Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

The MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL, formerly the MA in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL)) degree is designed to prepare teachers to teach the English language to English Language Learners (ELLs) in K-12 classrooms in the United States, as well as students in countries where English is not a primary language.

Teachers will acquire knowledge about theory and concepts in second language acquisition and be equipped with methodological skills to teach English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). Informed by constructivist approaches to teaching and learning, teachers will develop the abilities to design curriculum and assessments that meet specific standards for different learning situations in countries and cultures around the world.

The coursework in this MA in TESOL program meets the standards defined by Specialized Professional Associations (SPA) and is nationally recognized by the Council for the Accreditation of Education Preparation (CAEP) for Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) to prepare teachers to teach English as a Second or Foreign Language (ESL or EFL).

Student Testimonial

“The MA TESL (now MA TESOL) was one of the best decisions in my professional life. The program not only helps me grow as a teacher, but it also opens doors to lifelong learning, discovery of new ideas, and meaningful life experiences.”

Eldor Sattorov

TESL, '19, Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Points of Distinction

Global opportunities

Webster University's worldwide context allows interaction with learners from around the world through online education and/or study at one of the university's many international campuses.

MA in TESOL

Requires 33 credit hours and generally takes 12 to 24 months to complete.

Versatility

Offered in an on-ground format in Uzbekistan, and online for students in St. Louis and around the world, including Kazakhstan.

Choose from one of the three areas of emphasis

This emphasis will qualify you to teach and support English learners in K-12 public schools in Missouri. It includes Missouri ELL Certification and requires that you already have initial teaching certification for public schools in Missouri.

This emphasis will prepare you to teach English in community colleges and universities in the United States and be ready to advance your career internationally in countries where English is not a primary language. It allows candidates to also receive their TEFL Certificate, which is highly valued in the international market.

This emphasis is internationally recognized and granted by Webster University. It will qualify you to teach English as a foreign language (TEFL). It also includes the TEFL Certificate, which is highly valued in the international market.

This emphasis is currently offered at Webster’s campuses in Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Athens.

At Webster, your education is flexible and portable.

Flexible

Five terms in an academic year make it easy to tailor your education to your life. Courses are offered in both semester and 8- or 9-week periods, and can consist of multiple modalities with our assortment of in person, hybrid, and online course options. Webster also offers a variety of degree, certificate, and non-degree programs.

Portable

For 40 years Webster has been building a network of campuses to serve local communities, now serving more than 10,000 students across 50 residential, metro, military, and international locations. Our students can start their degree at one location and finish it at another, or seamlessly work on their degree while studying abroad.