Overview

The master’s in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (M.A. in TESOL) program prepares teachers for a wide variety of positions in the U.S. and abroad. Students may select coursework that prepares them for several career choices, including the following: teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) in educational settings in the U.S. or other English-speaking countries; teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL) in a non-English speaking educational setting abroad; teaching at K-12, adult education, or post-secondary settings; doing research in applied linguistics and English language teaching pedagogy, among many other career paths.

The program emphasizes language teaching methodology, language acquisition processes, language assessment, language skills (reading, writing, speaking, listening) and systems (grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation), linguistics, research, and sociocultural influences in language learning and teaching.

Admission to the Program

1. Requirement: 

• Complete the university’s Cal State Apply application.
• Have a minimum 2.75 grade point average in the last 60 semester (90 quarter) units attempted.
• International students must meet international student application deadlines, provide a foreign transcript evaluation, and submit a language proficiency score on a university approved test that meets the university’s test score requirements. 

2. Recommendation:

Although not required, it would be beneficial if the applicant has one year (2 semesters) of foreign, second, or heritage language learning.

Requirements for the Degree

A total of 33 or 34 units is required, with at least half of the units earned in 5000-level courses. A comprehensive examination, or a thesis or project is also required. There is a limit on credit that may be earned in variable-unit courses. See Restrictions on Credit Earned in Variable Unit Courses.

Learning Outcomes   Roadmap (2025)    

Notice to Students Regarding Professional Licensure and Certification