Top of Page
Skip main navigation

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

Apply Now

Request Info

The M.S. in Education with a specialization in teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) helps prepare practicing teachers in literacy development for non-native English speakers.

This program melds theoretical instruction with hands-on experiences, arming students with research-based methods and best practices for teaching English in both domestic and international settings. Students in this program select from a broad range of courses to develop a customized program of study that best aligns with their professional goals.

Courses are offered on a rotating basis. Students will work closely with their advisor and department faculty to plan a program of study that best fits their needs.

  • Complete the admission application packet and submit a $50.00 non-refundable fee (U.S. dollars) made payable to Nova Southeastern University (NSU).
  • Official transcripts from all previously attended academic institutions, including an official transcript indicating conferral of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
  • Evidence of a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.5, OR Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores of 300 (combined Verbal and Quantitative scales only), OR Miller’s Analogies Test (MAT) scaled score
    of 400. Test scores must be less than 5 years old from the date of application.
  • Applicants who do not meet the minimum 2.5 GPA or GRE/MAT test score requirements may enroll in a maximum of six (6) credit hours and must earn a grade of B or higher in each course during the first term of enrollment for conditional admission. Students who do not earn a grade of B or higher in each course will be subject to dismissal from the program.

Required Core Courses (18 credits)

Course Number Course Title and Description Credits
EDU 5000 Orientation to the M.S. and Ed.S. Program 0
TSOL 0575 Critical Issues in TESOL 3
TEFL 0580 Second Language Acquisition and Learning 3
TSOL 0567 Applied Linguistics 3
TEFL 0530 Technology in TEFL 3
TSOL 0547 Testing and Evaluation in TESOL 3
TSOL 0699 Applied Professional Experience in TESOL 3

TESOL Electives (select 18 credits)

Course Number Course Title and Description Credits
INED 0500 Comparative International Education 3
ESE 0610 Speech and Language Development and Disabilities 3
TLDR 0653 Teacher as Leader: Collaborative Practices for Promoting Student, Classroom, and School Improvement 3
TSOL 0500 Foundations of Bilingual Education 3
TSOL 0562 Cultural and Cross-Cultural Studies 3
TSOL 0569 Methodology of TESOL 3
TSOL 0580 Dual Language Classrooms: Teaching Math, Science, and Social Studies to Speakers of Other Languages 3
TEFL 0525 Teaching English to Children 3
TEFL 0535 Teaching English to Adolescents and Adults 3
TEFL 0563 International Englishes: Historical Development and Usage 3
TEFL 0575 Structure of English 3
TSOL 0515 Curriculum Development for TESOL 3

TOTAL CREDITS: 36

The applied professional experience is one of many practical applications included in the teaching English to speakers of other languages specialization. It is the final step in the completion of the program. Conducted in an appropriate educational setting, candidates will maintain reflective journals and create files of samples of their students’ work and the assessment instruments used to demonstrate achievement of the state professional and content standards. All applied professional experiences are accompanied by portfolios detailing the rationale, process, and evaluation of the project.

Coursework for the master's in TESOL is also delivered in a blended format at NSU's San Juan, Puerto Rico Campus. This delivery option combines on-site courses offerd periodically over weekends supplmented by online study.

For students living outside of Puerto Rico, coursework is delivered online, allowing students to interact with fellow professors and fellow students without work disruption or long commutes.

Faculty members in the Department of Curriculum & Instruction are dedicated to preparing aspiring teachers and those seeking careers as professionals in education-related fields. Hailing from NSU and other major universities and institutions throughout the country and around the world, our faculty are highly respected professional practitioners and recognized scholars who are carefully selected on the basis of their subject area expertise, teaching abilities, and professional involvement. Furthermore, they are united in their desire to not only educate, but to inspire students to use what they learn to motivate others.

Meet the Faculty and Staff of the Department of Curriculum & Instruction

  • Satisfactory completion of all required coursework;
  • Cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 or higher;
  • Successful completion of the Applied Professional Experience, including the portfolio, demonstrating competence with the Educator Accomplished Practices;
  • Completed application for degree.

Students are advised to contact their state department of education or an Enrollment Services Representative (Academic Advisor) to determine if this program is suitable for certification/licensure and their career goals.

Return to top of page