• Webster’s ESL classes use a four-skills communicative approach to learning language. Classes are interactive, lively and small to encourage more participation and to give instructors more time with each student.
• Instructors have master’s degrees, most in TESL/TEFL. Many work as a teacher trainers, and have years of experience teaching English both in the U.S. and abroad.
• Many technological tools are available for language learning, including blogs, electronic classrooms, online discussion tools and video and audio equipment.
• Webster University’s worldwide context allows interaction with learners from around the world through online education and/or study at one of the university’s many international campuses.

Webster’s MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, International Education emphasis is designed for current and future teachers of English in settings outside of the United States. Prior teaching experience in not required.

The following program goals are built on a conceptual framework of knowledge, implementation and reflection.

TESOL: International Education Emphasis

33 Credit Hours

Required Courses (24 credit hours)

• TESL 5230 Second Language Acquisition* (3 hours)
• TESL 5139 English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Methods* (3 hours)
• TESL 5220 Curriculum Development in Second Language Classrooms* (3 hours)
• TESL 5350 Language and Culture* (3 hours)
• TESL 5030 Language History, Planning, and Policy*  (3 hours)
• TESL 5311 Principles and Practices of Language Testing* (3 hours)
• TESL 5710 Grammar for ESL/EFL Teachers (3 hours)
• TESL 5040 Practicum in ESOL* (3 hours)

*Course contains a key assessment for data collection purposes.

Electives (9 credit hours)

• TESL 5730 Materials Development in Language Classrooms (3 hour)
• TESL 5740 English for Academic Purposes (3 hours)
• TESL 5750 Special Institute in TESL (3 hours)
• TESL 5760 English for Specific Purposes (3 hours)
• TESL 5200 Independent Study (3 hours)
• TESL 6250 Thesis (3-12 hours)
  and TESL 6900 University Thesis Requirements (0 hours)

Students completing the MA in TESOL with an emphasis in International Education may qualify to earn a graduate certificate in teaching english as a foreign language (TEFL). To gain the certificate, MA students must pay a second graduation fee.

The TEFL certificate is designed for students interested in teaching outside of the United States in both adult and K-12 settings. Students seeking this graduate certificate must have earned a recognized baccalaureate degree and meet the admission and acceptance criteria, as outlined in the graduate program’s Academic Policies. Students may receive the Webster University TEFL certificate by completing a minimum of 21 credit hours.