TESOL Master’s Degree
Available Online
APU’s Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) provides comprehensive preparation in English language teaching for those seeking careers in U.S.-based institutions or schools around the world. In the TESOL master’s program, current and aspiring educators learn alongside expert faculty who are motivated to serve God and their students, helping them gain the competencies and perspectives needed to teach English in a manner marked by professional excellence and intercultural sensitivity. Three TESOL programs with distinct formats are available for a personalized learning experience: on campus in Azusa or online.
APU also offers two certificate programs, the 18-unit Certificate in TESOL and the 6-unit Certificate in TEFL, both offered in on-campus or online.
In all formats, students develop a theoretical foundation along with practical preparation for diverse teaching scenarios and environments. Graduates leave the program prepared to become exemplary classroom teachers committed to continued professional development within a variety of contexts.
Students are studying remotely more than ever before. Find out how APU’s TESOL master’s degree prepares you to join others who are teaching English online and impact the lives of countless people in remote locations.
The TESOL master’s degree program offers coursework and seminars in language acquisition theory, English grammar and pronunciation, intercultural communication and sociolinguistics, language teaching methods and materials development, observation and practice in classroom teaching, language assessment, program design, and language-development research. Every class blends a Christ-centered approach to service in the field with strong academic preparation and practical training in language teaching.
A dual-language immersion teacher in Los Angeles, Mayra was encouraged by TESOL program advisors to apply for the Fulbright Distinguished Award in Teaching grant. When she received the award, it was a clear opportunity to expand upon her lifelong mission of investing in others. Read more about Mayra’s Fulbright experience in Finland, where she researched best education practices for low-performing students, with an emphasis on second-language learners.
TESOL Program Highlights
- Learn from faculty with extensive international and U.S. experience who frequently present scholarship in their areas of expertise.
- Choose your preferred study format—on campus or online, and take up to four courses in another format for a customized learning experience.
- Select electives that fit your interests and career goals, such as the intersection of faith and English language teaching or language learning and technology.
- Complete practicum experiences in your desired locale, including the Los Angeles area or abroad during a faculty-led study away experience or with partner schools.
- Receive a $500 travel award to attend and present at international conferences alongside peers and faculty.
Learn more about our faculty and meet our graduates, part of a network of TESOL alumni who have served around the globe in 41 countries.
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Accreditation
Azusa Pacific University receives accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
University Reputation
U.S. News & World Report’s America’s Best Colleges 2023 edition named Azusa Pacific to its list of top national universities and several other significant lists, including First-Year Experiences and Top Performers on Social Mobility. The Princeton Review designated APU as 1 of 126 institutions in the “Best Western Colleges” section of its 2023 Best Colleges guide. APU’s School of Nursing was named a top nursing school in California for 2023 by College Factual and Niche. APU was included as a top-100 degree producer by Diverse: Issues In Higher Education and is a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI). Azusa Pacific is also a Military Friendly School and Yellow Ribbon University, serving more than 500 military-connected students and families, and is classified by the Carnegie Foundation as an R2 Doctoral Research University.
Note: This information is current for the 2022-23 academic year; however, all stated academic information is subject to change. Please refer to the current Academic Catalog for more information.