Prepare for a range of teaching opportunities and a rewarding career with a master's in teaching English as a second language (TESL).
Why Earn a Master's in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL)?
A master's degree in teaching English as a second language (TESL) opens many doors. If you’re considering a long-term career in teaching English, it’s a strong foundation.
The M.A. in TESL is internationally recognized as the terminal degree in the field of teaching English as a second language. Job opportunities for graduates of TESL master's degree programs are diverse and rewarding and include many different academic sectors and geographic locations.
A master's degree in TESL focuses on theory more than a TESL certificate does. Master's programs dig deeper into areas of study such as language pedagogy, acquisition and assessment.
Why Study Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) at CSUN?
Committed to Your Success
We are committed to our students' success and are focused on equity and inclusion. Our faculty members are dedicated to excellence in teaching, research and service, with the knowledge that an appreciation of linguistic and cultural diversity is a crucial aspect of an inclusive society.
A Rigorous Education
Our curriculum will give you an understanding of how theories of language structure and of language in context can be applied in teaching language. You will become skilled in the design of TESL testing and assessment, as well as TESL curriculum development.
Accelerated Pathway to a Graduate Degree
Blended program options are available for qualified undergraduate students interested in pursuing a master’s degree at CSUN in Linguistics or TESL. Students complete designated coursework that double counts for both the bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Upon completion of the bachelor’s degree, students progress from undergraduate to graduate status seamlessly, with a simplified application process and no application fee. Both degrees are earned in less time than completing them separately, providing significant cost savings.
What You'll Learn
The department offers a traditional master's program and a blended program pathway.
The M.A. program provides an advanced level of understanding of the core areas of TESL. You'll learn linguistic theory in phonetics, phonology, morphology and syntax plus gain a solid knowledge of TESL theory and methodology. You'll take such core courses as:
- Seminar in Second Language Acquisition
- Foundational Concepts of Phonetics and Phonology
- Foundational Concepts in Linguistics
- Foundational Concepts of Language Development and Acquisition
- Issues in ESL Reading and Writing
- Issues in ESL Listening and Speaking
- TESL Testing and Assessment
In consultation with your advisor, you'll choose from a wide range of electives, including:
- Language and Social Interaction
- Semantics and Pragmatics
- Bilingualism in the U.S.
- Structure of the Spanish Language
- Computers in the Instructional Program
- Language and Culture
In order to complete your degree, you'll submit a comprehensive graduate project, presenting it publicly during your last semester.
A master's degree in teaching English as a second language (TESL) opens many doors and a practical application of your bachelor's degree in Linguistics. If you’re considering a long-term career in teaching English, it’s a strong foundation.
You'll learn effective methods for language instruction, curriculum design, lesson planning, and assessing all four key skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Graduates are ready to teach ESL in:
- Adult education
- Intensive English programs
- Community colleges and abroad
The TESL Blended Program provides students with an accelerated pathway to earning a master’s degree. Nine units are double counted for the undergraduate and graduate degree.
You'll select core undergraduate courses such as:
- Approaches to Linguistic Analysis
- Language Development and Acquisition
- Language and Social Interaction
- Bilingualism in the US
You'll select core graduate courses such as:
- Issues in ESL Listening and Speaking
- English Structures for ESL/EFL Teaching
- TESL Testing and Assessment
- Research Methods for Linguistics
- TESL Practicum
In consultation with your advisor, you'll choose from a range of interdisciplinary elective courses, such as:
- Fundamentals of TESL
- Grammar for Teaching English as a Second Language
- Language Arts Instruction and English Language Development
- Language in Culture: Anthropological Linguistics
- Intercultural Communication
- Survey of Applied Linguistics
- Language in Life: Community-Engaged Linguistics
Careers & Outcomes
Our graduates find fulfilling careers in a variety of settings. Below are sample job titles.
Job Titles
- K-12 ESL Teacher
- Adult ESL Instructor
- ESL Program Administrator
- International ESL Program Instructor
- Curriculum Specialist
- Academic Advisor
- Private Tutor
- Consultant
Admission Information
To be considered for admission to CSUN as a master’s student, you will need to:
- Meet university requirements.
- Meet department requirements for the Master of Arts in Teaching English as a Second Language.
- Apply to both the university and the specific graduate program of interest.
Learn more about applying for a master's program at CSUN.