In this ranking, we profile the top 25 affordable masters in TESOL online programs.
Some online M.Ed. or master’s in teaching programs offer TESOL certification. TESOL stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. TESOL certification can be acquired while earning the master’s or M.Ed. degree. And these certifications and degrees are offered online, making them ideal for working students who value work experience. We located accredited master’s in TESOL online programs from some of the nation’s top institutions. Our methodology is detailed below.
Top 25 Affordable Masters in TESOL Online Programs Methodology
We looked at over 60 colleges and universities listed by the Center for Educational Statistics (NCES) College Navigator that offered master’s in TESOL online programs, or closely related degrees. We not only considered TESOL programs, but linguistics and translation programs that are also available online. We narrowed our original pool of schools to 25 online TESOL master’s programs by applying the following criteria: accreditation (school and/or program), institution rankings with at least one major publication such as U.S. News and World Report, and affordability. We then listed the top 25 master’s in TESOL online programs according to raw affordability.
Below are the results of our top 25 affordable master’s in TESOL online programs.
#25 – University of Southern California
Online Master’s in Teaching – TESOL
Los Angeles, California
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $45,561
While not the most affordable option on our list, University of Southern California’s master’s in TESOL online degree program prepares teachers to work both in the U.S. and internationally as English instructors. The rigorous MAT-TESOL online program can be completed with part-time or full-time enrollment. The standard completion time for the degree is between one and three years, depending on enrollment status. All coursework is completed online and taught by USC professors. Some of the courses cover topics like applied linguistics for English language educators, assessment and instruction for diverse language learners, and social foundations of language education. Beyond the degree, students are required to complete a 600-hour clinical practice seminar over the course of two terms at a placement site. USC ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 22nd best national university in the country.
#24 – Clarkson University
Online Masters in TESOL
Potsdam, New York
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $34,212
Clarkson University offers online TESOL master’s degree programs designed to prepare individuals to teach English to speakers of other languages. According to the program website, graduates consistently have a 90 percent success rate on the New York State Teacher Certification Examination and a 100 percent job placement rate. The online program consists of 39 credits and courses that are delivered fully online. Students have the option of completing the degree in 12, 18, or 22 months. Some of the courses include topics like curriculum and methods of teaching languages, foundations of teaching ESOL, professionalism in teaching, and TESOL English linguistics. A teaching residency is also required. Clarkson ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 117th best national university and 38th best value school.
#23 – St. John’s University
Online Masters in TESOL
Queens, New York
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,836
St. John’s University’s masters in TESOL online degree program consists of 33 credits and is available fully online. The program offers two tracks of study for those with or without New York State Certification. Admission requires results from one of three possible exams: Graduate Record Exam (GRE), Miller Analogies Test (MAT), and PRAXIS Core. Courses cover a variety of education and linguistics topics. In fact, some of the courses you will see while enrolled in the online TESOL program at St. John’s includes linguistics for teachers of English language and exceptional learners, literacy development for first and second language learners, methods of language and academic assessment for English language and exceptional learners, and the structure of the English language. St. John’s ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 179th best national university.
#22 – University of Massachusetts
Online Master’s in Applied Linguistics
Boston, Massachusetts
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,231
University of Massachusetts – Boston offers an alternative option to the online TESOL master’s degree. The online master’s in applied linguistics prepares students for careers in ESL instruction. Courses are delivered exclusively online and are taught by UMASS’s esteemed faculty. Courses cover a variety of ESL topics, including curriculum development in bilingual education, critical discourse analysis, historical foundations of critical pedagogy, linguistics, and methods and materials in foreign language instruction. Admission to the program requires an earned and accredited bachelor’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA. The undergraduate degree should be in a related field, such as foreign language, linguistics, or sociology. In addition to accreditation, UMASS Boston offers rankings with U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the school ranks #228 in best national universities and #109 in top public schools.
#21 – University of Illinois
Online Master’s in Translation and Interpreting
Champaign, Illinois
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,126
University of Illinois offers online TESOL programs designed for individuals seeking translation and interpreting degree options. The program is offered fully online, though on-campus options are also available. Also, three specialization areas allow students to tailor their degree toward an area of interest. These specialty areas include conference and community interpreting, literary translation, and translation for the professions. To successfully apply to the program, you must hold a regionally accredited bachelor’s degree with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0. University of Illinois is accredited and ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks the school #48 in best national universities and #126 in best value schools.
