Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

 

Become a Community Leader with a Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

English is one of the most spoken languages in the world with around 1.5 billion native and non-native speakers. If you’ve dreamed of traveling the world to teach English in other nations, or prefer to help non-English speakers closer to home, the Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) program at WCU can help you achieve your goals.

WCU’s 100% online, 30-credit, interdisciplinary MA in TESOL program will prepare you for a career teaching English to non-native English speakers. WCU offers flexible pathways to reach your goals through pursuit of a concurrent English as a Second Language certification for teaching K-12 in PA or through the pursuit of the standalone M.A to focus on language teaching, research, and global contexts. As a graduate of the program, you will be able to address the factors and issues which inform second language education and become a highly capable instructor for a variety of learners.

Our program is also a great option for pre-certified teachers looking to develop their field-related expertise in the areas of second language teaching, curriculum design, assessment, language program development, and educational leadership and advocacy.

Our graduates teach and support multilingual learners in K-12 schools, higher education, and community programs in the U.S. and internationally.

 

Additional Options

English as a Second Language Certification

WCU’s 18-credit ESL Certification program prepares pre-certified teachers to teach English learners in Pennsylvania public schools. Offered 100% online, the program is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), and aligned with TESOL Specialized Professional Association (SPA) standards. The certification can be completed as a standalone credential or embedded within the 30-credit M.A. in TESOL.

 

Benefits of Earning Your Graduate Degree at West Chester University

Diverse Field Placements

Field experiences are an important component of the MA TESOL program and offer flexible opportunities to put your knowledge into practice. As a student, you’ll be able to complete field work in any ESL/EFL context including placement sites in rural, suburban, and urban districts; governmental, non-profit/volunteer, university, and community college ESL programs.

Accomplished Faculty 

WCU’s TESOL program was established more than 50 years ago to develop highly prepared ESL educators. Today, you’ll be taught by outstanding faculty who are experts in their fields. Each professor brings their unique experiences and research interests into the online classroom including: computer-assisted language learning, immigrant identity, sociolinguistics, and teacher identity.

Our faculty conduct research, author papers and chapters, present locally and abroad, and are in the classroom each day.

Affordable Tuition

Affordability is part of WCU’s mission, and our tuition is among the most affordable in the region. To help put your graduate studies within reach, WCU also offers employee reimbursement options, payment plans, and graduate assistantships.

Opportunities for Specialization & Personalized Advising

As a MA TESOL candidate, you’ll take 24 core credits with 6 hours of elective credits. With personalized advising, you’ll be able to develop a field-related specialization aligned with your professional goals (e.g., adult ESL, EFL, subsequent doctoral work, advocacy, etc.), including the Teaching English as a Second Language certificate.

WCU is here to help you achieve your personal and professional goals, and our faculty, staff, and student services will support you throughout your educational journey.

 

What Can You Do with a Master’s Degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages?

Our graduates go on to work as ESL teachers in PK-12 schools, become curriculum specialists, ESL textbook editors, private tutors, academic advisors, and program coordinators.

With more than 5 million students nationwide identifying as English language learners, there are ample opportunities for employment and advancement in within the education field.

Teaching English abroad provides even more opportunities in public schools, private language institutes, and even through online courses. Both short- and long-term placements are available and can be found across the globe.

 

What Will You Study as a Student in the Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Program?

The Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages program includes core courses and field work to help you prepare for your next role.

As part of the program, MA you’ll also submit a culminating assessment portfolio and take a required comprehensive examination upon completion of your coursework.