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Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, MTESOL


At a Glance: program details



Are you interested in language and the pursuit of an exciting career teaching English anywhere in the world? This flexible program (offered in-person or online) is supported by supervised internships, and you'll work closely with expert faculty in linguistics and applied linguistics to develop your professional skills and knowledge.

Program Description

Degree Awarded: MTESOL Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

The MTESOL program is for individuals who desire to build a career in the international field of teaching English as a second or additional language. Students develop scholarly and professional knowledge and skills in four central areas: language, learning, teaching and research.

Students have opportunities to study a variety of key topics, including second language acquisition, computer-assisted language learning, critical pedagogy, curriculum design, global Englishes, teaching English as an international language, English for specific purposes, English grammar, intercultural rhetoric, discourse analysis, interlanguage pragmatics, language and identity, language testing and assessment, learning transfer, materials development, non-native English speakers in TESOL, second language phonology and second language writing.

Matthew Prior, Director

Elizabeth Downs, Program Manager (MTESOL Online)

Samantha Franze, Graduate Academic Advisor (MTESOL On-Ground)

Faculty in Linguistics and Applied Linguistics

Note: The MTESOL program does not offer certification to teach in US K-12 public schools. 

Prospective applicants interested in supporting bilingual and multilingual students in PreK-12 contexts in the US may wish to explore the online Master of Arts in Education (educating multilingual learners) through Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College.

For more information on certification to teach in the Arizona public school system, current students may contact the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at GradEdPrep@asu.edu. You may also want to view ASU's licensure information or MLFTC's student success site. For other licensure requirements, please contact your state’s Department of Education.



Accelerated Degree Option (4 + 1)

Accelerated master's (previously called 4+1) degree programs combining undergraduate and graduate coursework in your senior year for dual credit, you'll save up to an entire year of schooling and receive both degrees in as little as five years.


Degree Requirements

Curriculum Plan Options

  • 30 credit hours including the required capstone course (LIN 597) and a foreign language exam

Required Core (12 credit hours)
LIN 501 Approaches to Research (3)
LIN 510 Linguistics (3)
LIN 520 Second-Language Acquisition Theories (3)
LIN 521 Methods of Teaching English as a Second Language (3)

Other Requirement (3 credit hours)
LIN 584 Internship (3)

Electives or Research (12 credit hours)

Culminating Experience (3 credit hours)
LIN 597 Capstone (3)

Additional Curriculum Information
The foreign language requirement must be completed during the program prior to the master's degree being awarded.

The capstone is overseen by a director chosen from the Department of English linguistics and TESOL faculty.


Admission Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants may have undergraduate majors in the following fields, but are not limited to these: anthropology, applied linguistics, cognitive science, communication, comparative languages and literatures, education, English literature, history and law.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. statement of purpose
  4. resume
  5. two letters of recommendation
  6. proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English and has not graduated from an institution of higher learning in the United States must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency. Applications will not be processed without valid proof of English proficiency; official scores must be sent to ASU in order for the application to be processed.

Applicants must submit a one-page, single-spaced, well-considered statement of purpose in which they explain how their experience and training have prepared them for the program, their aims and purposes in pursuing the MTESOL degree, and their plans for the future.

Two letters of recommendation are required. A third letter is optional. The letters should provide a clear picture of the applicant's potential for successfully completing a master's degree, so at least one of the letters should be from a university professor who is familiar with the applicant's academic work and with master's level academic programs.


Flexible Degree Options

Accelerated program options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years.
It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's and master's degree with:

BA - English (Linguistics)

Prepare yourself to thrive in a global society by exploring the origin and use of language in a variety of cultures. Enter an exciting field of study that prepares you for a multitude of careers.

Website | Locations: TEMPE


Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. During their junior year, eligible students will be advised by their academic departments to apply.



Next Steps to attend ASU

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Application Deadlines

Fall

Session
Modality
Deadline
Type

Session A/C
In Person
July 22nd
Final
Session A/C
Online
July 24th
Final
Session B
Online
September 18th
Final

Spring

Session
Modality
Deadline
Type

Session A/C
In Person
December 14th
Final
Session A/C
Online
December 16th
Final
Session B
Online
February 17th
Final

Summer

Session
Modality
Deadline
Type

Session A/C
Online
April 18th
Final
Session B
Online
June 3rd
Final


Learning Outcomes

  • Evaluate and apply theories, key concepts, methods and materials in second language teaching.
  • Apply theories and pedagogical knowledge to evaluate and create real-world teaching, materials development, or related professional practices in TESOL.
  • Synthesize and apply theories, research and key concepts in second language learning and development.

Career Opportunities

Language professionals with training and expertise in TESOL remain in high demand in the U.S. and abroad. TESOL-related skills are valuable in businesses and institutions, as well as to individuals of a wide range of linguistic and cultural contexts who rely on the ability to learn, teach and communicate effectively in a globally connected world.

Career examples include:

  • adult education teacher
  • consultant
  • English language or foreign language teacher
  • international aid worker
  • materials designer or developer
  • program and curriculum developer
  • refugee English coordinator
  • teacher trainer

Global Opportunities

Global Experience

With over 250 programs in more than 65 countries (ranging from one week to one year), study abroad is possible for all ASU students wishing to gain global skills and knowledge in preparation for a 21st-century career. Students earn ASU credit for completed courses, while staying on track for graduation, and may apply financial aid and scholarships toward program costs. https://mystudyabroad.asu.edu

Attend Online

ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program description and request more information here.

Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.