Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, MA (on campus and online)

Admission Requirements—Domestic Applicants

The university graduate and program admission requirements below must be met before an application is considered complete.

Applicants must possess:

• A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Applicants for the TESOL programs are not required to have undergraduate majors in fields such as English, linguistics, or education; however a strong background in one of these is recommended.
• A minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Applicants with a GPA between 2.5-2.99 may be considered for provisional admission.
• A TOEFL score of 600 or above, for nonnative speakers only. Nonnative speakers of English must score 600 or above on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), at least 250 on the computer-based TOEFL or 100 on the IBT, and must pass a test of written English. Applicants who score between 550 and 600 (213-249 on the computer-based TOEFL; 79-99 on the IBT) may be granted conditional admission, but will be required to complete TESL 500 English for Internationals (3 units) during their first semester of graduate work.

Applicants must submit:

• Graduate application for admission
• $45 nonrefundable application fee
• Official transcripts from all institutions leading to and awarding the applicant’s bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and all postbaccalaureate study
  
  An official transcript is one that Azusa Pacific University receives unopened in an envelope sealed by the former institution and that bears the official seal of the college or university. A cumulative minimum 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) grade-point average on the posted degree is required for regular admission status. Provisional admittance may be granted to individuals with a lower GPA if competency can be shown through multiple measures.
• Statement of purpose describing educational and professional goals, including reasons for studying TESOL at APU
• Résumé or statement of experience
• Two letters of recommendation. At least one recommendation should be from a professor or teacher acquainted with the applicant’s academic work.
• TOEFL scores for nonnative speakers of English. Request official TOEFL scores be sent directly to Azusa Pacific University.

Send official transcripts to:

Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions
Azusa Pacific University
PO Box 7000
Azusa, CA 91702-7000
[email protected]

What to Expect

After all admission materials have been received by the Student Services Center, the faculty or department chair reviews the applicant’s file. The applicant is notified in writing of the admission decision.

Admission Requirements—International Applicants

Azusa Pacific University is authorized under federal law by the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services and the U.S. Department of State to enroll nonimmigrant, alien undergraduate and graduate students. APU issues and administers both the I-20 and DS 2019 (F-1 and J-1 status documents respectively).

To apply for a graduate program at APU, the following requirements must be fulfilled in addition to meeting the domestic applicant and program-specific admission requirements specified above.

International applicants must also:

• Demonstrate proficiency in English through a placement test with the Academic Success Center, or through a TOEFL/IELTS score that meets program-specific requirements. Refer to APU’s English proficiency requirements to learn more. Request that official test scores be sent to APU. All other forms of proof indicated in the English proficiency requirements must be submitted directly to International Services.
• Provide a Graduate Affidavit of Financial Support (PDF) and a bank statement from within the last six months proving financial ability to pay for education costs through personal, family, or sponsor resources.
• Submit a copy of a valid passport showing biographical data, including your name, country of citizenship, date of birth, and other legal information.
• Get foreign transcripts evaluated. International credentials (transcripts, certificates, diplomas, and degrees) must be evaluated by a foreign transcript evaluation agency. View our policy and a list of approved Foreign Transcript Evaluation Agencies.

Send official transcripts to:

Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions
Azusa Pacific University
PO Box 7000
Azusa, CA 91702-7000
[email protected]

What to Expect

After all admission materials have been received by the Student Services Center, the faculty or department chair reviews the applicant’s file. The applicant is notified in writing of the admission decision.

Additional Requirements

• Prior to graduation, native speakers of English must verify completion within the last 10 years of a minimum of 6 semester units of college-level foreign language with at least a 3.0 grade-point average on a 4.0 scale, or its equivalent. Options to satisfy the foreign language requirement include formal coursework and community language learning. Students may also establish proficiency via an exam.
• All students graduating from non-English-speaking institutions must satisfy university English proficiency requirements. In addition, the following scores on the Internet-based TOEFL are required for admission to the online TESOL program:

Delivering high quality graduate programs takes a comprehensive support system. Your investment in an advanced degree includes a complete network of student services and access to a community of faculty and staff who partner with you in your pursuit of your TESOL master’s degree.

