Create a Bridge for Internationals — Earn your MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) in 12 Months
English teachers are in demand all over the world. Do you have a desire to teach in a language institute or university in China or the Middle East? Do you have a call to teach English as a Second Language in the public school system in the United States? If so, the Master of Arts in TESOL is perfect for you. In this program, you will receive excellent training in helping non-native English speakers gain proficiency in English.
We welcome you to join us face-to-face on our beautiful campus in Columbia, South Carolina, and complete the program in one academic year. If you can’t move to Columbia, no problem. We’ll bring the program to you in a cutting-edge, interactive online format. Each online course is 8 weeks in length and is designed to work around your schedule. You’ll study in a cohort with other students and be taught by recognized experts in the field.
You’ll take courses in linguistics, syntax, teaching methods and other related topics to equip you to be an excellent teacher.
Professor Joseph LeTexier, Professor of TESOL/Linguistics
Why Choose Columbia International University for Your MA in TESOL?
CIU has been offering an MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) for four decades and has trained hundreds of English teachers around the world. While the program is tried and proven, the TESOL faculty team continues to fine tune the program so that it remains excellent.
At CIU, you’ll study with professors who have spent many years teaching English around the world and in North America. You'll study with faculty who have experience living in different international cultures, who can train you not only to teach English, but to do it in a culturally sensitive way.
Overall Benefits of the MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Degree
The MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) provides training for those desiring to teach English to speakers of other languages around the world and in North America. Graduates from this program are equipped to teach English in a number of contexts, including:
- Teaching English in a global university.
- Teaching English in language institutes around the world or in North America.
- Teaching English to children and youth in an American private school or any international school worldwide.
- Teaching English among adult refugees and asylum seekers around the world.
Graduates might also engage in academic careers by pursuing Ph.D. work leading to professions in college, seminary and university-level teaching, both in the United States and abroad.
Featured Faculty
What Will I Study?
Course Descriptions
- LNG 5040 Teaching Listening, Speaking, and Pronunciation
This course explores alternative methods and techniques for teaching listening, speaking, and pronunciation to K-12 and adult English Language Learners (ELLs) at various levels of proficiency. It includes theoretical foundations, and students will design their own lesson plans that are contextually applicable in a variety of instructional settings.
3.00 credit hours
- LNG 5045 Teaching Reading, Writing, and Grammar
This course explores alternative methods and techniques for teaching reading, writing, and grammar to K-12 and adult English Language Learners (ELLs) at various levels of proficiency. It also examines the principles and processes of ESOL reading and writing, as well as pedagogical theories and relevant materials for ELLs. Students will design their own lesson plans that are contextually applicable in a variety of instructional settings.
3.00 credit hours
- LNG 5710 Theoretical Foundations-Language Teaching
This course is an introduction to the principles and practices of English language teaching. It examines the theories and practices of language teaching and learning in general, and English language teaching and learning in particular, focusing on research-based practices and strategies for teaching K-12 as well as adult English language learners. Students will also learn the principles of curriculum development and assessment for language programs.
3.00 credit hours
- LNG 6114 Introduction to Linguistics
This course is an introductory survey of some of the major areas of linguistics. It is intended to inform the student of how language works at different levels and how those levels interact with one another. This course covers Phonetics (the study of speech sounds), Phonology (the sound systems of individual languages), Morphology (the origin and structure of words), Semantics (how words make meaning), Pragmatics (language in its context), Sociolinguistics (language in society), and the History of English. It does not include Syntax since that is covered in a separate course.
3.00 credit hours
- LNG 6655 Introduction to Syntax
This course is an introductory study of the foundational concepts of syntax. It is especially designed for the teacher of English as a foreign language, with primary emphasis on applying syntactic theory to the study of English grammer.
3.00 credit hours
- LNG 6656 Advanced English Grammar
This course is an advanced study of the syntax and grammer of English. It is especially designed for the teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages, with special attention to making the various aspects of English grammer clear to English language learners (ELLs) of various ages and proficiency levels. (3)
3.00 credit hours
- LNG 6902 TESOL Student Teaching Orientation 0.00 credit hours
- LNG 6908 TESOL Student Teaching with Seminar
This course requires classroom observation, participation, and extensive teaching in a school under the supervision of an experienced teacher. It focuses on developing English language teaching skills and techniques while applying the latest foreign language teaching theories and principles. This course will enable each student teacher to integrate TESOL course content with their specific teaching and learning situation (3).
3.00 credit hours
Prerequisites: All coureswork for M.A. in TESOL and permission of instructor.
- RES 7962 Integrative Research Seminar 3.00 credit hours
- RES 7972 Thesis
Building on an approved thesis proposal, you will research and write on a topic in your field under the guidance of one faculty member who will critique your work as you proceed.
3.00 credit hours
Admission Requirements
- Completed application
- Official transcripts for highest earned degree and any master’s degree work
- Church leader reference
- Application Essay (800 words total, typed)
- Minimum cumulative 2.5 GPA
Career Path Opportunities
- Teaching English in a global university.
- Teaching English in a language institute around the world or in North America.
- Teaching English to children and youth in a private school in the United States.
- Teaching English among adult refugees and asylum seekers around the world or in North America.
- Academic Careers by pursuing Ph.D. work leading to professions in college, seminary, and university-level teaching, both in the United States and abroad.
Top FAQs
- How much does the program cost?
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Tuition and fees for this 30-credit hour program run around $17,000. Please check the tuition and fees page for the most up-to-date information. There are certain discounts and benefits given for military status and to employees and family members of our partner organizations. Our financial aid counselors will help you determine the best way to finance this important investment in your future career earnings. For more detailed information, check our financial aid page and select the option for online students.
- How long does the program take?
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If you are taking two online classes per 8-week term, then you will finish within 12 months. If you take one class per 8-week term, then you will finish in 18 months. If you are on campus, then you may take 5 courses per semester (Fall and Spring), allowing you to finish in 10 months.
- When can I start?
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There are six 8-week terms within a calendar year (Fall 1, Fall 2, Spring 1, Spring 2, Summer 1, Summer 2) so you may begin at any of these start dates in August, October, January, March, May or July.
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How do online classes work?
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When you open the Canvas site, you will see that a week begins on Monday morning and ends on Saturday night at 11:59 p.m. Each week when you open the course, you will have readings, pre-recorded lectures and assignments. Most assignments are due on Wednesday or Saturday night of each week. You will discuss the readings and lectures each week in online forums with your classmates and instructor. Though there are no required class meetings since students are often spread across the world in different time zones, your professor may invite you to a voluntary Zoom meeting. You can also schedule a consultation with your professor over Zoom.
- How much time does a single class take?
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You should plan on about 15 hours per week for one online class.
- Do I need to come to campus?
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For online students, there is no requirement to come to campus, but we are always happy to see you for a visit or when you come for graduation.
- What can I do with this degree?
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There are a number of career paths to choose from including:
- Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) in a global university or in a language institute anywhere in the world.
- Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language (ESL or EFL) to children and youth in a private school in the United States or in an international school abroad.
- Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL, ESL, or EFL) to adult immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers around the world or in North America.
- Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language (TESOL, ESL, or EFL) in a church or religious organization setting.
- Some graduates have also pursued academic careers.