Experts estimate that worldwide at this very moment at least 1.5 billion people are learning English. In the United States alone, around one in ten public school students is learning to speak English as a second language. If you desire to equip yourself with the skills and knowledge to work with English learners (ELs), then the right path for you is to enter a Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) program. The demand for TESL (also TESOL, teaching English to speakers of other languages) professionals has never been greater and is expected to grow. Work is available in many areas, especially in education. Here is a partial list of job titles: pre-K – 12 classrooms; community college and university instructors for international students; instructors in industrial training programs for employees who do not speak English; teacher in a bilingual classroom; and curriculum specialist.
It is widely agreed that an undergraduate degree is not sufficient for the demands of the field, but that the MA in TESOL is the necessary and recognized credential. The schools that are reviewed in this article offer a rigorous education in the skills and knowledge you will need to find prestigious positions in TESOL. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), earning an MA or MEd. will be financially rewarding. In 2016, a job-holder with a bachelor’s degree earned a median weekly salary of $1,137 (annually, $59,124), while a job-holder with a master’s degree earned a median weekly salary of $1,341 (annually, $69,732).
The schools in our list have been ranked according to the following evaluators. In the case of ties, weight is given for lower student tuition.
Hourly tuition rate
- $400 and under- 5 points
- $600 and under- 4 points
- $800 and under- 3 points
- $1,000 and under- 2 points
- Above $1,000- 1 point
Retention rate
- 80% and up- 5 points
- 75% and up- 4 points
- 70% and up- 3 points
- 65% and up- 2 points
Student to faculty ratio ranking
- 15 and under- 5 points
- 20 and under- 4 points
- 30 and under- 3 points
- 40 and under- 2 points
- 50 and under- 1 point
Special criteria
- CAEP Accreditation (Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation) – 5 points
- Regional accreditation – 5 points
#17 – Georgia Southern University
Statesboro, Georgia
Online MEd in TCLD
Regional Accreditation: Yes
CAEP Accreditation: No
Retention Rate: 82%
Student to Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Hourly Tuition Rate: $358
Points: 18
Website
Georgia Southern University’s 36 credit hour, online master of education in teaching culturally and linguistically diverse students program is based on the acknowledgement that teaching and learning are “inextricably embedded in students’ language, culture, and identity.” The degree is part of the Department of Middle Grades and Secondary Education and is the final portion of a tiered program. Coursework in Georgia Southern University’s online MEd in TCLD degree focuses on the following topics: culture; language; methodology; teaching diverse students; curriculum and community; immigration; educational research; and policy. The program is designed for practicing teachers or administrators.
#16 – Saint Cloud State University
Saint Cloud, Minnesota
Online Teaching English as a Second Language – TESL MA with licensure
Regional Accreditation: Yes
CAEP Accreditation: Yes
Retention Rate: 67%
Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Hourly Tuition Rate: $629.65
Points: 19
Website
Saint Cloud State University offers an onlineTeaching English as a Second Language – TESL MA with licensure degree. The licensure program is available with a previous Minnesota teaching license. Two major prerequisites are an introductory course in linguistics and one year of college foreign language study or the equivalent. Be sure to read pertinent details on the department’s Requirements and Details site. Saint Cloud State University’s Teaching English as a Second Language – TESL MA with licensure degree allows two options: thesis or starred papers. Either option results in culminating experience committee meetings for reviews of your papers.
#15 – Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, Utah
MA in ELL (Pre-K-12) Online
Regional Accreditation: Yes
CAEP Accreditation: Yes
Retention Rate: 72%
Student to Faculty Ratio: 41:1
Hourly Tuition Rate: $360
Points: 19
Website
Western Governors University offers an online master of arts in ELL (Pre-K-12) degree with an 11-course curriculum that includes the following courses: language production theory and acquisition; and planning, implementing, managing instruction. In the context of WGU’s competency-driven format, students will work through each course and study at their own pace. When ready, they pass the assessment, complete the course, and move on, finishing as many courses each term as possible at no extra cost. Acceptance into Western Governors University’s MA in ELL (Pre-K-12) online program earns you the help of an Enrollment Counselor who’s a specialist in the field.
#14 – Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Online MS in Ed. with specialization in TESOL
Regional Accreditation: Yes
CAEP Accreditation: Yes
Retention Rate: 80%
Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Hourly Tuition Rate: $1,074
Points: 20
Website
Nova Southeastern University offers an online master of science in Education with specialization in TESOL degree that equips you with knowledge of the English language, sociology and anthropology, computers and electronics, education, and learning. For students in Puerto Rico, the format is hybrid with on-site courses conducted periodically on weekends. The Office of Placement Services will help you with courses requiring participation in a Pre-K-12 classroom. Nova Southeastern University’s 36 credit hour, online MS in Education with specialization in TESOL degree requires 18 hours of core courses and 18 hours of electives.