#20 – Azusa Pacific University
Online Masters in TESOL
Azusa, California
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $17,362
Azusa Pacific University’s online TESOL programs provide preparation in English language teaching for individuals seeking careers as TESOL instructors in U.S. institutions and throughout the world. This program may be completed online, on campus, or field-based while teaching abroad. The online program consists of 33 credit hours and is accredited by WSCUC (formerly WASC). Courses cover TESOL topics like critical perspectives on Christianity and English language teaching, language learning through technology, language program design, reflective teaching, and sociolinguistics and language teaching. According to U.S. News and World Report, Azusa Pacific ranks #228 in best national universities. Also, the online graduate education programs, including TESOL, rank #228-#299 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#19 – California University of Pennsylvania
Online Master’s in Forensic Linguistics
California, Pennsylvania
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,672
One unique alternative to the masters in TESOL online degree program is California University of Pennsylvania’s online master’s in forensic linguistics. At the intersection of law and linguistics, this unique program focuses on oral and written communication through elements of crime analysis. Instruction is built around actual criminal cases, as well as research in linguistics and literature. The program is online and offers presentations, discussions, and projects that prepare students for careers in this unique field of study. Courses include advanced criminological theories, authorial attribution and speaker identification, forensic language structure, and legal and ethical issues in forensic linguistics. California University of Pennsylvania boasts reputation and accreditation. In fact, the institution ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 129th-170th best regional university in the North.
#18 – University of Washington
Online Master’s in Computational Linguistics
Seattle, Washington
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,590
University of Washington’s online TESOL masters degree program prepares students for careers in computational linguistics. What does a computational linguist do? This unique role helps machines process human language and pioneer technologies used for language processing. The program offers part-time or full-time enrollment status and takes one to three years to earn the degree. Courses cover topics like advanced statistical methods in natural language processing, deep processing techniques for natural language processing, introduction to syntax for computational linguistics, and natural language processing systems and applications. UW ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 62nd best national university and 134th best value school.
#17 – Mercy College
Online Masters in TESOL
Dobbs Ferry, New York
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,338
When comparing online TESOL programs, Mercy College’s online M.S. in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages ranks high on our list. This program is designed to provide content skills to students, enabling them to teach English as a second language. The program consists of 33-36 credits with coursework that can be completed entirely online. Courses cover topics such as education in today’s schools, education evaluation and assessment in children and adolescents with disabilities, modern English structure, and theory and practice in bilingual education. Affordable and accredited, Mercy College is a top choice for online TESOL programs. Also, the school ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the North.
#16 – Regent University
Online Masters in TESOL
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,179
Regent University’s online TESOL programs offer two concentrations in adult education/collegiate and K-12. The concentrations allow students to tailor their TESOL degree in areas that meet with specific career goals. The program is offered fully online and designed for working students or those with outside responsibilities. Since Regent is a Christian university, both degree pathways or concentrations emphasize Christian principles. For example, the adult learning TESOL pathway prepares students for work as missionaries. But if you don’t plan to pursue missionary work, the program also prepares you for jobs such as ESL teacher or corporate trainer. Regent is accredited and ranked with U.S. News and World Report. In fact, Regent ranks #281 in best national universities.
#15 – Virginia International University
Online Master’s in Applied Linguistics
Fairfax, Virginia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,268
Virginia International University’s masters in TESOL online degree program is a master’s in applied linguistics. This fully online degree program is designed to foster skills needed to work as effective language instructors. Concentrations are also offered to help students tailor their degree toward areas like educational technology, multilingual education, and program management. Some of the required courses include introduction to language acquisition, introduction to language and linguistics, language assessment, language curriculum and materials design, language teaching methods, and technologies for language teaching. VIU is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS).
#14 – Southeastern University
Online Masters in TESOL
Lakeland, Florida
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,155
Southeastern University’s online TESOL master’s degree program consists of 36 credits and takes 18-24 months to complete. Designed for working students, the program helps prepare students to teach English as a second language within the classroom. Students earn their M.Ed. along with a TESOL certification by completing an additional 12 courses beyond the master’s requirement. Core courses cover topics like curriculum and diverse learners, educational research, foundations of educating English language learners and second language acquisition, and methods of teaching English to English language learners. Admission requires an earned bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA from a regionally accredited college or university, GRE scores, and three years of teaching experience. Southeastern ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 92nd best regional university in the West.
