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    Mar 29, 2024  
American University Catalog 2019-2020 
    
American University Catalog 2019-2020 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (MA)


Admission to the Program


Applicants to the master’s program in TESOL are subject to the minimum university requirements for admission to graduate study. Further, a grade point average of 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale) in the undergraduate major and two letters of academic reference are required. It is strongly recommended that native speakers of English have some background in at least one other language. Applicants whose native or first language is not English must demonstrate proof of language proficiency by submitting satisfactory results from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The minimum TOEFL score for full admissions consideration is 100 on the internet-based test (iBT) or 600 on the paper-based test. Part-time as well as full-time students are welcome in the program.

Degree Requirements


  • 36 credit hours of approved TESOL coursework
  • Completion of a teaching portfolio compiled during course of study
  • An oral comprehensive examination taken after completion of all required coursework and the teaching portfolio
  • Thesis or nonthesis option with grades of B or better in all courses

Course Requirements


Language Acquisition (3 credit hours)


Complete 3 credit hours from the following:

Teaching (3 credit hours)


Complete 3 credit hours from the following:

Thesis or Nonthesis Option (9 credit hours)


Complete one of the following options with grades of B or better:

Thesis Option


Note: The thesis option is not available to students in the MIP program.

Combined Bachelor’s Degree and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (MA)


American University offers students the opportunity to earn both undergraduate and graduate degrees through its combined bachelor’s/master’s programs. See Combined Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees  for more information.

In addition to meeting the minimum university requirements for combined bachelor’s/master’s programs:

  • Undergraduates with a minimum 3.00 cumulative GPA will be considered for the combined program.
  • Applications must be accompanied by two letters of academic reference and a statement of purpose.
  • Students should discuss their interest in the program with the TESOL MA director before submitting a formal application.

Note: This program is not designed for K-12 ESOL licensure.