#13 – Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, Arizona
Online MEd in ESL and Bilingual Ed-ESL
Regional Accreditation: Yes
CAEP Accreditation: Yes
Retention Rate: 74%
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Hourly Tuition Rate: $609
Points: 20
Website
Northern Arizona University has a 30 credit hour, online master in education in ESL and Bilingual Ed-ESL degree. By carefully planning with your advisor, you may meet requirements for a Bilingual Endorsement – Arizona State Department of Education. At least 50% of your courses must be at the 600 level or above, and no more than two 400 level courses may be taken for graduate credit. You must be admitted to Northern Arizona University’s online MEd in ESL and Bilingual Ed-ESL degree program before finishing your first 12 units of graduate work.
#12 – University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Charlotte, North Carolina
Online MAT in TESOL
Regional Accreditation: Yes
CAEP Accreditation: Yes
Retention Rate: 83%
Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Hourly Tuition Rate: $911
Points: 21
Website
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte offers a 39 credit hour, 100% online MAT in TESOL degree that consists of two phases. In Phase I, the student completes coursework of 24 credit hours leading to the initial Standard Professional I Teaching License in TESL. This phase includes a required graduate student teaching/internship experience, which may be paid or unpaid. In Phase II of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s online MAT in TESOL, the student completes the remaining 24 credit hours of coursework along with the requirements for the Master’s Degree and qualifies for Standard Professional II Teaching License.
#11 – Arkansas Tech University
Russellville, Arkansas
Online MA in TESOL
Regional Accreditation: Yes
CAEP Accreditation: Yes
Retention Rate: 72%
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Hourly Tuition Rate: $584
Points: 21
Website
Arkansas Tech University, the third largest university in the state, boasts an online master of arts in TESOL degree that is a 36 credit hour program. The degree can add an ESL endorsement to an Arkansas teaching license. Course topics include ESL assessment, teaching people of other cultures, modern English language and grammar, instructional strategies in the content areas, and seminar in TESOL: creative ELL assessment. Admission to Arkansas Tech University’s online MA in TESOL degree requires a $40 fee, and applications are accepted only in summer terms.
#10 – California University of Pennsylvania
California, Pennsylvania
Online MEd in ESL
Regional Accreditation: Yes
CAEP Accreditation: Yes
Retention Rate: 77%
Student to Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Hourly Tuition Rate: $526
Points: 21
Website
Founded in 1852 as the California Academy and located in Pittsburgh, California University of Pennsylvania was soon chartered as a normal school. The school offers a fully online master of education in English as a second language degree that earns the advanced diploma simultaneously with an ESL certificate. The 30 credit hour program is not a path toward initial teaching licensure, and an initial teaching license is required before entering the specialist certificate program. The curriculum for California University of Pennsylvania’s MEd. in ESL includes the following: content-based ESL instruction; supporting second language learners, families, and communities; and foundations of integrative STEM.
#9 – University of Southern Maine
Portland, Maine
MSEd in TESOL Online
Regional Accreditation: Yes
CAEP Accreditation: Yes
Retention Rate: 68%
Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Hourly Tuition Rate: $526
Points: 21
Website
University of Southern Maine offers a 33 credit hour MSEd in TESOL degree that is a blended online program. The TESOL practicum is a 40 hour field experience in full-time student teaching that must be completed in a Maine school to meet the state’s initial K12 ESL certification requirements. You must have a formal interview before being admitted to the University of Southern Maine’s MSEd in TESOL online K-12 certification program, and prerequisites are a Maine certification Exceptionality Course plus passing scores for Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators Reading, Writing, and Mathematics.
#8 – University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Online MAT in TESOL
Regional Accreditation: Yes
CAEP Accreditation: Yes
Retention Rate: 71%
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Hourly Tuition Rate: $494.12
Points: 21
Website
The University of Southern Mississippi offers a 33 credit hour, online master of arts in teaching in TESOL degree that culminates in a comprehensive exam with successful defense of a portfolio. A minimum of 18 credit hours must be spent at 600 level or above courses. Up to 33% of total credit hours may be transferred in. The program does not lead to initial certification. Online course delivery will require a fairly new computer, high-speed internet, and a head-set with built-in microphones. The online MAT in TESOL program at the University of Southern Mississippi requires specific chat times for classes.
#7 – University of Memphis
Memphis, Tennessee
MA in English with ESL Concentration Online
Regional Accreditation: Yes
CAEP Accreditation: Yes
Retention Rate: 77%
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Hourly Tuition Rate: $647
Points: 22
Website
The master of arts in English with ESL concentration degree from the University of Memphis is offered 100% online. Visit the university’s eCampus to find out basic technology requirements necessary for taking online courses. The program’s two-year master course rotation template is also available online. The University of Memphis’s online MA in English with ESL concentration degree is a 33 credit hour program with thesis required and includes the following courses: theory and history of ESL; principles of skill assessment; ESL grammar; method/techniques of ESL in K-12; issues in second language writing; and cultural issues in ESL.
