Best Online TESOL Master’s Programs

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With an MA TESOL (Master in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), you can get a job as an educator. It may even be a higher-paying job that caters to students from linguistically and culturally diverse backgrounds. 

Since intense study is required to obtain this certification, you should work with the best online TESOL Master’s programs. These include Master in TESOL online courses that allow you to proceed at your own pace while following your preferred schedule. 

In this article, I’ll show you how to choose the right TESOL course with intel on the best options in the biz so you can get started immediately. 

Criteria for Selecting the Best Online TESOL Master’s Programs

Consider the following factors to find an effective and credible training course.

Accreditation and Reputation

If you want to teach English abroad with TESOL, prioritize institutions with accreditations from bodies like:

• ACCET (the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training),
• Training Qualifications UK (TQUK), or 
• CEA (the Commission on English Language Accreditation). 

It ensures that the institution meets the rigorous learning standards in the industry.

Curriculum and Course Offerings

While the exact curricula will vary across institutions, a reputable provider will offer different modes of instruction, an intercultural understanding of learning, and guidance around the language learning process. 

This is a basic package, so you should always ensure that the provider offers these essentials plus a crash course on TESOL, grammar, and research. 

Faculty Qualifications and Expertise

Instead of going with sketchy institutions that claim to give you the complete experience in half the time and money, spend your money at universities. TESOL requires at least 100 hours of practical training and coursework so ensure you have a highly experienced guide by your side.

Accredited institutions will be your best bet, but you should still conduct due diligence and research the faculty to gauge whether or not they’ve got what it takes to help you earn your TESOL certification. 

Flexibility and Online Learning Platform

Asynchronous learning is more or less the standard of MA programs in TESOL but some institutions have specific rules around it. They could require a practicum—which gives real-world experience under the supervision of professors, a capstone project to give you a jumpstart in your career, or a thesis for extended research.

Perform due diligence to find one that aligns with your needs. Bonus points if it has a separate learning platform that houses all the important notes, pre-recorded lectures, and other educational materials. 

Support Services

Getting a TESOL certification does not guarantee a job. But if you work with the right institution, you get job search guidance from experts—from visa requirements to understanding salary expectations and negotiations. 

Benefits of Online Certification

Why is online certification an attractive option for learners worldwide? 

Flexibility and Convenience

Courses like TESOL focus on English language learning while considering diversity, multiculturalism, and multilingualism. This can be time-intensive, but the good news is online certification gives complete flexibility over your learning pace. 

Do you know what this means? Your classes are asynchronous. You can watch pre-recorded lectures as many times as you want until you understand the concept and delve into research with expertly crafted course materials whenever it’s convenient. You can study after you come home from work or reserve your coursework for the weekends when you can accommodate longer study periods.

Geographical Accessibility

Online master’s programs can be accessed from anywhere as long as the user has internet access. So, whether you’re juggling your coursework with your job and household responsibilities, are constantly moving around, or just live in a place where there are limited TESOL training courses, an online degree is a viable option. You get the same quality education as all students who have signed up for the program.

Cost Savings

Online certification programs don’t require physical classrooms. Everything can be conveniently created, stored, and shared digitally, so expect to pay less tuition. You’ll also save time and money on commuting, utilities, stationary, and other fees which translates to even bigger savings.

Diverse Learning Resources

Online degree programs provide rigorous lessons for diverse learning styles—from pre-recorded videos to reading materials (pdf) and notes from professors. 

Some also host discussions and live classes that align with your interests and abilities. Since they’re delivered by professionals from prestigious universities who use evidence-based methods, you can learn faster and better. 

Personalized Learning Experience

A good institution will tailor the curriculum to your needs and learning style. It will provide feedback on your assignments and offer one-on-one discussions through channels like email to help you stay on top of your goals. 

Self-Discipline and Time Management

Online Master TESOL education can feel challenging because it’s easy to get distracted, especially when you’re at home with many temptations. But if you use time management techniques and tools while being consistent in meeting your goals, nothing can stop you from excelling!

Self-discipline is the key to improving learning outcomes. To help you stay focused, have a designated study area, allocate dedicated time for studying, and reduce distractions. 

