Master of Arts in Teaching - TESOL

UNC Greensboro’s Master’s in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) combines accelerated teacher preparation, hands-on clinical experiences, and specialized training in multilingual education. Through a cohort-based model, candidates develop expertise in areas such as language acquisition and literacy instruction while completing extensive field experiences in K-12 schools. This program leads to both initial teacher licensure and a master’s degree. It is designed for students who have a bachelor’s degree, but did not pursue teacher education or licensure as an undergraduate.

MAster’s in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Program Distinctions

UNCG’s School of Education has been consistently rated as one of the “Top Graduate Schools of Education” by U.S. News & World Report.

The Master’s in TESOL program follows a structured 33-credit-hour cohort format that begins in May and can be completed in approximately 15 months. Students progress through the program together, fostering collaboration, professional networking, and peer support throughout their preparation.

Our mission is to prepare educators to work with English learners in both local and global instructional settings.

The Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Student Experience

In addition to coursework, students complete a one-semester internship and one semester of student-teaching in designated K-12 schools. Additional instructional opportunities will also be provided for those interested in working in community-based instructional settings.

The curriculum goes beyond general teacher preparation by emphasizing specialized TESOL coursework, including applied linguistics, literacy instruction for multilingual learners, classroom language assessment, ESL methods, and cultural and legal issues affecting English learners. Sample courses include Classroom Language Assessment, Applied Linguistics for ESL Teachers, and Educational Psychology and Differentiated Instruction.

UNCG School of Education Scholarships

Each year, the School of Education awards over $1 million in scholarships and graduate assistantships to students.

The Haggai Academy is a scholarship program that provides scholarships of up to $8,000 per year, as well as a wide range of additional enrichment opportunities, for non-traditional students (24 years of age or older) pursuing an initial teacher license.

After GraduatiNG With Your MAster’s in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

Graduates leave prepared to meet the growing demand for ESL educators and to support English learners in various educational settings across North Carolina and beyond. Graduates of the Master’s in TESOL program are prepared for successful careers as K-12 teachers and English instructors at community colleges and language institutes.

The U.S. Department of Education requires that all higher education institutions advise students as to whether their curriculum provides them with the eligibility to apply for a professional license and/or certification in the state for which they plan to practice. As such, please review UNC Greensboro’s status by state for the initial teaching license. You should note whether the program either “meets”, “does not meet”, or if there “has not been a determination” of the program’s status in the state for which you plan to practice. Review the Licensure Reciprocity Information.