Location
On Campus, Online
Curriculum
30 credit hours
Program Length
as few as 12 months
Accreditation
Accredited by ABHE
Excel at Teaching Non-native English Speakers — Earn Your MA in TESOL in just 12 months
Do you have a passion for teaching English and a desire to make a difference in the lives of non-native English speakers? Columbia International University’s Master of Arts in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) will prepare you to teach non-native English speakers in a wide variety of settings. From a language institute in China or the Middle East to teaching English as a Second Language in the United States, this program will equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in your chosen field.
At Columbia International University (CIU), we offer you two flexible options to pursue your Master of Arts in TESOL — on campus or online. On CIU’s beautiful campus in Columbia, South Carolina, you can engage in face-to-face learning and complete the program in just one academic year. The campus provides a vibrant and supportive community where you can interact with faculty and fellow students, fostering a rich learning environment that enhances your educational experience.
If relocating to Columbia is not feasible for you, CIU’s cutting-edge, interactive online format, brings the program directly to you. With online courses, each lasting eight weeks, you have the flexibility to study at your own pace and fit your coursework around your busy schedule. You will join a cohort of like-minded students, allowing for collaboration and networking opportunities, while being guided by recognized experts in the field of TESOL.
Throughout the program, you will delve into a wide range of courses designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to become an excellent English teacher. You will explore subjects such as linguistics, syntax, teaching methods and other relevant areas that are vital to effective language instruction. Our faculty members are experienced professionals who possess a deep understanding of TESOL and are committed to providing you with the highest quality education.
By completing the Master of Arts in TESOL at Columbia International University, you will not only gain a solid foundation in the principles and techniques of English language instruction, but you will also develop a deep appreciation for the cultural and linguistic diversity of your students. You will learn how to create engaging and effective lesson plans, implement innovative teaching strategies and assess language proficiency to ensure your students’ success in acquiring English language skills.
Furthermore, the demand for English teachers is global. By earning your Master of Arts degree in TESOL, you will be equipped to pursue a fulfilling career in various settings around the world. Whether you have a passion for teaching in international settings, working with immigrant communities or preparing non-native English speakers for academic success, this program will open doors to a multitude of exciting opportunities.
Join us at CIU and embark on a transformative journey of professional growth and cross-cultural impact. Through a comprehensive curriculum, supportive learning environment and experienced faculty, you will be prepared to make a positive difference in the lives of your students and contribute to the global community of English language education. Your passion for teaching English will find its home in the Master of Arts in TESOL program at CIU, where you can fulfill your calling and inspire students to reach their fullest potential in the English language.
CELTIC (Columbia English Language Training International Certificate)
In addition, we offer a four-week, 135-clock-hour training that prepares you to teach in language institutes in your home country and around the world. The CELTIC program explores proven techniques for teaching vocabulary, as well as speaking and listening, to K-12 and adult English language learners (ELLs) at various levels of proficiency, with a focus on adult learners. Upon completing the CELTIC, it can count for one 3-credit hour course in the MA TESOL program.
Professor Joseph LeTexier, Professor of TESOL/Linguistics
Why Choose Columbia International University for Your MA in TESOL?
Columbia International University has offered the Master of Arts in TESOL program for over four decades. Throughout these years, CIU has trained and equipped hundreds of English teachers who are making a difference in classrooms around the world. With a long-standing reputation for excellence in TESOL education, CIU’s program continues to evolve and improve to meet the ever-changing needs of English language instruction.
When you join the Master of Arts in TESOL program at CIU, you will have the privilege of studying under a team of dedicated and experienced professors. Our faculty members have spent significant time teaching English in various international and North American settings. They bring with them a wealth of practical knowledge and real-world experience that they integrate into their teaching. You will have the opportunity to learn from instructors who have lived what they teach, gaining invaluable insights and perspectives that will enhance your learning journey.
