Master of Education in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)

The Master of Education in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) program prepares exemplary educational leaders in the field of second language teaching and learning. Faculty are dedicated to providing candidates with in-depth knowledge of theories of second language acquisition and methodologies, which promote second language literacy and learning at all educational levels. Program faculty share the philosophy that teaching and learning is a lifelong process, as expressed by many educators. Our program models this philosophy by supporting the development of lasting professional relationships among classmates, graduates, and faculty. The theoretical and practical training offered in our master’s program allows students and graduates to work and teach in variety of language settings. We guide our students to construct their own educational philosophies within a framework which recognizes and values the many ways learners participate in and contribute to classroom learning communities.

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  • Articulate theories, processes, and principles of second language acquisition and second language literacy.
  • Examine the linguistic, sociocultural, cognitive, and psychological foundations of language and literacy.
  • Identify instructional strategies and materials that promote the acquisition of language and literacy for multilingual learners.
  • Evaluate informal and formal assessments for multilingual learners.
  • Engage in reflective analysis of personal beliefs and systematic inquiry into diverse cultures in order to construct a pedagogy in which diversity is an explicit part of the curriculum.
  • Integrate technology to enhance the learning opportunities of multilingual learners.
  • Conduct research in second language learning and teaching.

Additional information: Reference the Program Landing Page for additional information, such as cost, delivery format, contact information, or to schedule a visit.

Applicants seeking admission to the graduate program in TESOL must submit the following directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions:

  1. Graduate Application
  2. Application fee
  3. Official transcript(s) from the baccalaureate degree granting institution
  4. One letter of recommendation
  5. Writing sample (i.e. 1-2 page letter of intent describing reasons for choosing to pursue a M.Ed. in TESOL, etc.)
Master of Education in TESOL
Required Courses
BESL 5302Social and Cultural Language Influences On Learning3
BESL 5304Second Language Acquisition and Development3
BESL 5311Applied Linguistics in ESL/EFL Settings3
BESL 5313English as a Second/Foreign Language (ESL/EFL) Methodology3
BESL 5317Second Language Assessment3
BESL 6315Action Research in Second Language Learning3
Prescribed Elective Courses
Select two or more from the following:12
Second Language Literacy
Computer Assisted Language Learning in English as a Second Language/English as a Foreign Language
Sheltered Instruction in Prekindergarten-12
English for Specific Purposes
Teaching Second Language Writing
English as a Second/Foreign Language (ESL/EFL) Practicum
Select the remainder from the following:
Curriculum Development-Early Childhood Education
Language and Literacy Development in the Young Child
Current Practices in Early Childhood Settings
Building Relationships with Diverse Families and Children
Theoretical Perspectives in Early Childhood Education
Development Of The Young Child
Survey Of Reading
Literacy and Learning in Grades 8-12
Language Arts: Theory and Instruction
Improvement of Literacy in Secondary Schools & Adult Pops
Literature and Instructional Materials in Reading Programs
Cognition & Emergent Literacy
Total Hours30

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) marketable skills initiative is part of the state’s 60x30TX plan and was designed to help students articulate their skills to employers.  Marketable skills are those skills valued by employers and/or graduate programs that can be applied in a variety of work or education settings and may include interpersonal, cognitive, and applied skill areas.

The MEd in TESOL is designed to provide graduates with the following marketable skills:

  • Cross-cultural communication skills.
  • Intercultural competence skills.
  • Critical awareness and thinking skills.
  • Reflective practitioners.