Is a MA in TESOL worth it?

According to Statista, English is the most spoken language worldwide, either natively or as a second language.1 While 90% of U.S. employers need multilingual talent in their workforce, 44 U.S. states report a shortage of language educators.2 Deciding to pursue GCU’s on-campus and online TESOL master’s degree can provide you with the opportunity to elevate the language education profession and advocate for the transformative impact of language learning.

How long is the MA in TESOL program?

The duration of this master’s program varies depending on your study plan, individual pacing and any transfer credits you may bring. Your previous coursework and credits may impact the time needed to complete the program. Additionally, you should expect to complete practicum/field experience hours, where you can apply your knowledge inside the classroom. Fill out the form at the top of this page to speak with a university counselor regarding how long it can take to complete this degree.

Master's in TESOL Online

Start your GCU
journey today.

Step 1: Educational Interests

This helps us connect you with the right enrollment counselor to help you through the process.

Degree Level

Master's

Class Setting

Online

Area of Study

Teaching

Program

MA in TESOL

Do you work for a school district?

Make a selection

Current Education Level

Make a selection

Citizenship Status

U.S. Citizen

Military Affiliation

No military affiliation

Country

United States

Start your GCU journey today.

Find Your Purpose

Request Info

Overview

Prepare To Teach in Diverse Classrooms

In our globally connected world, experiencing different cultures and languages is commonplace. As individuals migrate internationally, the demand for comprehensive language instruction increases. If you have a passion for teaching and a desire to make an impact, this degree may be right for you.

The Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) at Grand Canyon University offers a pathway for teaching professionals to pursue opportunities working with students from non-English speaking countries. Whether you take this advanced degree online or in person, it is designed to help licensed educators accommodate the diverse and culturally enriched classroom.

Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

Advanced Program for Continuing Professional Education

Offered By

College of Education

Class Settings

Evening

Online

Tuition Rate

Online: $615 per credit [More Info]

Evening: $615 per credit [More Info]

Cost of Attendance

Course Information

Credits: 32

Campus: 15 weeks

Online: 6 weeks

[]

Transfer Credits

Up to 12 credits or 1/3 of the total program requirements in transfer (whichever is less)

Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements (Master's)

Undergraduate Degree*
2.8+ GPA

OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and

GMAT: 500
GRE: 300 combined**

Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
* Degree must be from an accredited college or program that has been approved by GCU.
** Combined verbal/quantitative, after August 2011 (1,000 combined verbal and quantitative, prior to August 2011).

Why GCU

Pursue Your Degree From GCU

All courses are taught by knowledgeable faculty in their fields, enabling you to confidently explore curricular areas such as linguistics, second language acquisition and curriculum development.

Throughout the program, you will study professional and ethical practices as guided by the principles and morals of the Christian worldview. You will examine TESOL concepts, theories and research through coursework, as well as through observational and practice-based learning experiences.

Earn Your MA in TESOL Online

An online master’s degree offers working professionals the opportunity to enhance their academic credentials while continuing to meet the responsibilities of their current positions. This flexible format can allow you to balance work, study and personal commitments, making it an ideal choice for busy educators.

Program Requirements

This master's in TESOL degree is available for active licensed teaching professionals. All degree applicants must have access to a pre-K-12 classroom with English as a second language in order to complete the assignments and the practicum course. All applicants are required to submit a copy of their current teaching license or provide documentation proving a minimum of one year of teaching experience. Upon completion of the program, graduates are one step closer to being eligible to pursue the ESL and/or BLE endorsement in the state of Arizona.

Coursework

Courses and Topics

This master’s in TESOL degree can help prepare licensed educators to employ best practices in teaching English to speakers of other languages.

Additionally, you will be required to complete practicum/field experience hours in the United States as part of this program. You will need to complete a total of 110 hours of observational and practice-based experiences.

Enrolling in GCU’s TESOL master’s program can provide you with opportunities to apply your knowledge and skills in real classrooms, working directly with bilingual or English Language Learner (ELL) students.

Some of the specialized topic areas you will study include:

Applied quantitative and qualitative research in education
Teaching and learning based on neuroscience, behavioral and cognitive sciences
Current language models and prototypes
Historical, sociological, political and legal foundations of instructional programs
Multicultural education
Social, community, cultural and individual differences in teaching and learning
Fundamentals of linguistics and language acquisition theories
Evaluation and structuring of assessments
Culturally responsive curriculum, instructional methods and materials
Literacy development through multicultural literature

Careers

Career Paths for Graduates

This master’s degree can open up a diverse array of career paths, allowing you to leverage your expertise in language teaching across various educational and professional settings. From teaching English abroad to developing language programs and working in educational administration, the opportunities are vast and varied. Graduates may be qualified to pursue positions in public, private or charter schools.

Here are some potential career paths for this non-licensure program, where your preexisting license will determine whom you can teach and where:

English as a second language instructor

Preschool teacher

Kindergarten teacher

Elementary school teacher

Middle school teacher

Secondary school teacher

Adult secondary education

90%

Percentage of U.S. employers needing multilingual talent in their workforce¹

$63,670

Median annual wage for kindergarten and elementary school teachers as of May 2023²

Accreditation

Earn Your Degree From an Accredited University

The Master of Arts in TESOL degree is offered through the College of Education at GCU and is institutionally accredited. The program was designed to align with the Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (ITASC) and the Standards for the Recognition of Initial TESOL Programs in PK-12 ESL Teacher Education.

FAQ

Master’s in TESOL Frequently Asked Questions

GCU has answered your frequently asked questions about pursuing a degree that allows you to work directly with bilingual or English Language Learner (ELL) students.

