Online and Distance Learning

M.Ed and MA TESOL online programs can help graduates to have careers in exciting places. They are designed to prepare students to teach english abroad and to become leaders in the ESL/TESOL field.  This page is for those who wish to know more about these programs, where to take them, what the prospects are, and more.

If you want to find out about undergraduate study, check out the TESOL online certificates page.

What is TESOL?

Find an online TESOL program or a school near you

"TESOL" is a branch of education, and as the name suggests, it is a specialization in the teaching of non-English speakers. It is also a very popular choice for students. Why is this the case?

You've perhaps seen the job ads "Start 2011 with a new adventure.  Must have Master's Degree in TESOL. Attractive benefits".  So a masters in this area really can be a passport to an exciting and rewarding career.

You don't necessarily take programs in TESOL to become rich, although there are jobs that offer very attractive benefits such as a tax-fee salary.  But even without such benefits, you can get to travel to some interesting places. So if travel and experiencing new cultures are things you like or think you'd like, then a TESOL course online is what you need. And if you want to make a career in TESOL, e.g., to become an academic director in a TESOL Centre, then you need to take a TESOL masters program.  These programs are designed to prepare students to become leaders in the ESL/TESOL field, either in teaching or in management/administration.

Where can you study an MA TESOL online?

There are several universities that offer M.Ed and MA TESOL distance programs or online programs. Don't be confused if you sometimes see these programs referred to as Masters TEFL, or MA TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language), or MA TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language).  Essentially these are the same as a Masters TESOL program. 

Listed below are a few recommended schools and programs:

• Anaheim University
  • MA in TESOL

• University of Phoenix Online
  • MA in Education / Curriculum and Instruction - ESL
  • MA in Education / ESL Education

• Grand Canyon University
  • M.Ed. TESOL (Not Eligible for IR / Non - Credential)

• Jones International University
  • M.Ed. in K-12 ESL Education
  • M.Ed. in K-12 ESL Bilingual Specialist
  • M.Ed. in K-12 Bilingual Specialist
  • M.Ed. in K-12 Education Licensure

• Ashford University
  • MA/Education - English Language Learner

What do you study in an MA TESOL online?

Most programs leading to an MA TESOL are designed for teachers and administrators who are already certified and who have an interest in teaching ESL students or becoming a district ESL coordinator.  Courses usually include: grammar, pronunciation, second language acquisition and teaching, discourse analysis, and curriculum development, and research methods.

Programs very often include an internship to provide observational and practical experience, plus a project or thesis.

Featured program: The MA TESOL online at Anaheim University

In 1998 the Anaheim MA in TESOL degree program was the world's first TESOL program to be taught online in real time. Anaheim University is a nationally accredited online institution of higher learning headquartered in Anaheim, California.

The Anaheim Masters in TESOL on line was designed by Anaheim University Dean and world-renowned linguist Dr. David Nunan.

In the MA TESOL online at Anaheim University, you can:

• Study your MA TESOL online from anywhere in the world;
• Learn from globally acclaimed professors;
• Take the MA TESOL through the flexibility of online learning and just 2 residential sessions;
• Earn your Master's in just over 2 years;
• Improve your teaching skills and qualifications;
• Network with teachers of English residing around the world.

The 10-course MA TESOL online degree program at Anaheim University is taught entirely by four of the world's most renowned linguists and acclaimed authors for such publishers as Oxford University Press, Cambridge University Press, Thomson Publishing, Prentice-Hall, Longman, and McGraw-Hill.

Eight of the 10 courses are taught 100% online. The remaining two courses require attendance at a four-day residential session, in addition to the online component.

For more information

If you don't find what you want here, you can use the search facility on this site using MA TESOL online as your topic.

Remember to compare the admission requirements and course content of several schools before you choose a program.