#13 – Arizona State University
Online Masters in TESOL
Tempe, Arizona
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,134
The accredited online TESOL programs at Arizona State University include the Master of TESOL. This program is open to students who wish to forge a career in the international field of English language instruction. A total of ten classes are required, which run 7.5 weeks in length. Thirty credits are needed to satisfy degree requirements. Courses cover topics in TESOL-related study, such as approaches to research, linguistics, methods of teaching English as a second language, and second-language acquisition theories. Admission to the TESOL program at ASU requires an earned bachelor’s or master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0. ASU ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 117th best national university. Also, the online graduate education programs rank #13 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#12 – Kent State University
Online Master’s in Translation
Kent, Ohio
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,536
Kent State University offers an alternative to online TESOL programs, but still embraces many of the practices and applications TESOL programs offer. The master’s in translation is available online through the Gawlicki Family Foundation. Translation provides a strong foundation for students in Arabic, French, German, Japanese, Russian, and Spanish. Full-time and part-time enrollment are also offered. Some of the required courses found in the master’s in translation program include intercultural communication in the language industry, localization, project management, and terminology and CAT tools. Kent State ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 211th best national university. In addition to the school ranking, the online graduate education programs rank #105 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
#11 – University of Kansas
Online Masters in TESOL
Lawrence, Kansas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,027
The University of Kansas offers an accredited and affordable online TESOL master’s degree designed to serve the growing population of English language learners in the United States. The online master’s degree offers both teaching and non-teaching pathways as well as licensure endorsement in English teaching. There are ten courses required. Each course runs eight weeks in length. The program can be completed in less than two years once the 30-credit requirement is met. To be eligible for admission, you will not need to take the GRE. However, an undergraduate degree is needed. University of Kansas is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 130th best national university and 116th best value school. Also, the online graduate education programs, including the TESOL degree, rank #34 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#10 – Grand Canyon University
Online Masters in TESOL
Phoenix, Arizona
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,760
Grand Canyon University’s online TESOL programs are offered through the College of Education. They are regionally accredited and include the online master’s in TESOL. The master’s program consists of 32 credits and covers a number of course topics related to teaching English. These course topics include brain-based learning, foundations of instruction for English language learners, linguistics, literacy in bilingual settings, and methods of teaching and evaluating ELLs with special needs. Each class runs six weeks in length and operates at an accelerated and rigorous pace. GCU is accredited and ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, GCU ranks #293-#381 in best national universities.
#9 – University of Memphis
Online Master’s in Linguistics
Memphis, Tennessee
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,697
University of Memphis offers online TESOL programs, including the master’s in linguistics. While the program is not fully online, many linguistics and ESL courses are available online. Students are prepared through coursework in study areas such as discourse analysis and sociolinguistics. In addition to the core areas of study, linguistics classes cover morphology, phonology, pragmatics, semantics, and syntax. Also, University of Memphis offers an MA in teaching English as a second language. Required courses are delivered entirely online and cover topics like ESL grammar, principles of skills assessment, and theory and history of ESL. University of Memphis ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 272nd best national university.
#8 – Campbellsville University
Online Masters in TESOL
Campbellsville, Kentucky
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,380
Ranked among the most affordable masters in TESOL online degree programs on our list, Campbellsville University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Also, the online master’s in TESOL program is accredited by NCATE. To apply to the TESOL program, GRE scores are required, but waived for applicants with a cumulative 3.2 GPA on official college transcripts. Applicants must also have completed at least six hours of a foreign language. The online TESOL master’s degree program has two completion pathways: non-thesis and thesis. The difference between the two pathways, in addition to the thesis requirement, is three credits. The non-thesis program requires 36 credits while the thesis program requires 39 credits. All classes are delivered online. Campbellsville ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 92nd best regional university in the South.
#7 – University of Missouri
Online Masters in TESOL
Columbia, Missouri
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,017
University of Missouri’s masters in TESOL online degree program is an M.Ed. that can be completed entirely online. Courses are semester-based and can be completed on a part-time basis. Most students take two classes each semester, earning their master’s degree in just two years. Required courses cover topics in ESOL curriculum development, language and culture for educators, linguistics for educators, materials for and assessment of English language learners, methods of teaching English language learners, and second language acquisition. To apply, you’ll need an accredited bachelor’s and a minimum 3.0 GPA. University of Missouri ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 139th best national university and 90th best value school in the country.
#6 – Ohio University
Online Master’s in Applied Linguistics – TESOL
Athens, Ohio
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,720
Ohio University’s Linguistics Department offers an online TESOL master’s degree in applied linguistics. The program is designed to prepare students to become professional teachers of the English language instructing non-English speaking students. In addition to the TESOL certification, the program offers four non-European languages: Chinese, Japanese, Indonesian, and Swahili. Courses are delivered online and include a variety of TESOL topics. These courses include assessing language abilities, grammar in use, reading and writing pedagogy, and second language acquisition research and theory. Ohio University ranks among the top national universities (#185), best value schools (#122), and most innovative institutions (#77).
