Free Online English as a Second Language (ESL) Courses from Top Universities

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Top universities including Utah State University (USU), Brigham Young University (BYU) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) offer English as a Second Language (ESL) courses. Three of such classes are available for free online.
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Free English as a Second Language (ESL) Courses

Non-native English speakers looking for free ESL classes online can choose from a handful on universities. Classes involve ESL training for native Spanish and Chinese speakers.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

MIT's OpenCourseWare offers an an intensive course that focuses on expository writing for students who speak more than one language. This classes is aimed at helping students learn how to better craft essays, reports and term papers.

Utah State University (USU)

A course that teaches students how to speak English and Spanish simultaneously is offered though this school's University Extension program. The class requires students to download media players to listen to audio files.

Brigham Young University (BYU)

BYU Independent Study offers a number of free courses for personal development. One of these courses focuses on ESL for Chinese speaking students. This course is designed for beginners who cannot read, speak or write in English.

Free Online English as a Second Language Courses at a Glance

Course & School Program Level Format Assignments Quizzes & Exams Downloadable
Expository Writing for Bilingual Students course from Massachusetts Institute of Technology Undergraduate Text No No Yes
CALFNES Spanish course from Utah State University N/A Audio Yes No Yes
English as a Second Language-Chinese Speakers course from Brigham Young University N/A Text Yes No No

Popular Schools

  • Online Programs Available
    1. Grand Canyon University

    Program Options

    Master's
      • MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
      • MA in Curriculum and Instruction
      • M.Ed. in Special Education: Cross-Categorical
      • M.Ed. in Master of Education in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education-ITL
      • M.Ed. in Master of Education in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education-NITL
      • M.A. in Communication with an Emphasis in Education
    Bachelor's
      • B.S. in Behavioral Health Science with an Emphasis in Infancy and Early Childhood Studies
  • Online Programs Available
    2. Purdue Global

    Program Options

    Master's
      • M.S. in Health Education
      • Master: Higher Education - Online College Teaching
      • Master: Education (for Practicing Teachers: K-12)
    Bachelor's
      • Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Administration
  • Campus and Online Programs
    3. Pacific Oaks College

    Program Options

    Certificate
      • Preliminary Education Specialist Instruction Credential
      • Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential
  • University of Maryland Global Campus

  • Western Governors University

  • Online Programs Available
    6. Liberty University

    Program Options

    Doctorate
      • EDS: Special Education
      • PHD: Educational Research
    Master's
      • MAT: English as a Second Language Education P-12 (36 Hours)
      • MAT: English as a Second Language Education P-12 (45 Hours)
      • MAT: Elementary Education (45 Hours): Special Education General Curriculum (K-6) Add-On
      • MAT: Elementary Education Curriculum to Ed.S. in School Curriculum & Instructional Planning
      • MAT: Middle Education Curriculum to Ed.S. in School Curriculum & Instructional Planning
      • MAT: Secondary Education Curriculum to Ed.S. in School Curriculum & Instructional Planning
    Bachelor's
      • BS: Teaching English as a Second Language
    Certificate
      • CERT: Teaching English as a Second Language
      • GRAD CERT: Executive Curriculum & Instruction
      • BS: Special Student (Non-Degree) - General
      • GRAD CERT: Career & Technical Education - Transition & Special Needs
      • GRAD CERT: Executive Special Education
      • GRAD CERT: Gifted Education
  • Online Programs Available
    7. Keiser University

    Program Options

    Doctorate
      • Doctor of Education in Curriculum Leadership
  • Online Programs Available
    8. National University

    Program Options

    Doctorate
      • EdD - Curriculum and Teaching
      • PhD - Curriculum and Teaching
      • Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership
      • Doctor of Education in Instructional Design
      • EdD - General Education
      • EdD - Learning Analytics in Higher Education
    Master's
      • MEd - Curriculum and Teaching
      • MEd - General Education
      • MEd - Reading Education
      • MEd - Special Education
      • MEd - Early Childhood Education
      • MEd - Global Training and Development
    Certificate
      • EdS - Curriculum and Teaching
      • EdS - General Education
      • EdS - Special Education
      • EdS - Early Childhood Education
      • EdS - Global Training and Development

Featured Schools

The schools and programs listed below are popular educational options, and tuition varies based on program and location

Grand Canyon University

  • MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
  • MA in Curriculum and Instruction
  • B.S. in Behavioral Health Science with an Emphasis in Infancy and Early Childhood Studies

What is your highest level of education?

Purdue Global

  • M.S. in Health Education
  • Master: Higher Education - Online College Teaching
  • Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Administration

Which subject are you interested in?

Pacific Oaks College

  • Preliminary Education Specialist Instruction Credential
  • Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential

What is your highest level of education completed?

University of Maryland Global Campus

Liberty University

  • EDS: Special Education
  • MAT: English as a Second Language Education P-12 (36 Hours)
  • BS: Teaching English as a Second Language
  • CERT: Teaching English as a Second Language

What is your highest level of education?

Keiser University

  • Doctor of Education in Curriculum Leadership

What is your highest level of education?

National University

  • EdD - Curriculum and Teaching
  • MEd - Curriculum and Teaching
  • EdS - Curriculum and Teaching

What is your highest level of education?