linguistics and multilingual/bilingual education
  • Available tuition and stipend support

Multilingual Education Program Pathways

This program offers multiple pathways:

  • Applied Languages and Literacies Studies (30 credits). Build expertise in applied linguistics and language sciences research. 
  • Teaching Multilingual Learners: Initial Licensure (33 credits). Earn initial licensure to teach English as a Second Language (ESL) in PK-12 settings. 
  • Teaching Multilingual Learners (30 credits). Add ESL endorsement to your initial teaching licensure and/or earn specialization in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). 
  • World Language Education with ESL Endorsement (33 credits). Earn initial licensure to teach Spanish, French, German, Chinese, or Latin, with an added ESL endorsement. 

Initial Licensure in English as a Second Language or World Languages requires 33 credits. The M.Ed. without initial licensure is 30 credits.

Career Opportunities Supporting Multilingual Learners Across Contexts

  • K-12 Education
    • English Language Development Teacher, STEM Preparatory Academy in Nashville, TN
    • Chinese Teacher, Ensworth School in Nashville, TN
    • 1st-grade teacher, Metro Nashville Public Schools, TN
    • Upper School Engineering Teacher, Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart in Miami, Florida
    • Chinese as a second language teacher, Asia Pacific International School in Hau’ula, Hawaii
    • Instructional Coach for English Learner Teachers, Metro Nashville Public Schools, TN
  • Program Coordination, Corporations, & Management
    • Communications Lead, Schneider Electric
    • Program Coordinator, Tennessee American-Chinese Chamber of Commerce
    • Program Coordinator, Tennessee Immigrants & Refugee Rights Coalition
    • Program Coordinator, Vanderbilt University
  • Higher Education & Research
    • Director of Training, Xi'an International Studies University
    • Ph.D. Candidate, University of Maryland
    • Ph.D. Candidate, University of Florida
    • Ph.D. Candidate, University of California
    • Ph.D. Candidate, University of Massachusetts
    • Ph.D. Candidate, University of Auckland
    • Senior Success Advisor, Northern Michigan University
    • Academic Skills Specialist, Providence College
    • Assistant Professor, Ithaca College
    • Assistant Professor, Clemson University
  • Consulting, Fellowships, & Specialized Programs
    • Consultant, New York State Technology Enterprise Corporation
    • Teacher, English Program in Korea (EPIK), Republic of Korea
    • English Teaching Assistant, Fulbright Program
  • #5

    Best Curriculum and Instruction Program, U.S. News & World Report 2025

Wenna Li, M.Ed.

"The program helped me to visualize what ideal classroom teaching looks like and how everyone, including teachers, could benefit from it."

Wenna Li, M.Ed.

How to Apply to the Master’s in Multilingual Education

Program Director: Shannon Daniel
Admissions Coordinator: Shawn Blomker
Admission Term: Fall
Credit Hours:  30-33

Application Deadlines

  • Priority Decision 1

    January 3*

  • Priority Decision 2

    February 3

  • Rolling Decision

    After February 3

*For more information on application dates and requirements, and the benefits of Priority Decision, see the How to Apply page.

Request Information

Coursework

  • Sample Courses
    • EDUC6520: Foundations of Multilingual Education
    • EDUC6530: Educational Linguistics and Second Language Acquisition
    • EDUC6550: Assessment with Multilingual Learners 
    • EDUC6541: Practicum with Multilingual Learners
    • EDUC6560: Language Curriculum Design
    • EDUC6565: Scholarly Writing and Thinking 
    • WLED6370: Teaching World Languages in K12 Schools
    • EDUC6595: Qualitative Language Analysis 
    • EDUC6460: Language, Diversity, and Education
    • EDUC6575: Multilingualism and Multimodality

     

    Initial Licensure in English as a Second Language or World Languages requires 33 credits. The M.Ed. without initial licensure is 30 credits.

Selected Faculty Research

Shannon Daniel, associate professor of the practice of education

Shannon Daniel, associate professor of the practice of education

Professor Daniel researches the contributions and strategies of resettled refugee youth, how refugees leverage their skills and strategies to succeed in their country of resettlement, and how teachers can improve their instruction of multilingual learners across elementary and secondary schools.