#6 – Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, Texas
MEd. TESOL Online
Regional Accreditation: Yes
CAEP Accreditation: Yes
Retention Rate: 80%
Student to Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Hourly Tuition Rate: $502.75
Points: 22
Website
Sam Houston State University offers an online master of education in TESOL degree that is a 30 credit hour program. Online support (SHSU Online) includes a support desk that is open 24/5 plus weekend hours, along with a wide range of library resources from within Blackboard. The curriculum includes courses in which you will examine the linguistic, sociocultural, cognitive, and psychological foundations of language and literacy. Enrollment for Sam Houston State University’s MEd. TESOL online degree is held in fall, spring, and summer, and the application process calls for resume, personal statement, letter of recommendation, and a $45 fee.
#5 – Campbellsville University
Campbellsville, Kentucky
MA in TESOL Online
Regional Accreditation: Yes
CAEP Accreditation: Yes
Hourly Tuition Rate: $299
Retention Rate: 67%
Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Points: 22
Website
Campbellsville University is a Christian college with an online MA in TESOL degree that will equip you to teach English as a second language to university students in the United States and to teach English as a foreign language (EFL) to elementary, secondary, and university students around the world. The program is 36 credit hours, or 39 with a thesis option. Subjects in the curriculum include second language acquisition and materials and methods related to speaking, listening, pronunciation, reading, writing, grammar, and also a practicum course. This program is not a path to certification.
#4 – Murray State University
Murray, Kentucky
MA in TESOL Online
Regional Accreditation: Yes
CAEP Accreditation: Yes
Retention Rate: 77%
Student to Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Hourly Tuition Rate: $544
Points: 23
Website
Murray State University has a 33 credit hour, online master of arts in TESOL degree that includes internship experience which can be a paid position in the United States or abroad. The curriculum is based on guidelines from TESOL, the international professional organization, as well as on recognized programs at other institutions and includes the following courses: course and syllabus design in ESL/EFL; computer-assisted language learning; and testing and evaluation in second language teaching. Admission to Murray State University’s online MA in TESOL program requires an undergraduate major in English or a modern foreign language or approval by the TESOL Advisory Committee.
#3 – Concordia University-Nebraska
Seward, Nebraska
Online MEd in TESOL
Regional Accreditation: Yes
CAEP Accreditation: Yes
Retention Rate: 76%
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Hourly Tuition Rate: $425
Points: 23
Website
The online MEd in TESOL degree offered by Concordia University-Nebraska will prepare you to work as a traditional teacher of English as a second language, but also to teach outside the traditional classroom, as in, for instance, refugee centers or immigrant centers. The 12-course,
36 credit hour program may take 24 months, with course lengths of 8 weeks. Courses in the online MEd in TESOL degree include the following: teaching ESL writing; serving and leading in a community and world; word study: decoding, comprehension, and fluency; language and culture. Concordia University-Nebraska was founded in 1894 by the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.
#2 – Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw, Georgia
Online MEd in TESOL
Regional Accreditation: Yes
CAEP Accreditation: Yes
Retention Rate: 78%
Student to Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Hourly Tuition Rate: $383
Points: 23
Website
Kennesaw State University offers a fully online master of education in TESOL degree that is a 36 credit hour program. New cohorts are enrolled only in summer semester, and the program may be completed in six semesters or two years. Individuals majoring in TESOL receive the TESOL endorsement after their first two semesters in the program. The courses, taught by graduate faculty, include curriculum development, collaborative practices, and content area teaching strategies in reading and writing, and they are delivered synchronously or asynchronously. A Georgia teaching license is required to enroll in Kennesaw State University’s online MEd in TESOL program.
#1 – Valley City State University
Valley City, North Dakota
Online MEd. in teaching ELLs
Regional Accreditation: Yes
CAEP Accreditation: Yes
Retention Rate: 71%
Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Hourly Tuition Rate: $317
Points: 23
Website
Founded in 1890 as a teachers’ college, Valley City State University is still creating generations of teachers. The university’s master of education with a concentration in teaching ELLs is a 34 credit hour, 100% online program that requires no GRE score, has a rolling application deadline, and maintains a 90% acceptance rate. The culminating student project is an action research report highlighting field experience in an oral presentation of a comprehensive capstone portfolio. Curriculum for Valley City State University’s MEd. in teaching ELLs program includes the following: authentic assessment; strategies and evaluations of ELLs; and exceptionality, diversity, and difference.
TED Staff
February 2020
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