Cost Estimate Breakdown

On-Campus and Online MA in TESOL

See the table below for the tuition charges and fees that comprise your estimated total program cost for the on campus or online TESOL master’s degree. Prices are subject to change without notice.

View a complete list of university fees for graduate programs.

All stated financial information is subject to change. Contact the Student Services Center at(626) 815-2020 for more information.

Financial Aid

Several types of financial aid are available to graduate students. The resources range from federal loans and state grants to, for some graduate programs, fellowships and scholarships. For details about financial aid available for your program, please contact the Student Services Center at (626) 815-2020.

Military Benefits

Military members—and in some cases their spouses and dependents—qualify for financial assistance covering tuition, housing, and books. Azusa Pacific is a Yellow Ribbon University and Military Friendly School, so you can be confident that you’ll receive the benefits and flexibility you need to complete your education.

Tsern Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) Scholarship

The Tsern TEFL Scholarship is open to new and current graduate students in APU’s on-campus and online TESOL programs who are committed to serving Christ by teaching English. Each year, up to $2,000 is awarded to eligible recipients. This award recognizes Christian scholars who will perpetuate the mission of Azusa Pacific University during their academic studies and later as language educators. Applicants must be enrolled as full-time students and should be in good standing with the program and university (not on academic probation or conditionally admitted). Recipients will be distinguished by the rigor and dedication they apply to their graduate studies, the skill and effort they apply to their craft of teaching, and the integrity and Christ-like compassion they demonstrate to their students and colleagues. Scholarship applications are due November 30 and June 30 and include a 1,000-word essay. Download and complete the Tsern TEFL Scholarship Application (PDF). Please note that for the Tsern award, in addition to the questions on the application form, also discuss how your integrity and Christ-like compassion will be demonstrated to your students and colleagues.

Boyd Clarke International TESOL Student Scholarship

This scholarship is open to new and current students in APU’s on-campus and online TESOL programs. Each year, up to $1,000 is awarded to two different recipients. Applicants must be enrolled full-time and should be in good standing with the program and university (not on academic probation or conditionally admitted). Scholarship applications are due November 30 and June 30 and include a 500-word essay. Download the Boyd Clarke International TESOL Student Scholarship Application (PDF) for more information.

Charles and Shirley Stapleton Graduate Endowed Scholarship

This scholarship is open to new and current students in APU’s on-campus and online TESOL programs. Each year, up to $500 is awarded to two different recipients. Applicants must be enrolled full-time and should be in good standing with the program and university (not on academic probation or conditionally admitted). Scholarship applications are due November 30 and June 30 and include a 500-word essay. Download the Charles and Shirley Stapleton Graduate Endowed Scholarship Application (PDF) for more information.

School of Humanities and Sciences Alumni Tuition Discounts

APU’s School of Humanities and Sciences (CLAS) offers an alumni tuition discount for APU alumni starting in the following graduate programs:

• Master of Arts in TESOL
• Certificate in TESOL
• Certificate in TEFL

Students must be in good academic standing and maintain satisfactory academic progress with a minimum cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0. Students must be enrolled at least half-time. If qualifications are met, the discount may be renewed each term. APU will pay $500 per term (up to $2,000 over the course of the program). This discount cannot be combined with other institutional aid. Contact Student Financial Services for complete eligibility details.

TeachBeyond Employee Tuition Discount

APU’s School of Humanities and Sciences offers a 15 percent tuition discount (savings of over $2,700) to employees of TeachBeyond for the following online or on-campus programs:

• Master of Arts in TESOL
• Certificate in TESOL
• Certificate in TEFL

Students fill out the MOU Discount Form and provide proof of employment every year of enrollment. Contact Student Financial Services for complete eligibility details.

Additionally, TESOL programs are also available to TeachBeyond employees at an already-discounted tuition rate.

To view specific requirements and coursework information, visit the current academic catalog:

Programs Requirements

Can I earn a teaching credential in APU’s TESOL programs?

Yes, the TESOL programs provide the coursework you need to qualify for the California Preliminary Designated Subjects Adult Education Teaching Credential in ESL. You can apply for this credential through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). Although it does not require extra coursework beyond the MA in TESOL, you do need to meet the state’s basic skills requirement via testing. View more information from the CTC. Please note, the APU TESOL programs do not currently enable you to earn a California single subject or multiple subject credential.