Chris da Silva, professor of the practice of education

Chris da Silva, professor of the practice of education

Professor da Silva takes an ecological perspective in analyzing multilingual language learners' access to learning. She not only investigates young children's learning experiences in classrooms, but also researches family and community resources and how teachers can learn about and leverage these resources to support students.

Funding and Scholarships

All scholars will be considered for merit-based scholarships and the Teacher Pathway Scholarship during the admissions application review. No additional application is necessary.

  • Teacher Pathway Scholarship Details

    Applicants to this program qualify for the Teacher Pathway Scholarship, which guarantees a minimum 30% scholarship to all admitted students in initial licensure programs and advanced programs (eligible programs listed below). This guaranteed funding has been put in place in order to

    • broaden access to high-quality graduate education for individuals hoping to enter the teaching profession, and
    • make a commitment to increasing the teacher workforce, particularly in Tennessee.

    Eligible Programs

    Initial Licensure Programs

    • Secondary Education
    • Elementary Education
    • Multilingual Education
    • Special Education

    Advanced Programs

    • Human Development Counseling (School Counseling track only)
    • Reading Education
    • Pre-K-12 EdD

    Applicants are automatically considered for this, and all merit-based scholarships. There's no extra work for applicants to do on their application in order to qualify.

    Scholarship cannot be combined with other Peabody scholarships; if a student is eligible for multiple awards, the larger amount will be granted. Students who accept grant-funded positions and those who opt out of merit aid consideration are excluded from the scholarship.

Multilingual Education Program FAQs

  • What is multilingual education?

    Multilingual education prepares educators to support students from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds by using strategies grounded in applied linguistics, educational research and inclusive classroom practice.

  • What is the difference between ESL and multilingual education?

    ESL focuses on teaching English to speakers of other languages, while multilingual education prepares teachers to support all language learners across multiple languages and cultures. The Multilingual Education (M.Ed.) program integrates both perspectives through research and practical application.

  • Is an M.Ed. in Multilingual Education similar to a Master’s in Bilingual Education?

    The M.Ed. in Multilingual Education focuses on teaching and supporting students from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. In contrast, a master’s in bilingual education typically emphasizes the design and instruction of bilingual programs for two specific languages.

  • What can I do with a master’s degree in multilingual education?

    Graduates with an M.Ed. in Multilingual Education or ESL can pursue careers as English as a second language (ESL) or world language teachers, curriculum specialists, program coordinators or educational researchers in K–12, higher education or nonprofit settings.

  • What will I learn in the Multilingual Education (M.Ed.) program?

    The M.Ed. in Multilingual Education will equip you with expertise in multilingual and multimodal learning, language sciences and learner-centered design and pedagogy.

  • Does the M.Ed. program lead to ESL endorsement or teacher licensure?

    Yes. The licensure track allows students to earn initial teacher licensure and an ESL and/or World Language endorsement, preparing graduates to teach multilingual learners in K–12 schools.

  • Can I earn an ESL endorsement in Tennessee through this program?

    Yes. The licensure track fulfills Tennessee requirements for an ESL endorsement.

  • How long does it take to earn the M.Ed. in Multilingual Education?

    The Multilingual Education (M.Ed.) program requires 30–33 credit hours and can be completed in as little as one academic year of full-time study.

  • How can I earn an accredited master’s in ESL to teach multilingual learners?

    By enrolling in the M.Ed. in Multilingual Education at Peabody College, completing a licensure pathway and fulfilling coursework and field experiences aligned with ESL standards, you earn an accredited degree that qualifies you to teach multilingual learners.

  • Who should apply to the Multilingual Education (M.Ed.) program?

    This program is ideal for aspiring English as a second language teachers, world language educators, or professionals seeking to deepen their expertise in teaching multilingual learners in K–12 and global contexts.

  • Is financial support available for the Multilingual Education (M.Ed.) program?

    Yes. Merit aid and scholarships are available to eligible students. All applicants will be automatically considered for funding opportunities during the admission review process.

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