Make a difference in the lives of non-native English-speaking students in the United States and internationally with our online TESOL master’s program.
Program Details
M.A. TESOL Overview
One of the most significant educational challenges that non-native speakers face is learning English. Campbellsville University’s online TESOL master’s degree will provide you with the skills needed to teach the English language to non-native speakers within the United States and abroad. The Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) master’s degree program equips you with the tools to teach English as a second language (ESL) to university students in the U.S. and English as a foreign language (EFL) for elementary, secondary and university students internationally. Additionally, you will have the flexibility and convenience of a fully online format and learn from faculty members who have real-world experience.
The program presents an introduction to basic linguistic concepts and vocabulary, examines how culture and language are connected and influence each other and how to introduce students to speech sounds. You will also cover topics such as second language acquisition and materials and methods related to speaking, listening, pronunciation, reading, writing and grammar. A practicum course provides practical experience related to teaching English, and you will work independently with guidance from a TESOL faculty member to write a research paper on the topic of your choice. Additionally, a thesis option is available.
Campbellsville University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
* MA TESOL does not lead to teacher rank change in Kentucky or any other state.
“This whole program has exceeded my expectations. It is so easy to have communication with anyone you need to from the college. I was also scared of how I would keep up with due dates, but every class has had a detailed due date section and I appreciate that!” – Briannah Isaacs, B.S. Elementary Education
Course Map
The online TESOL master’s includes 36 credit hours, or 39 if you opt for the thesis program requirement. The program takes about two years to complete.
The program consists of successfully completing 30 hours of course work at the 500 and 600 level, a 3
hour TESL Practicum and a 3 hour research paper.- TSL 500: Introduction to Linguistics
- TSL 510: Language and Culture
- TSL 520: Linguistic Phonetics
- TSL 630: Contrastive Analysis
- TSL 640: Second Language Acquisition
- TSL 650: ESL/EFL Assessment
- TSL 660: Materials and Methods I: Speaking, Listening and Pronunciation
- TSL 661: Materials and Methods II: Reading, Writing and Grammar
- TSL 670: Discourse Analysis
- TSL 680: Modern English Grammar
- TSL 690: TESL Practicum
- TSL 691: Research Paper
The program consists of successfully completing 30 hours of course work at the 500 and 600 level, a 3
hour TESL Practicum and a 6 hour thesis.- TSL 500: Introduction to Linguistics
- TSL 510: Language and Culture
- TSL 520: Linguistic Phonetics
- TSL 630: Contrastive Analysis
- TSL 640: Second Language Acquisition
- TSL 650: ESL/EFL Assessment
- TSL 660: Materials and Methods I: Speaking, Listening and Pronunciation
- TSL 661: Materials and Methods II: Reading, Writing and Grammar
- TSL 670: Discourse Analysis
- TSL 680: Modern English Grammar
- TSL 690: TESL Practicum
- TSL 696: Thesis
Admissions Requirements
In order to apply to Campbellsville University’s accredited online TESOL master’s, prospective students must submit or complete the following:
- Complete the online application
- Official Transcript Request Form (via Adobe Sign). In most cases, this will allow us to request your transcripts on your behalf.
- All official college transcripts from each college or university previously attended and currently attended
- Minimum GPA of 2.9 or higher
- GRE scores (waived for candidates with a cumulative GPA of 3.2+ or have a Master’s Degree)
- Writing sample of academic work
- Three Reference Letters-professional and/or academic
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 80 or equivalent for non-native English speakers (Acceptable test scores: TOEFL (80) / IELTS (6.5+) / TOEIC (750) Cambridge (CEFR) C2)
Costs & Financial Aid
The online TESOL master’s costs $432 per credit hour. In order to help students afford their education, Campbellsville University’s staff is available to work with students to discover available financial aid options.
Students can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to find out what scholarships, grants, loans and payment plans are available for them. There are numerous options available, and not all financial aid is based on need.
A maximum of 12 credit hours from a regionally accredited college or university can be transferred into this program.
Campbellsville University is a military-friendly school and a proud member of the Yellow Ribbon program. Students who are currently serving at home or abroad or are veterans can further their education in a conducive online environment.
Careers in TESOL
Graduates of Campbellsville's online TESOL master’s can apply their knowledge to several careers in education. Potential career outcomes include:
- Assistant in an ESL classroom
- ESL instructor for adult learning
- ESL teacher abroad
- ESL/TESOL program director
- Private tutor
- TESOL teaching material writer/editor
If your goal is to teach ESL in public schools in Kentucky (P-12), you will need a teaching degree and the ESL endorsement to add to your graduate teaching degree. If you want to teach in another state, please consult the Department of Education in your state for the requirements for P-12 teaching license and ESL. If you already possess a teaching certification, or may be in the process of working on your teaching certification and need the graduate ESL endorsement, please contact Dr. Elisha Lawrence at eblawrence@campbellsville.edu
Why CU Online?
Focused on Your Growth
Your life experiences brought you here, and our programs are designed to help you go farther. Experience continued personal and professional growth with a well-rounded education from CU.
Faith-Based Education
Founded in 1906 as a Christian university, Campbellsville honors this legacy by cultivating a supportive and diverse online community that prepares students to become compassionate leaders.
Affordable and Convenient
CU seeks to provide an affordable and convenient education for its students. With the flexibility of online courses, you can finish your degree on your terms.
Accreditation
Campbellsville University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award certificates, associate, baccalaureate, master's and doctoral degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the status of Campbellsville University.
Benefits of Learning Online
Campbellsville University offers several dynamic online degrees so that students can continue their education and hone their skills. Campbellsville’s online campus has been recognized as one of the best by numerous outlets. The institution’s faculty members have real-world experience in their fields, so students can get a glimpse of working in their prospective career. Students can also conveniently fit online coursework into their busy schedules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? We’re here to help. Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information.
- Yes, you can. CU honors your educational journey with a generous transfer credit policy that empowers you to make the most of your earned credits. Upon your admission to Campbellsville University, we'll complete a transfer credit evaluation to find out how many of your credits will apply toward your degree. For more information, visit our transfer students page.
- Yes. Your first step is to complete the FAFSA form, and then we will determine your eligibility for any financial aid. Visit our financial aid page to learn more about your options, which include scholarships and grants.
- You can apply to our 100% online degree programs through the online application form. Remember to submit official copies of your high school and/or college transcripts, along with any other required documentation that is specific to your degree program. You can visit the admissions process page to learn more about what to expect throughout the process.