Excel as a Teacher of English

Help others master English proficiencies

Expand your professional skills as an effective language educator with a Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages from Webster University. This one- to two-year program will guide you in developing a solid theoretical background in critical aspects such as culture, language structure, first and second language acquisition theory, curriculum and materials development, teaching methodology, assessment and research.

You can choose from these three emphases (depending on your location):

• English as a Second Language (ESL)/English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Education
• International Education
• K-12 English Language Learner (ELL) Education

Advanced learning aligned with TESOL standards

Enhance your educational career

Grow and keep pace with ever-evolving trends in the field of language education with Webster’s TESOL master’s degree, which is ideal for:

• In-service teachers with backgrounds in English language, literature, translation, and interpretation, or teaching of another language or field of specialization interested in expanding their skill sets or developing materials for the students they teach.
• Pre-service teachers looking to diversify their portfolio and secure a teaching position.
• International students seeking to complete a masters-level program.

Why an MA in TESOL from Webster University?

Advance in your career through Webster University’s TESOL program, which is aligned with the TESOL Standards developed by experts in the field. Coursework and a required practicum experience will equip you with the tools and strategies you need to effectively teach non-native speakers. Through this program, you will increase your ability to:

• Describe the relevant features of language that learners need to acquire.
• Describe the academic and personal characteristics of language learners and educators to determine culturally relevant instructional choices.
• Design and implement standards-based instruction using evidence-based strategies and approaches.
• Analyze and interpret various language assessment tools and data in order to strengthen language instruction and/or content instruction through the target language.
• Model and reflect upon professionalism and leadership in language instruction, collaboration, and advocacy.

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Classes you will take

To earn your master’s degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages from Webster, you must complete a total of 33 credit hours. This includes 24 credit hours of core courses and 9 credit hours of elective courses.

Choose where you will learn

Webster University offers the MA in TESOL program in St. Louis, Missouri; Athens, Greece; in two locations in Uzbekistan; and through Webster University Online.

While the ESL/EFL Education emphasis is available in all locations, the International Education emphasis is available only in Uzbekistan and Greece, with the K–12 Education emphasis offered only in Missouri.

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Achieve your personal and professional goals

We’re here to help

Webster is committed to your success, and you'll never be alone as you pursue your Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.

• Admissions staff members help you navigate the application, financial aid, and enrollment process so you can start your classes with confidence.
• Faculty members provide personalized support, thanks to Webster's intentionally small classes (classes generally are limited to 25 students). Full-time faculty in St. Louis routinely provide career advising as part of the academic advising process.
• Tutors and other academic support staff can help you tackle particularly tough assignments and classes.
• A global education broadens your perspective and gives you both the knowledge and experience to thrive, no matter where you are.

An education nationally recognized for quality

Webster University is an independent, nonprofit university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Webster’s MA in TESOL program is the first and only program of its type to receive National Recognition from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) through its Specialized Professional Association (SPA) process in collaboration with TESOL International.

Professors. Professionals. Mentors.

Gain real-world knowledge from faculty experts with extensive professional experience in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. Our professors serve as mentors eager to support your career goals and connect you to opportunities, including internships and jobs.