Academic Catalog 2025-2026

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

Program Description and Features 

Our TESOL M.A. program prepares students to teach adult English as a second language or English as a foreign language. Many of our graduates go on to teach community college or adult school ESL classes; many others have found good positions teaching abroad. Also, this program provides a good foundation for those who plan to pursue a doctorate in either Linguistics or Applied Linguistics. The program consists of 10 core classes and comprehensive examinations. Students learn about theories of second language acquisition and applied linguistic theories. They learn how to support English as a second language learners, what techniques to use in the classroom and what activities will make their learning experience better. They learn how to lesson plan, write teaching objectives, and design classes for any level of English learners. They also reflect on how to prepare second language learners to confront the challenges they face every day, both linguistically and culturally. 

Academic Advisement 

All full-time faculty serve as academic advisors. Students may either choose their own advisor, or they might be assigned to advisors. Students who might like to be assigned to an advisor should come to the department office for assistance. 

Program Requirements

The Master of Arts Degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages requires completion of 10 courses. After completion of all course work or during the last semester of course work, the M.A. degree candidate may apply to take the culminating exercise, the M.A. comprehensive examination. Candidates must pass the comprehensive written examination to earn the master's degree. There is only one retake opportunity. 

Admission Requirements

All applicants to the M.A. in the Teaching of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) must follow all application and admission procedures outlined in the university graduate application booklet. To be admitted to the program, the applicant must have earned a baccalaureate degree from an accredited university or college and a grade point average of 3.0 or better in the last 60 semester units of upper division course work attempted (not including extension units). Applicants with majors other than linguistics may be accepted into the program, but should expect to do additional work to gain the background necessary for success in their graduate courses.