#5 – University of North Dakota
Online Masters in TESOL
Grand Forks, North Dakota
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,697
University of North Dakota’s masters in TESOL online degree program is a top choice for affordability and convenience. The online TESOL master’s program takes approximately two years to complete with courses delivered asynchronously. This means students take classes at any time of day. Also, students are not required to come to campus at any time throughout the duration of the program. The CAEP-accredited program consists of 35 credits. Course topics range from foundational to advanced. These courses include assessment and evaluation in ELL education, language structure and analysis for ELL teachers, multicultural education, research and advocacy in TESOL, and second language acquisition for ELL teachers. An undergraduate degree in education or related field with at least a 2.75 GPA is required for admission. UND ranks among the top national universities. Also, the online graduate education programs, including TESOL, rank #61 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#4 – Liberty University
Online Masters in TESOL
Lynchburg, Virginia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,333
Recognized among the largest Christian institutions in the country, Liberty University offers an accredited online TESOL master’s program. Thirty credits for the TESOL master’s degree may be completed entirely online and in just one year, making the Liberty TESOL one of the fastest programs on our list. The program also allows the most transfer credits of all programs listed here. Students may transfer up to fifty-percent of the degree total. Online courses cover topics like cultural anthropology; curriculum, testing, and assessment; English as a world language; and teaching grammar, lexicon, and pronunciation. To apply to the program, you will need an earned bachelor’s degree from a regionally or nationally accredited college or university with a 3.0 undergraduate GPA. Currently, Liberty University ranks #293-#381 in best national universities by U.S. News and World Report.
#3 – Sam Houston State University
Online Masters in TESOL
Huntsville, Texas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,791
Sam Houston State University’s online TESOL master’s program is for teachers of English as a second or foreign language. The 30-hour online degree is accredited and aligned with national standards set forth for TESOL. In addition to earning a M.Ed., graduates of Sam Houston’s TESOL program earn a certificate in Second Language Instruction. All courses are delivered online and cover theories, practices, processes, and assessment techniques of second language acquisition. Students also conduct research in second language learning and teaching. To be admitted, applicants must hold an undergraduate degree in education or a closely related discipline. According to U.S. News and World Report, Sam Houston ranks #281 in best national universities and #140 in top public schools.
#2 – Kennesaw State University
Online Masters in TESOL
Kennesaw, Georgia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,226
Kennesaw State University’s masters in TESOL online program offers an M.Ed. with TESOL certification upon graduation. Successful degree candidates complete the program in 18-24 months by taking online courses and satisfying requirements. No on-campus attendance is required. While the program is cohort-based, students work at their own pace while following a guided schedule. This allows students to earn their M.Ed. in six semesters. To apply, students must hold an undergraduate degree in education or closely related discipline and provide two letters of recommendation. Also, a personal statement, transcripts, and personal resume are required. Kennesaw State is accredited and ranked by major publications. In fact, U.S. News ranks the school among the best national universities.
#1 – Texas A & M University Commerce
Online Master’s in Applied Linguistics – TESOL
Commerce, Texas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,424
Texas A&M University’s masters in TESOL online program requires no GRE for admission and can be completed 100 percent online. Admission to the program requires official bachelor’s degree transcripts, one letter of recommendation, and a statement of goals. The GRE requirement may be waived for students with outstanding undergraduate performance. Classes are delivered entirely online. Courses cover a variety of linguistics- and TESOL-related topics. These courses include computational linguistics, discourse analysis, general linguistics, language and culture in classroom, research literature and techniques, and TESOL methods – teaching English as a second language. Texas A&M is accredited, ranked, and highly affordable. U.S. News ranks Texas A&M #293-#381 in best national universities. Also, the online graduate education programs rank #100 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do with a masters in TESOL online degree?
Master’s in TESOL online degree programs are designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed in teaching English as a second language to students of all grade levels and diverse backgrounds. To qualify to teach TESOL courses, one must be educated and credentialed. Many programs on our list require an M.Ed. degree with a TESOL add-on certification.
Educational institution, such as public and private schools or junior colleges, hire English language instructors and TESOL specialists. Earning an online master’s in TESOL will help you qualify for these positions. The TESOL teacher or instructor may go by a variety of names, depending on the institution. It is not uncommon to see job openings advertising for ESL instructors, TESOL teachers, or ESL specialists. Programs like the ones we’ve researched on our list also go by various names. These names are interchangeable and offer similar curricula.
