Reviewed by Mary McLaughlin, Ma-TESOL; M.S. SpEd
According to Michelle Bagwell’s guidelines in “Tips for Choosing a TESOL Master’s Program,” an increasing number of reputable colleges and universities have begun offering online graduate programs. The delivery models vary, with some master’s programs implementing a hybrid schedule of occasional in-person meetings combined with online coursework, while other programs are fully virtual.
The scheduling of online TESOL programs varies as well. Some schools have synchronous classes, meaning students must attend class according to a set daily or weekly schedule. Others have asynchronous classes, in which students work more independently and follow their own schedules. Students in asynchronous programs, however, must still meet certain overarching deadlines to qualify for degrees or certificates.
Before committing to a program, consult the requirements for any positions you might want to pursue after graduation. The requirements for teaching ESL or EFL in a public school, community college, university, or international program vary widely, even from state to state within the United States. If you wish to work in K-12 schools, in most cases you must participate in some form of student teaching, in-class practicum, or teaching internship (paid or unpaid) to qualify for an ESL, bilingual, or sheltered English teaching position.
Recommended Online Master’s Degree Programs in TESOL, ESL, and EFL
If you seek name recognition among employers in the United States, you can opt for a major institution that also offers a solid online degree program, such as one of the top distance education programs as ranked by U.S. News & World Report.
Alabama’s Auburn University (number two in the rankings) awards a Traditional Masters (M.Ed.) in English for Speakers of Other Languages, as of 2013. Students can take classes onsite and online.
The admission requirements include a 2.75 undergraduate GPA, an undergraduate major in a branch of education, a valid teaching certificate, official transcripts, GRE scores, three letters of recommendation, and a portfolio or the ability to interview with faculty, if the school requests it.
The University of Nebraska-Kearney (also ranked in the top 10), awards a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction concentrating on English as a Second Language. To apply, candidates must hold an undergraduate degree and a teaching credential. They do not need to take the GRE. The average undergraduate GPA for accepted students is 3.41. In 2012, the school accepted 85 percent of the applicants, according to statistics published in 2014 by U.S. News & World Report.
Consisting of 36 credit hours as of 2013, the online master’s degree course of study is designed for currently certified teachers who seek K-12 ESL certification or an endorsement on their certificate.
Other schools not in the top 10 rankings also attract students and can have a solid reputation both in the United States and abroad.
One noteworthy program is the Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages offered through the School of Language Learning and Teaching at the New School for Public Engagement. Students must complete 30 credit hours to graduate, 15 for core courses and 15 in either Teaching or Curriculum Development. To expedite your studies, opt for the Summer Intensive and earn 12 of your course units at the Greenwich Village campus in New York City.
To apply, you must supply official transcripts, a statement of purpose, two letters of recommendation, and a resume. You must also participate in an interview. Some candidates also send academic writing samples and GRE scores.
The University of Birmingham has name recognition in the international arena. The Teaching English as a Foreign or Second Language Master of Arts distance learning program, offered through the Department of English, is designed for educators already working with ESL or EFL students. Participants take a minimum of 30 months to complete the self-study program, which consists of six modules as of 2013, and must also write a dissertation.
To qualify, applicants must supply proof of an Honors degree, or a foreign equivalent, with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. Relevant professional experience can supplement or waive part of the academic requirements. International students must also show proof of English language proficiency. A typical minimum score on the IELTS exam is 6.0-7.0; for the TOEFL exam typical minimums are 550-600 for the paper test, 213-250 for the computer test, and 80-100 for the Internet test.
Avoiding ESL and EFL Certification Scams
Searching for reputable and competitive TESOL and ESL teaching degrees can be an exercise in frustration, due to the plethora of short-term, low-commitment programs offered online as well as low-cost ones hosted in international locales. While most of these programs legitimately offer some level of course hours, the certificates they award are not the same as an undergraduate or graduate degree in education or a teaching certificate. Instead, they merely prove completion of the units offered.
Some chain schools also offer TESOL, TEFL, and ESL certificates (not master’s degrees) that more selective employers may view as the products of diploma mills. When in doubt about the value of a given online program, consult a legitimate employer in the field and ask if that program’s certificate is recognized. Another method is to search for student review sites and find out which online schools graduates recommend attending or avoiding.
In the case of master’s programs that prepare you to teach ESL or EFL, even an online program should include some type of fieldwork or proof of relevant professional experience in the classroom.
Make Your MA in TESOL More Competitive
In addition to avoiding scams, it is wise to make your master’s credentials in TESOL as strong as possible. If your institution offers the option, combine your master’s degree with courses aimed at leading to a public teaching certificate. If you can also add a bilingual certification or endorsement, so much the better. You can vastly increase your marketability and apply for more types of positions. Some employers also offer higher salaries to candidates with these additional certifications or extra course units completed.