CIU’s faculty team is passionate about TESOL and committed to your success as an English teacher. They understand the challenges and rewards of working in diverse language-learning environments, and they will provide you with guidance, support and mentorship every step of the way. You will benefit from their expertise, as they share their proven strategies, effective teaching methods and valuable insights gained through years of hands-on experience. Your professors will not only be your instructors but also your mentors, walking alongside you as you develop your teaching skills and navigate the intricacies of English language instruction.
At CIU, we believe in the power of experiential learning and practical application. That's why our faculty members incorporate their real-world experiences into the curriculum, ensuring that you receive a well-rounded and comprehensive education. You will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions, participate in interactive activities and apply your knowledge and skills through practical teaching experiences. This hands-on approach will empower you to become a confident and effective English teacher, equipped to meet the needs of diverse learners and create impactful learning environments.
CIU’s faculty team is dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest research, trends and best practices in the field of English language education. They regularly evaluate and fine-tune the curriculum to ensure that it aligns with current educational standards and prepares you to meet the demands of the ever-evolving global English language teaching landscape. You can trust that when you choose CIU for your TESOL education, you are receiving a top-quality program that is at the forefront of the field.
Overall Benefits of the MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Degree
The Master of Arts in TESOL provides training for those desiring to teach English to speakers of other languages around the world and in North America. Graduates from this program are equipped to teach English in a number of contexts, including:
- Teaching English in a global university.
- Teaching English in a language institute in North America or elsewhere in the world
- Teaching English to children and youth in a private school system in the United States.
- Teaching English to adult refugees and asylum seekers around the world or in North America.
Graduates who pursue a Ph.D. may also embark on academic careers on the college, seminary and university-level, teaching both in the United States and abroad.
Featured Faculty
What Will I Study?
Below are courses you can expect to take. The TESOL Core is 18 credit hours. Choose two courses from ICS credits from the Intercultural Studies Core (6 hours). For the Capstone choose either the sequence LNG 6907 and LNG 6908 OR the second sequence RES 7962 and RES 7972.
- LNG 5040 Teaching Listening, Speaking, and Pronunciation
This course explores alternative methods and techniques for teaching listening, speaking, and pronunciation to K-12 and adult English Language Learners (ELLs) at various levels of proficiency. It includes theoretical foundations, and students will design their own lesson plans that are contextually applicable in a variety of instructional settings.
3.00 credit hours
- LNG 5045 Teaching Reading, Writing, and Grammar
This course explores alternative methods and techniques for teaching reading, writing, and grammar to K-12 and adult English Language Learners (ELLs) at various levels of proficiency. It also examines the principles and processes of ESOL reading and writing, as well as pedagogical theories and relevant materials for ELLs. Students will design their own lesson plans that are contextually applicable in a variety of instructional settings.
3.00 credit hours
- LNG 5710 Theoretical Foundations-Language Teaching
This course is an introduction to the principles and practices of English language teaching. It examines the theories and practices of language teaching and learning in general, and English language teaching and learning in particular, focusing on research-based practices and strategies for teaching K-12 as well as adult English language learners. Students will also learn the principles of curriculum development and assessment for language programs.
3.00 credit hours
- LNG 6114 Introduction to Linguistics
This course is an introductory survey of some of the major areas of linguistics. It is intended to inform the student of how language works at different levels and how those levels interact with one another. This course covers Phonetics (the study of speech sounds), Phonology (the sound systems of individual languages), Morphology (the origin and structure of words), Semantics (how words make meaning), Pragmatics (language in its context), Sociolinguistics (language in society), and the History of English. It does not include Syntax since that is covered in a separate course.
3.00 credit hours
- LNG 6655 Introduction to Syntax
This course is an introductory study of the foundational concepts of syntax. It is especially designed for the teacher of English as a foreign language, with primary emphasis on applying syntactic theory to the study of English grammer.