The benefit of earning a master’s in TESOL online is the flexibility it offers. Students enrolled in online master’s in TESOL programs are able to continue working due to the convenient class time and online instruction. For those working in education, earning valuable experience while getting a master’s in TESOL online degree helps employers evaluate job candidates. Those with experience and a master’s degree bring more value to the table.
How much money will I make with a masters in TESOL online degree?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), adult literacy and ESL teachers working at the high school level earned a median annual wage of $53,630 as of May 2018. The lowest ten percent of these earners made less than $32,370 while the top ten percent earned $89,710. Earnings varies by industry and experience.
BLS reports elementary and secondary schools paid their adult literacy and ESL instructors an average of $61,170. The next highest industry, junior colleges at the state, local, and private level paid these teachers and annual wage of $52,650. Colleges, universities, and professional schools paid teachers and ESL specialists $49,650.
BLS also reports teachers, such as those with TESOL master’s degrees, earned a median pay of $60,320 in May 2018. Most of these teachers worked full-time and worked traditional ten-month school years. Teachers in elementary, middle, and high schools generally receive two months off during the school year, and also receive a short midwinter break. Some ESL and TESOL instructors opt to teach or tutor during the summer months, as districts allow.
Overall, individuals with master’s in TESOL online degrees should see a favorable job outlook over the next several years. We have detailed more of this information below.
What is the job outlook for people with a masters in TESOL online degree?
The United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports the overall job outlook for adult literacy and high school equivalency diploma teachers as declining over the next several years. However, high school teachers should see a 4 percent growth rate and postsecondary instructors should expect an 11 percent growth rate. TESOL instructors, depending on institution type, should anticipate a favorable job outlook through 2028.
Certain areas of the United States with increasing immigration populations will show a higher demand for ESL teachers and English language learning instructors. However, due to changes in government funding, budgets for hiring new teachers may be impacted. However, experienced ESL teachers and those with advanced degrees should see the best job opportunities over the next five to eight years. By earning a master’s in TESOL online degree, you will likely have research and teaching experience that your competitors do not possess. Most online TESOL graduate programs require the completion of a research project and internship.
Also, educators with secondary certificates or skills and knowledge in a specialized area will also be competitive for job prospects. State endorsements, ESL certifications, and membership to professional organizations like the TESOL International Association, will help set you apart from your competitors.
How long does it take to earn a masters in TESOL online degree?
Most of the master’s in TESOL online programs on our list require 30-36 credits, depending on thesis and non-thesis pathways. As expected, programs that require a thesis or final project take longer than non-thesis TESOL programs. However, there are other factors that impact completion time.
Enrollment status is one of the biggest factors impacting the time it takes to earn a master’s in TESOL online degree. Full-time status means you are taking a heavier course load than your part-time counterparts. When taking a heavier course load, you will likely earn your degree in less time than a part-time course load would allow. However, a heavier load of courses means limited time for outside obligations. Many working students prefer to enroll part-time. Part-time programs provide more flexibility and less time required for study.
Overall, the master’s in TESOL online programs on our list take between one year and two years to complete. The traditional master’s is a two-year degree, but by taking online courses you may earn your TESOL master’s degree in less time. If you are seeking a degree that takes less than two years, accelerated options are available. These degrees take one year to complete, but require that you have a bachelor’s degree in education and have completed certain prerequisites prior to enrollment.
What classes will I take in masters in TESOL online programs?
Online coursework varies slightly by TESOL online program. Most programs cover similar materials to help build a solid foundation for students early in the program, but courses may vary later on. Core courses for most master’s in TESOL online programs cover topics that focus on curriculum development for teachers and instructors, linguistics, and teaching English to non-native English-speaking students.
The linguistics courses seen in most online TESOL programs examine concepts and theories of both first and second languages. Related courses include applied linguistics for ESOL teachers, sociolinguistics, and theories of second language acquisition. It is important for graduate students to learn and appreciate the linguistics of all languages, rather than exclusively focusing on English. This thought is practiced among most online master’s in TESOL programs.
In addition to linguistics, students focus on the ins and outs of teaching English to non-English speakers. Courses emphasize best practices and methods to assess and teach reading and writing. Strategies for teaching listening and speaking are also covered in master’s in TESOL online programs. Sample courses may include language development and literacy for English learners and teaching people of other cultures.
Culture, diversity, and language impact the teaching of English to English language learners. As a result, graduate programs emphasize cultural identity, diversity, and the social and cultural aspects that impact all – teacher and student alike.
BCO Staff
December 2019
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