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. Liberty University

    Program Options

    Doctorate
      • EDD: Curriculum & Instruction
      • EDD: Curriculum & Instruction: Elementary Education
      • EDD: Curriculum & Instruction: Middle Grades Education
      • EDD: Curriculum & Instruction: Secondary Education
      • EDS: Curriculum & Instruction
      • EDS: Curriculum & Instruction: Elementary Education
    Master's
      • MA: Teaching English as a Second Language
      • MAT: English as a Second Language Education P-12 (36 Hours)
      • MAT: English as a Second Language Education P-12 (45 Hours)
      • MA: Music Education: Music Studies
      • MED: Curriculum & Instruction: Early Childhood Education
      • MED: Curriculum & Instruction: Educational Technology (Non-Licensure)
    Bachelor's
      • BS: Teaching English as a Second Language
      • BS: Education (Non-Licensure): Special Education Interdisciplinary Studies
      • BED: Special Education
      • BED: Business Education 6-12
      • BED: English Education 6-12
      • BED: Middle Education: Math
    Associate's
      • AA: Education (Non-Licensure)
      • AA: Early Childhood Education
    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
    2. Bryant & Stratton College

    Program Options

    Associate's
      • AAS Early Childhood Education
    Certificate
      • Early Childhood Care and Development Diploma
  • Online Programs Available
    3. 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.A. in Communication with an Emphasis in Education
      • M.Ed. in Secondary Education with an Emphasis in Humanities (ITL)
    Bachelor's
      • Bachelor of Arts in English for Secondary Education
      • Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with an Emphasis in English as a Second Language
      • BS in Elementary Education / Special Education (Dual Major)
      • BS in Early Childhood
      • B.S. in Behavioral Health Science with an Emphasis in Infancy and Early Childhood Studies
  • Online Programs Available
    4. Keiser University

    Program Options

    Doctorate
      • Doctor of Education in Curriculum Leadership
  • University of Maryland Global Campus

  • Western Governors University

  • Philadelphia, PA

    University of Pennsylvania

  • Boston, MA

    Boston University

Featured Schools

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

Liberty University

  • EDD: Curriculum & Instruction
  • MA: Teaching English as a Second Language
  • BS: Teaching English as a Second Language
  • AA: Education (Non-Licensure)
  • CERT: Teaching English as a Second Language

What is your highest level of education?

Bryant & Stratton College

  • AAS Early Childhood Education
  • Early Childhood Care and Development Diploma

Which subject are you interested in?

Grand Canyon University

  • MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
  • MA in Curriculum and Instruction
  • Bachelor of Arts in English for Secondary Education
  • Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with an Emphasis in 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?

University of Maryland Global Campus