3.00 credit hours
- LNG 6656 Advanced English Grammar
This course is an advanced study of the syntax and grammer of English. It is especially designed for the teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages, with special attention to making the various aspects of English grammer clear to English language learners (ELLs) of various ages and proficiency levels. (3)
3.00 credit hours
- LNG 6907 TESOL Student Teaching Orientation
This course is designed to prepare TESOL students for their TESOL Student Teaching in the K-12 and/or adult English as a Second Language (ESL) classroom. Students attend bi-weekly classes, observe experienced ESL teachers and tutor non-native speakers during this semester. These experiences are designed to provide students with opportunities to begin to develop their teaching and ministry skills in a supportive environment. Students must receive a passing grade in this course in order to register for LNG 6908 (TESOL Student Teaching). MA TESOL courses do not fulfill requirements for teacher certification from the South Carolina State Department of Education.
3.00 credit hours
- LNG 6908 TESOL Student Teaching with Seminar
This course requires classroom observation, participation, and extensive teaching in a school under the supervision of an experienced teacher. It focuses on developing English language teaching skills and techniques while applying the latest foreign language teaching theories and principles. This course will enable each student teacher to integrate TESOL course content with their specific teaching and learning situation (3).
3.00 credit hours
Prerequisites: All coureswork for M.A. in TESOL and permission of instructor.
- RES 7962 Integrative Research Seminar 3.00 credit hours
- RES 7972 Thesis
Building on an approved thesis proposal, you will research and write on a topic in your field under the guidance of one faculty member who will critique your work as you proceed.
3.00 credit hours
Admission Requirements
- Completed application
- Official transcripts for highest earned degree and any master’s degree work
- Church leader reference
- Application essay (800 words total, typed)
- Minimum cumulative 2.5 GPA
For non-native English speakers:
- TOEFL score minimum:
- Internet-based exam: 79
- Computer-based exam: 213
- Paper-based exam: 550
Accreditation and Accolades
Career Path Opportunities
- Teaching English in a global university.
- Teaching English in a language institute in North America or elsewhere in the world.
- Teaching English to children and youth in a private school system in the United States.
- Teaching English to adult refugees and asylum seekers around the world or in North America.
- Academic Careers by pursuing Ph.D. work leading to college, seminary and university-level teaching, both in the United States and abroad.
Top FAQs
- How much does the program cost?
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Please check the Tuition and Fees page for the most up-to-date information. There are certain discounts and benefits given for military status and to employees and family members of our partner organizations. Our financial aid counselors will help you determine the best way to finance this important investment in your future career earnings. For more detailed information, check our Financial Aid page and select the option for online students here.
- How long does the program take?
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If you are taking two online classes per eight-week term, then you will finish within 10 months. If you take one class per eight-week term, then you will finish in 18 months. If you are on campus, then you may take five courses per semester (Fall and Spring), allowing you to finish in 12 months.
- When can I start?
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There are six, eight-week terms within a calendar year (Fall 1, Fall 2, Spring 1, Spring 2, Summer 1, Summer 2) so you may begin at any of these start dates in August, October, January, March, May or July.
- How do online classes work?
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When you open the Canvas site, you will see that a week begins on Monday morning and ends on Saturday night at 11:59 p.m. Each week when you open the course, you will have readings, pre-recorded lectures and assignments. Most assignments are due on Wednesday or Saturday night of each week. You will discuss the readings and lectures each week in online forums with your classmates and instructor. Though there are no required class meetings since students are often spread across the world in different time zones, your professor may invite you to a voluntary Zoom meeting. You can also schedule a consultation with your professor over Zoom.
- How much time does a single class take?
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You should plan on about 15 hours per week for one online class.
- Do I need to come to campus?
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For online students, there is no requirement to come to campus but we are always happy to see you for a visit or when you come for graduation.
- What can I do with this degree?
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There are a number of career paths including teaching English in a global university, in a language institute in North America or elsewhere in the world, teaching children and youth in a private school system in the United States or teaching English to adult refugees and asylum seekers around the world or in North America. Some graduates also pursue academic careers.