Yes. The TESOL degree is available for active teaching professionals who have a current teaching license. This master’s degree focuses on teaching graduates to work directly with bilingual or English Language Learner (ELL) students; however, it does not lead to licensure.

According to Statista, English is the most spoken language worldwide, either natively or as a second language.³ While 90% of U.S. employers need multilingual talent in their workforce, 44 U.S. states report a shortage of language educators.¹ Deciding to pursue GCU’s on-campus and online TESOL master’s degree can provide you with the opportunity to elevate the language education profession and advocate for the transformative impact of language learning.

English has become increasingly important for young people in terms of international communication and employability. In 2022, the country with the most students learning English as a foreign language was the United Kingdom with 262,373 learners, while the United States came in fourth with 100,105 English learners.⁴ No matter where you live, teaching English to speakers of other languages can be a beneficial skill to have.

The salary for someone with a master’s in TESOL can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, specialization, and the type of institution. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, kindergarten and elementary school teachers had a median annual wage of $63,670 in May 2023.²

Courses

Course List

Credit Summary

Major32 credits

Degree Requirements32 credits

Core Courses

UNV-501

2 Total Credits

TCH-539

3 Total Credits

TCH-520

3 Total Credits

Course Description

This course focuses on brain research (from neuroscience to the behavioral and cognitive sciences) that relates to teaching and learning and suggests ways that brain research can be translated into instructional practices within organizational settings. Candidates will examine the inner workings of the brain and the effect on learning, memory, and transfer. Specifically, the course explores the body of knowledge that represents the application of brain research to instructional practice, and how knowledge about the human brain can affect the curricular, instructional, and assessment decisions that the candidates make every day. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required.

TSL-532

3 Total Credits

Course Description

This course provides foundational knowledge of policies and instructional programs for English language learners (ELLs) in the United States. Emphasis will be placed on understanding, comparing, and evaluating current language models. Educators will be introduced to instructional strategies and professional development opportunities. Focus will be placed on advocating for bilingual education (BLE), ELLs, and families.

TSL-550

3 Total Credits

Course Description

In this course, educators will explore school, community, and family culture. Emphasis will be placed on the major goals, principles, and concepts of multicultural education, including understanding individual needs and learning differences. Research is utilized to investigate the social, community, cultural, and familial contexts that influence learning and development. Focus will be placed on creating a positive classroom environment through culturally inclusive teaching. Practicum/field experience hours: 10. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: TSL-532.

TSL-541

3 Total Credits

TSL-552

3 Total Credits

Course Description

In this course, educators will examine approaches to develop literacy in a second and native languages in Pre-K-12 schools. Emphasis will be placed on techniques for developing listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills; developing language and literacy through the content areas; using children's and young adult multicultural literature; and assessing students' literacy development in the second and native languages. Strategies to develop biliteracy in dual language programs will also be discussed. Practicum/field experience hours: 10. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: TSL-550.

TSL-558

3 Total Credits

Course Description

In this course, educators will review curriculum and methods appropriate to the teaching of subject areas in bilingual and English language learner instructional settings. Emphasis is placed on linguistic, cognitive, developmental, and sociocultural considerations when exploring methods and materials to design multicultural curricula for use in language arts and content area classrooms. Practicum/field experience hours: 10. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: TSL-550.

TSL-565

3 Total Credits

Course Description

In this course, educators will explore the principles of (or for) evaluating and structuring assessments. Educators will examine assessment for the purposes of identification, placement, and instructional delivery. Emphasis will be placed on learning ways to integrate assessment procedures into any curriculum and designing assessment tasks that allow for improved learning of all students. Practicum/field experience hours: 10. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: TSL-558.

TSL-568

3 Total Credits

Course Description

In this course, educators will be introduced to the teaching and evaluation of English language learners (ELLs) with exceptionalities, including students with special education needs and gifted students, who receive bilingual/native language and/or English language instruction and support. Emphasis will be placed on researching the complexity of disproportional representation of ELLs in gifted and special education programs or services. Educators will explore cultural and linguistic considerations in identifying bilingual/ELL students with exceptional needs and examine appropriate instructional support. Practicum/field experience hours: 10. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: TSL-558.

TSL-590

3 Total Credits

Course Description

In this course, educators have direct participation and experience with bilingual or ELL students at their chosen level of instruction in a Pre-K-12 setting. Educators will practice teaching and management skills, conduct assessments, and learn to communicate effectively with students, parents, colleagues, administrators, and the larger community. Practicum/field experience hours: 60. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: Completion of all other courses required for the Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) program.

GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change

More Resources

Learning Goals

Financial

Calculate My Costs

Tuition & Financing

Scholarships & Grants

Information

Admission

Begin Your TESOL Journey

Transform your passion for language into a profession. Pursue an MA in TESOL online or in person.

Apply Now

If you are seeking licensure/certification, please refer to the Accreditation and Compliance/State disclosures link for the specific program of interest’s website for your location and/or employment state licensure requirements, per 34 CFR 668.14(b)32 and 668.43(c).

¹ Statista. (2024). The Most Spoken Languages Worldwide in 2023. Retrieved June 7, 2024.

²Language Connects Foundation (n.d.) Championing Language Education To Create Deeper Connections. Retrieved June 7, 2024.

³ The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers, as of May 2023, retrieved on June 7, 2024. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as kindergarten and elementary school teachers, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.

⁴ Statista. (2024). Number of Students Learning English as a Foreign Language in 2022, by Country. Retrieved June 7, 2024.