Are scholarships or other financial aid available?

Yes, TESOL scholarships are available! Scholarship opportunities include:

• Boyd Clarke International TESOL Student Scholarship (up to $1,000)
• Charles and Shirley Stapleton Graduate Endowed Scholarship (up to $500)

View all scholarship details and applications above. Military education benefits and APU alumni discounts are also available for those who qualify. Explore financial aid opportunities.

What are the prerequisites for the program?

No prerequisite courses must be completed, but courses in English and linguistics are useful. Before graduating, however, you will need to have completed the equivalent of six semester units of college-level foreign language with a grade of B or better, or submit proof that you speak a language other than English at the low-intermediate level or higher on the ACTFL scale. This requirement may be satisfied by language courses taken within 10 years prior to beginning your program at APU or an equivalency option in which you engage in foreign language tutorials, formal classroom instruction, or some kind of intentional, community-based language learning. Equivalency may be demonstrated by passing an oral proficiency interview.

Students are also required to attend a conference related to the field of English language teaching before graduation.

Is the GRE required for admission?

No.

What are the application deadlines?

We have rolling admissions, but you should allow at least one month for your application to be processed from the time that all materials are received, including two recommendations. All materials should be received at the beginning of August for fall admission and by mid-December for spring admission. International applicants should contact the International Center for current deadlines.

How often do I need to log on for the online program?

Students may log on at times that are convenient for them. Classes vary in the number of deadlines per week, but a typical schedule might be an initial post in an online discussion due on Wednesday, a draft writing assignment due on Thursday, and response posts due on Sunday. However, there is no prescribed amount of time that you will be required to be online.

The on-campus TESOL master’s program is housed at the university’s main campus in Azusa, located within the linguistically diverse Los Angeles area. More than 150 languages are spoken in this region, offering students an unmatched variety of multicultural practice-teaching and research opportunities, including the APU-Azusa Grassroots ESL cooperation.

The program attracts both international and local students, and each class meets once a week in the evenings, making it convenient for working professionals. Full-time students typically enroll in two courses per session and can complete the entire program in approximately one-and-a-half years. Part-time students taking one course each session can complete the program in about three years.

Coursework

To view specific requirements and coursework information, visit the current academic catalog:

On-Campus Program Requirements

The online TESOL master’s program offers graduate students the opportunity to study from anywhere in the world, requiring only a computer, reliable internet access, and an email account. Because of this wide accessibility, the program attracts a diverse student body, enhancing the knowledge and insights shared by peers during class discussions.

An asynchronous structure provides flexibility so students can participate in coursework on their own schedule. Sequential courses in a cohort model contribute to the sense of community and shared learning while working toward earning the master’s degree in TESOL online.

The online program can be completed in one-and-a-half years.

Coursework

To view specific requirements and coursework information, visit the current academic catalog:

Online Program Requirements

The APU/Christ’s College Cooperative MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Program offers college graduates in Taiwan the opportunity to earn a TESOL master’s degree. The cooperative program requires two years, one at Christ’s College and one at APU, and leads to academic accomplishments equal to those attained by graduates of the traditional TESOL master’s degree program.

Students must be accepted by Christ’s College and Azusa Pacific University before enrolling in any program coursework at APU.

Coursework

To view specific requirements and coursework information, visit the current academic catalog:

Program Requirements

If you have questions, we’re here to help! Connect with a representative who can walk you through the program details and application process.

Contact Your Admissions Representative

Additional Program Contacts

• Richard Robison, PhD, on-campus program director, [email protected], (626) 815-6000, Ext. 3416
• Tasha Bleistein, PhD, online program director, [email protected], (626) 815-6000, Ext. 2414
• Mary Shepard Wong, PhD, program director, [email protected], (626) 815-6000, Ext. 3483
• Manar Metry, program coordinator, [email protected], (626) 815-3844

Student Services Center

Contact (626) 812-3016 or [email protected], and visit apu.edu/ssc for details on the admissions process, financial aid, and class registration.

International Services

International students should contact +1-626-812-3055 or [email protected], and visit apu.edu/international/.

Azusa Pacific University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).