Frequently Asked Questions
In this Section:
- What are the prerequisites for the program?
- What is the language requirement for international students?
- Is the GRE required or recommended for admission?
- What are the application deadlines?
- What are the degree requirements? Will I have to write a thesis?
- How many units do most students take per semester?
- How long do students take to complete the degree?
- Does finishing in 18 months require taking summer classes? If not, are summer courses still available?
- Is it feasible to begin the program in the spring semester?
- When are classes taught? Are there a variety of class schedules available?
- How large are the classes in the campus-based TESOL program?
- Does APU offer any financial aid to help with these costs?
- Is on-campus housing available to graduate students? What other housing is available?
What are the prerequisites for the program?
Admission to the program requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
and a minimum undergraduate grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
No prerequisite courses must be completed, but courses in English and linguistics
are recommended. Before graduating, however, you will need to have completed
the equivalent of six semester units of college-level foreign language with
a grade of B or better. This requirement may be satisfied by language
courses taken within 10 years prior to beginning your program at APU.
What is the language requirement for international students?
Nonnative speakers of English must score 600 or above on the Test of English
as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or at least 250 on the computer-based TOEFL or 150 on the IBT,
and must also pass a test of written English. Applicants who score between
550 and 599 (213-249 on the computer-based TOEFL; 79-99 on the IBT) may be admitted as conditional
students, but they will be required to enroll in TESL
500 English for Internationals during their first semester of graduate
work, and may enroll in only two regular graduate courses during that semester.
Is the GRE required or recommended for admission?
No.
What are the application deadlines?
We have rolling admissions, but you should allow at least one month for your
application to be processed from the time that all materials are received,
including three recommendations. All materials should be received by the end
of July for fall admission and by the end of December for spring admission.
International applicants should contact
ISS for current deadlines.
What are the degree requirements? Will I have to write a thesis?
Degree candidates have a choice between writing a thesis and taking comprehensive
examinations. Other requirements include 36 units of course work, of which
30 units are required courses and 6 units are electives. In addition, students
must initiate ongoing professional development by attending at least one professional
conference and joining a professional organization such as TESOL, Inc.
How many units do most students take per semester?
Each semester is divided into two nine-week terms. A full load is two three-unit
courses per term. Students who are also working full time, however, often
prefer to take just one course at a time.
How long do students take to complete the degree?
Students who take a full load can complete the program in 18 months, though
most take an extra semester to prepare for the comprehensive exams and complete
the degree in 22 months. Students who take just one course per term complete
the program in about three years.
Does finishing in 18 months require taking summer classes? If not, are
summer courses still available?
The 18-month period assumes no summer courses. None of the required courses
are offered in the summer, but elective options are available for those who
want to take summer classes. Taking a summer course, however, will not shorten
the time to earn the degree.
Is it feasible to begin the program in the spring semester?
Yes, you can begin the program either semester and still expect to complete
the program within 18 months.
When are classes taught? Are there a variety of class schedules available?
All classes are taught 4:45-9:15 p.m., Monday-Thursday, to accommodate students
who work during the day. Each class meets one evening per week for nine weeks.
How large are the classes in the campus-based TESOL program?
Class size varies anywhere between 6-25 students. Most classes have at least
8, but no more than 20 students.
Does APU offer any financial aid to help with these costs?
For more information on applying for aid and on other support that may be
available, please contact the Office
of Graduate Financial Services at (626) 815-4570 or graduatecenter@apu.edu.
Is on-campus housing available to graduate students? What other housing
is available?
The Office of Asset Management manages Azusa Pacific University’s non-campus rental properties reserved for graduate, international and ALCI graduate, married undergraduate, other non-traditional students, and faculty/staff, as well as maintains up-to-date listings of housing opportunities for the larger APU and local communities. Please contact the office for additional information about available housing options.
