Teaching English to speakers of other languages
Master of Arts
Overview
- In-state: $11,796
- Out-of-state: $31,272
Train to teach, teach to inspire
Language creates opportunities for learning, employment and connection across cultures. University of Idaho's Master of Arts in teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) prepares educators to teach English as a Second Language (ESL) and English as a Foreign Language (EFL) while helping multilingual learners develop the language skills they need to achieve their academic, professional and personal goals.
This 30-credit graduate program combines advanced study of language with practical teaching experience, preparing you to work with English learners in the United States and around the world. You'll explore linguistics, sociolinguistics, second-language acquisition, literacy, culturally responsive teaching and research-based instructional methods while learning how to design engaging lessons, assess language development and create inclusive learning environments for learners from diverse linguistic, cultural and educational backgrounds.
Throughout the program, you'll connect theory with practice through supervised practicum experiences alongside experienced TESOL professionals. These authentic teaching opportunities allow you to apply evidence-based instructional strategies, receive individualized feedback and build the confidence needed to teach English effectively in a variety of educational settings.
As a graduate, you’ll be prepared for careers teaching English in colleges, universities, adult education programs, language institutes, community organizations and international schools. The degree also supports opportunities in curriculum development, language program administration, teacher education, instructional design, educational technology and language assessment.
This degree could be a good fit if you:
- Want to teach English as a second language (ESL) or English as a foreign language (EFL)
- Are interested in language, linguistics, education and intercultural communication
- Want practical teaching experience supported by research and evidence-based practices
- Enjoy working with culturally and linguistically diverse learners
- Hope to become an ESL or EFL teacher, curriculum designer, teacher educator, language trainer or program coordinator
- Want to expand your career opportunities in an increasingly multilingual and globally connected world
Empower through language
Curriculum
The M.A. in teaching English to speakers of other languages is a 30-credit program combining coursework and applied learning experiences. Students build expertise in language acquisition, linguistics and English language teaching while developing practical skills you can apply in a variety of educational settings.
Explore program courses in the University Catalog
Hands-on learning
- ESL and literacy courses with opportunities to practice teaching
- Supervised teaching practicum
Culminating master's project
The program concludes with a personalized, non-thesis master's project that allows you to investigate a professional question and develop practical resources related to curriculum, assessment, instructional technology, literacy, teacher development or another area of TESOL practice.
Career outcomes
Current job openings
373 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and mid-career salaries
- Adult Education and Literacy Teachers
$62,318
* Career data provided by Lightcast.
Costs and funding
University of Idaho is committed to making graduate education accessible and helping students navigate the cost of earning an advanced degree. In addition to financial aid and scholarship opportunities, many graduate students receive funding through assistantships, research opportunities and other forms of academic support.
Here are a few key resources to help you understand graduate tuition, funding opportunities and available financial support:
- Submit your FAFSA: Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an important first step in accessing federal financial aid and certain institutional funding opportunities.
- Estimate your cost of attendance: Visit U of I’s cost of attendance page to explore estimated tuition, fees and living expenses associated with your graduate program.
- View a breakdown of tuition and fees: Visit the Student Accounts page to explore current tuition rates, fees and detailed cost information based on your program, residency status and enrollment level.
- Explore scholarships and graduate funding opportunities: Graduate students may qualify for scholarships, fellowships and other funding opportunities based on academic achievement, area of study and professional experience.
- Learn about assistantships: Many graduate programs offer Research Assistantships (RAs), Teaching Assistantships (TAs) or Graduate Assistantships (GAs), which may provide tuition support, stipends and valuable professional experience. Assistantship availability and funding levels vary by program and department.
- Connect with your program: Some graduate funding opportunities are coordinated directly through academic departments or faculty research projects. Prospective students are encouraged to review department funding information and speak with program representatives about available opportunities.
If you have questions about financial aid, scholarships or graduate funding, U of I’s experienced financial aid counselors and graduate program staff can help you explore options and make informed financial decisions throughout the admissions process.
