Master's Degree Focused on Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
The Multilingual Education Master of Arts degree program prepares leaders and advanced-practice teachers in language education. This Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) emphasis of the program prepares students with advanced knowledge, skills, and cross-cultural competencies to work with EFL students of all ages in international settings or non K-12 ESL (adult education) students in the United States.
Our students have opportunities throughout the program to engage in immersive learning opportunities—whether designing curriculum for local schools or schools in another country, developing language assessments, or teaching in school, university, or community settings. Internships, practicum and/or student teaching in language education are available both in the U.S. and around the world.
The TESOL emphasis of this Multilingual Education Master of Arts degree is 30 credit hours. This online delivery can be completed in five academic terms (20 months) if you take both available courses each term.
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Attend an Online Information Meeting!
The Program & Enrollment Manager will share information about our online programs for licensed teachers and answer any questions you have. Attendees are entered for monthly UNC gift drawings.
1st Tuesday of each month, 6:00 PM Mountain Time
Location: Online – View monthly dates and register
Work in EFL and Adult ESL Education
The online program serves students around the U.S. and the world. Our graduates will become teachers and administrators in K-12 schools in other countries, and in universities and community colleges in the U.S. and around the world. Our program will also successfully prepare you for doctoral studies.
The Best Preparation for the Best Opportunities
A TESOL master's degree from UNC elevates your preparation and skill above those who hold TESL/TEFL certificates. Open up a world of opportunity with this degree.
Coursework (30 Total Credit Hours)
To see the upcoming courses, visit this program's Current Students page.
Required Courses (24 Credit Hours)
- ECLD 589 Language, Linguistics, and Education (3)
- ECLD 590 Communication and Technologies for Multilingual Education (3)
- ECLD 592 Second Language Acquisition Theory (3)
- ECLD 594 Foundations of Language and Linguistics for ESL/Bilingual Educators (3)
- ECLD 604 Field Experience in Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Education (3)
- ECLD 605 Seminar in Multilingual Teaching and Learning I (3)
- ECLD 610 Practices in ESL/EFL Instruction and Assessment (3)
- SRM 600 Introduction to Graduate Research (3)
Elective Courses (6 Credit Hours)
Students take 6 credits from among the courses listed below. Your advisor will work with you individually to plan for electives.
Elective One (Choose One)
- EDRD 523 Academic Language/Literacy Development for Diverse Learners in School Settings (3)
- ECLD 591 Multilingualism and Multilingual Education: Theories and Practices (3)
Elective Two (Choose One)
- ECLD 593 Language, School and Society (3)
- ECLD 596 Effective Instruction in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education (3)
- ECLD 602 Teaching Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Learners (3)
- EDRD 523 Academic Language/Literacy Development for Diverse Learners in School Settings (3)
- EDSE 679 Interventions for Students with Cultural and Linguistic Differences (3)
Comprehensive Exam
Candidates must successfully pass a comprehensive exam at the end of the master's degree program.
For full details, see the official program listing in the UNC Graduate Catalog.
Get Started/Apply
Additional Resources
- Visit the School of Teacher Education page for the Multilingual Education program, which is also offered on-campus with both the TESOL and the World Languages Emphasis options.
- Learn more about the Multilingual Education faculty.