Northern Arizona University's English department offers a 37-unit master
of arts degree in the Teaching of English as a Second Language (MA-TESL).
This degree combines a strong theoretical foundation in applied linguistics
with practical training in the teaching of English to speakers of other languages.
The principal goals of the program are to provide the linguistic theory
necessary for ESL/EFL teachers, to equip teachers with the practical
skills needed for effective language teaching, and to prepare students
for further study in English language teaching, applied linguistics, and
related fields.
The MA-TESL program has three tracks:
Over 90 percent of our MA-TESL graduates have obtained ESL/EFL teaching positions. Graduates have taught in many countries, including Argentina, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Mexico, Moldova, Namibia, Poland, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, Turkmenistan, and United Arab Emirates. In addition, many graduates have taught ESL at community colleges and in university intensive English programs in the U.S.
Our graduates have also gone on to non-teaching positions in administration, test development, and publishing. Several of our MA-TESL graduates have also gone on for further PhD level study in applied linguistics. See what you can do with our degree.
The MA-TESL program should be considered a one-and-a-half to two-year course of study. Students with a teaching assistantship should plan on a two-year commitment.
Apply to our program
General Information
MA-TESL and PhD in Applied Linguistics handbook
If you have specific questions about the MA-TESL program at Northern Arizona University, please contact:
Fredricka Stoller
Department of English
P.O. Box 6032
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ 86011-6032 USA
Fredricka.Stoller@NAU.EDU