Top Online TESOL Master’s Programs: A Comparative Analysis

Here are the best online TESOL Master’s programs:

1. Campbellsville University

Campbellsville University’s MA in TESOL degree provides you with the skills you need to teach English as a second language (ESL) and English as a Foreign language (EFL) across the globe. It tackles linguistics, phonetics, and contrastive analysis while examining connections between culture and language. This is a great foundation for working with students with diverse backgrounds. 

Why choose Campbellsville University?

• TESOL faculty offers valuable guidance 
• Learn in a convenient format

Course duration: 2 years, you can complete a non-thesis (36 credit hours) or thesis program (thesis requires an additional 3 credit hours). 

2. Florida State University

Florida State University’s Master’s in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages provides practitioners of EFL and ESL with rigorous theoretical and practical training. Delivered through scholars with expertise in a wide range of areas, the program also provides learners with the tools to pursue a doctorate in the same field.

Why choose Florida State University? 

• Student-centered mode of teaching that can be modified according to your interests and career goals 
• Learn at your own pace (go full-time or part-time as your schedule permits)

Course expectations: In addition to the required 24 credit hours, you can choose from elective courses (equivalent to 9 additional credit hours). That’s a total of 33 credit hours for the degree. 

3. George Mason University Online 

Mason’s online TESOL (MEd Concentration in Curriculum and Instruction) features culturally responsive and engaging instruction for students with different cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

Their expert faculty encourages discussions, provides feedback on your coursework, and offers one-on-one email correspondence to keep you on the right track.

Why choose George Mason University Online? 

• Recognized by the TESOL International Association
• Engaging English instruction 

Course duration: It can be as short as 2 years. All you have to do is earn 30 credits for the Master’s degree. 

4. Middlebury Institute of International Studies

Middlebury’s Online Master of Arts in TESOL is unlike other programs in its ability to advance your career as a language education professional. Taught by renowned experts, the curriculum familiarizes you with language and pedagogy while teaching you to conduct research and develop teaching practices that bring out the best in your students.

Why choose Middlebury Institute of International Studies? 

• Learn at your own schedule within 2 years
• Offers live classes and peer reviews
• Has a supportive community of experts, alumni, and career advisors

Course expectations: 40 credits but if you have previous TESOL (or similar coursework), you can complete the degree with  less 

5. Southeast Missouri State University

Southeast University’s TESOL (MA) shines because of its practicum. You can pick a classroom and design your course around the needs of the students. This provides a more immersive, practical, and hands-on experience in teacher training. 

It’s combined with academic learning so you can also learn linguistics while designing your own program of instruction. 

Why choose Southeast Missouri State University? 

• Offers a more hands-on approach, perfect for students who learn by doing
• Professional and personalized attention from faculty
• Assistance in the job search process 

Course expectations: Minimum of 33 credit hours

6. International TEFL & TESOL Training

ITTT’s Master of Education in Teaching English as a Second or Other Language (TESOL) program is a remarkable opportunity for individuals with a bachelor’s degree seeking to enhance their expertise in the field of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.

This 36-credit online course offers a highly practical and cost-effective approach to expanding your qualifications. By obtaining this advanced degree, you will acquire the essential skills and knowledge necessary to become an expert in ESL teaching. The MEd in TESOL is a prestigious certification that unlocks the door to top-tier teaching positions in high-demand locations like the Middle East, Japan, Korea, and China.

If you’re ready to elevate your teaching career, the registration process is quick and straightforward, with the added benefit of no application fees. With a transparent fee structure, this program provides a solid foundation for a rewarding career in TESOL.

Why choose International TEFL & TESOL Training?

• Global Opportunities: Gain access to top ESL teaching roles worldwide.
• Affordable & Practical: Get a high-quality education without breaking the bank.
• No Application Fees: Start your TESOL journey with a straightforward registration process.
• Comprehensive Curriculum: Learn all you need to excel in TESOL with a 36-credit online course.

Conclusion

An online TESOL Master’s Program can help you broaden your horizons. ESL and EFL teachers find opportunities in several countries, including South Korea, China, Taiwan, Japan, and the Gulf Arab States.

So, if you want to see the world and have a passion for teaching, teaching English may be your ticket to exciting new experiences and environments.