Contact information
Have questions about the program, research opportunities or the graduate student experience? Connect with our program team for personalized guidance about curriculum, faculty mentorship, application requirements and graduate funding opportunities.
Curriculum and Instruction contact:
Janine Darragh
janined@uidaho.edu
For questions related to admissions, application materials, transcripts or enrollment steps, contact Graduate Admissions:
Graduate Admission contact:
graduateadmissions@uidaho.edu
208-885-4001
Interested in research areas or finding a faculty mentor? Explore faculty expertise, research interests and advising opportunities on the department’s faculty page.
Find Department of Curriculum and Instruction program faculty advisors
Application information
Applicants for the M.A. in teaching English to speakers of other languages must meet the following admission requirements:
Program availability
- Concentration: Non-thesis
- Semester intake: Fall, Spring or Summer
- Open to international applicants
- Deadlines: General application deadlines
- Start dates:
University requirements
- Education level: Bachelor's degree in a similar or related field from an accredited or recognized institution (earned or expected before the start of the graduate program)
- Transcripts for all post-secondary education will be required. Unofficial transcripts may be used for initial admission review. Official transcripts sent by the issuing institution(s) will be required if admitted. View more information on the Graduate Admissions page.
- GPA: 3.0 (Applicants with a lower undergraduate GPA who have relevant professional experience in the field, have already earned a graduate degree, or have completed graduate-level credits may still be considered for admission with approval from the academic program.)
- GRE: Not required
- Letters of recommendation: Three
- Resume
- Statement of Purpose
- Other requirements:
- Provide one sample of your writing that best demonstrates your compositional skills and academic abilities.
- Primary speakers of English in the TESOL program must have studied a world language for at least one semester (or equivalent) within the preceding five years. Multilingual speakers of English are excused from this requirement.
- Valid picture ID (required to verify students’ identity and will be kept confidential)
- English proficiency (for applicants whose education was completed in countries where English is not an official language).
- Accepted tests: TOEFL: 4.5, IELTS: 6.5, Duolingo: 115, PTE-A: 58. Learn what qualifies as proof of English proficiency.
- Application Fee: $50
Application and admission process
Applications are submitted online and are specific to the program and term selected. Applicants seeking admission to multiple programs must submit a separate application for each program.
Before submitting an application, applicants must provide personal and academic information from all post-secondary institutions attended, recommender information, required program-specific materials, and their intended program and start term.
Applications are reviewed for admission by the academic program. Only complete applications, including required letters of recommendation and payment of the application fee, will be forwarded for evaluation and admission decision. Applicants are strongly encouraged to complete their applications early to allow sufficient time for a thorough review.
International students seeking F-1 or J-1 visas must provide financial documentation demonstrating their ability to cover the cost of attendance. This documentation is required only after admission.
Visit Graduate Admissions to learn more and start your application.
Overview
- In-state: $11,796
- Out-of-state: $31,272
Have questions?
Have questions about the program? Connect with our program director or request more information to learn about curriculum, faculty advisors, research opportunities, graduate funding and career outcomes.
Janine Darragh
Why earn your M.A. in TESOL at University of Idaho?
Body copy: Through the completion of this program, you’ll build the knowledge, practical experience and professional skills to teach English learners in a variety of educational settings.
Program highlights:
- Industry-aligned curriculum — Study curriculum aligned with recommendations from TESOL International Association.
- Linguistics and language acquisition — Engage in advanced study of linguistics, second-language acquisition, literacy and language teaching methods.
- Supervised practicum — Learn alongside experienced TESOL mentors through supervised practicum experiences.
- Curriculum development — Develop lessons, assessments and instructional materials.
- Personalized master's project — Complete a personalized, non-thesis master's project.
- Faculty expertise — Learn from faculty whose teaching is grounded in current research and professional practice.
- Flexible online learning — Connect with students from diverse geographic locations through a web-based learning environment.