Master in TESOL

Bring Your Teaching Career Into Focus

Earn Your Master’s in TESOL From Wilson College Online

Across the nation, students whose dominant language isn’t English face particular challenges in learning comprehension. Without caring teachers who know how to meet these learners’ needs, there’s a chance they’ll be left behind. At Wilson College Online, we’ll help you become a more inclusive educator so that you can cultivate classroom environments that uplift all students.

Our flexible online Master in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) program is designed for individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree. No active teaching license is required. If you already have your teaching license, this program will help you get your ESL certification. ESL Certification is for Pennsylvania teacher certification only. If you are not a PA certified teacher, you will need to check with your state Department of Education concerning certification in your state.

Throughout your time in the program, you’ll explore the fundamental aspects of teaching and learning language skills through speaking, listening, reading, and writing—empowering you to become a well-rounded educator who transforms lives.

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Choose Wilson for Your TESOL Degree

Our practical, research-based curriculum provides a comprehensive understanding of how young learners adapt to the English language both in the classroom and beyond. During your time in the program, you’ll learn to:

  • Teach nonnative English speakers to adopt the language through speaking, listening, reading, writing, and culture
  • Use key teaching frameworks and multiple language acquisition tools to drive student progress
  • Make a meaningful human connection with students through a hands-on approach to teaching

What Will You Do With Your TESOL Degree?

Earning your master’s degree in TESOL from Wilson College Online allows for both personal and professional advancement. Whether you’re looking for a salary increase, opportunities to teach abroad, or new ways to foster inclusivity in your current classroom, we’ll help you get there.

Choose Wilson for Your TESOL Degree

A master’s degree in TESOL can lead to opportunities such as:

  • ESL instructor (in the U.S. and abroad)
  • Instructional designer
  • Assistant professor
  • English language director
  • Adult education instructor
  • Associate dean of adult education
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Curriculum & Courses

The Master of Education in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) degree is designed for individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree. No active teaching license is required. However, ESL certification can be added for PA-certified teachers. For other states, you need to check with your state Department of Education.

The program is based on the premise that successful teachers need an in-depth knowledge of pedagogy, a mastery of current theory, and an understanding of research-based practices and technology to become great educators. The main focus of the Wilson program is to hone teaching skills through research and classroom practices, fostering teaching excellence and teacher leadership. The following are the major’s requirements. Students must also fulfill all other requirements in the degree to obtain 120 credits for graduation.

Master’s Level Courses

EDU 531

Contemporary Issues - Edu

3 credit hours

ESL 512

Teaching English Learners

3 credit hours

EDU 533

Differentiated Instruction

3 credit hours

- or -

EDU 548

Reading - Content Area

3 credit hours

EDU 552

Best Practices/Effective Teaching

3 credit hours

ESL 553

Technology Integration - Classroom

3 credit hours

ESL 560

Language and Culture

3 credit hours

ESL 561

Applied Linguistics for TESOL

3 credit hours

ESL 562

TESOL Instructional Methods/Assessment

3 credit hours

ESL 598

Educational Research/Design

3 credit hours

ESL 599

Master’s Project

3 credit hours

Exit Assessments

  • Successful defense of master’s thesis (master’s project on action research)
  • Electronic portfolio

Tuition and Financial Aid

Credit Hour

Summer ’24: $525 per credit hour Fall ’24: $535 per credit hour

Financial Aid

6-14 credits per semester

Choose Electives

Financial assistance and payment plans available

Wilson College Online is committed to making your education as affordable as possible. We’re proud to offer online courses at per credit hour as a private college. Plus, our dedicated financial services team will help you along the way.

Learn More About Financing Your Degree
Intimate Classes

Personal Learning Environment

Our 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio ensures every student gets the individualized attention they deserve.

Flexible Coursework

Flexible Coursework

Asynchronous coursework allows you to work at your own pace with no set class times—enabling you to earn a degree when and where it makes sense for you.

Devoted Faculty

Attentive Faculty

Our devoted faculty truly care about your success, both in the classroom and beyond. Their virtual door is always open for mentorship, career advice, and academic support.

National Recognition

Regional Recognition

Wilson College provides the opportunity for transformative education, which is why U.S. News named the institution among the Top Performers on Social Mobility in the North.

Focus on Social Good

Ethical Education

Our liberal studies emphasis creates agents of justice who fuel meaningful positive change in society. You’ll learn to put your accounting degree toward social good.

Sense of Belonging

Sense of Belonging

Our online programs honor Wilson’s rich history of providing accessible and inclusive education. No matter your background, you belong at Wilson.

The next class start date is approaching. Don’t wait to apply!

Get Your Degree While You Work

We know you’re more than just a student and you have many responsibilities outside of school. That’s why we offer flexible, asynchronous online courses that allow you to study at your own pace, on your own schedule.

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What You Need for Admission

We believe in equitable education and the individuality of every student. Each student has had their own experiences that have led them to Wilson, and those specific experiences should be weighed when a student is applying for admission.

That’s why Wilson College Online reviews every application on a holistic, case-by-case basis, without any steadfast GPA or standardized test score requirements. Every student’s application is assessed solely on their own merits, not against any hardline admission requirements.

Please submit the following materials:

  • Application
  • Resume
  • Official transcripts from your degree-granting college or university—must be sent directly to Graduate Admissions
  • Copy of teaching certificate

Graduate Education Entrance Requirements

Certified pre-K-12 teachers will meet the entrance requirements as delineated below. Admission is competitive, and space is limited. Interested students should apply early. Degree program admission is based on the following criteria:

  • Completion of a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education
  • A minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • Provisional admission can be offered to certain students based on an internal application review by program directors.
  • Submission of required application credentials (See application procedures above.)
  • A current certification for eligibility to teach in pre-K through 12th grade—preferred but not required
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About Wilson College

Initially founded as an all-women’s college in 1869, Wilson College’s mission is to empower students to be confident critical thinkers, creative visionaries, effective communicators, and agents of justice in their communities. Across all programs and fields of study, the College is fiercely committed to and passionate about providing student-centric education and individualized attention and support to ensure our students succeed.

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