MA in TESOL

The TESOL master's program prepares students for teaching both domestically and abroad in higher and adult education, in private language schools, and in K-12 settings, where state certification is not required.

American University’s TESOL master's program offers a distinctive blend of theory and practice that enables graduate students to apply foundational concepts in the discipline to practical teaching experience. The program places a strong emphasis on experiential learning, with graduate students planning lessons, observing classes and teaching or tutoring ESL students in a variety of contexts from the outset of the program.

LEARN FROM LEADING FACULTY EXPERTS

TESOL faculty members draw on their extensive and diverse teaching experiences, knowledge of contemporary research, and intercultural expertise to provide students with the necessary academic and practical knowledge to become successful professionals in the TESOL field. The program emphasizes a communicative approach to language teaching, offers a wide range of courses and focuses on authentic teaching activities.

JOIN THE AU TESOL COMMUNITY

MA TESOL students enjoy a sense of community, both with their peers and their professors, who are among the leading professionals in the field of TESOL. The TESOL MA program caters to diverse student populations, including recent graduates, professionals, and career switchers, and offers great flexibility in completing the degree. Students may be admitted on a full- or part-time basis, and classes meet in the evening to accommodate our students’ busy schedules. Courses in the TESOL Master's Program are offered in the fall and spring as well as in the summer, through the AU TESOL Summer Institute.

Admission to the Program

Applicants to the master's program in TESOL are subject to the minimum university requirements for admission to graduate study. Further, a grade point average of 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale) in the undergraduate major, Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores and two letters of academic reference are required. It is strongly recommended that native speakers of English have some background in at least one other language. Applicants whose native or first language is not English must demonstrate proof of language proficiency by submitting satisfactory results from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The minimum TOEFL score for full admissions consideration is 100 on the internet-based test (iBT) or 600 on the paper-based test. Part-time as well as full-time students are welcome in the program.