In this 36-credit program, you will develop a solid foundation in the teaching of English with a 27-credit core. You can choose to pursue the master’s thesis option, in which you will create your own original research project, or the non-thesis option, in which you will broaden your knowledge base with elective courses.

An AU TESOL education goes beyond the classroom. Our program combines theoretical foundations with experiential learning. Students observe courses, tutor and volunteer teach, plan lessons, design assessments, and develop curricula and materials for English language classes. Students gain practical, hands-on teaching experience through involvement with local ESL institutions, schools, or community-based volunteer teaching programs. In addition to reaching out to the community, we bring the TESOL community to you by hosting a variety of professional development events and conferences that are attended by students and professionals in the field.

You can complete the program on a full-time or part-time basis. Our flexibility and evening classes make the TESOL MA ideal for career-switchers and working professionals. See complete Admissions & Course Requirements.

Our program prepares students for a wide variety of ESL/ EFL teaching and related careers, including teaching English as a second language in various post-secondary settings and English as a foreign language at all levels of English language education. Our alumni are teachers, program directors, curriculum developers, assessment specialists, and teacher educators who work in various language education institutes and programs.

This is the terminal teaching degree in our profession, but many of our graduates have gone on to PhD programs at prestigious universities all over the world.

With an MA in TESOL you will be qualified to teach English almost everywhere in the United States and abroad, including university intensive English programs, community colleges, private schools, and adult education programs. Students wishing to pursue licensure to teach K-12 in US public schools should consider the Master of Arts in Teaching ESOL program. However, the MA in TESOL is a good choice for those wishing to teach elementary, middle, or high school outside of the US