Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

Curriculum Overview

This TESOL master’s program includes 30 units of coursework. You will experience a social justice-oriented curriculum based on current research with a focus on preparing English-language educators with well-rounded and unparalleled theory and practice in applied linguistics, second language acquisition, learning theories, curriculum design, assessment, pedagogy, virtual learning and many other topics. Sociolinguistics and the intersections of language, culture, and society is emphasized along with cutting-edge instructional technology for the language classroom.

There is an additional emphasis on hands-on instruction through a clinical teaching practicum in ESL classrooms, a capstone project, and development of a digital ePortfolio.

The TESOL master's program may be customized to specialize in one of four pathways:

Practicum Opportunities

Our MA in TESOL students apply their learning in hands-on practicum experiences at well-established educational institutions throughout Southern California. These placements provide opportunities to teach and support diverse student populations in a variety of settings, including language institutes, community programs, and K-12 schools. Through these experiences, students refine their instructional techniques, build professional networks, and gain the practical skills needed for success in the field.

Explore some of the practicum sites where our students have gained experience:

Location

Classes are held at the Malibu and Calabasas campuses in sunny California. The expansive Malibu campus sits on 830 acres and overlooks the Pacific Ocean with nearly every spot on campus featuring stunning views of the beaches. Pepperdine is consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful places to study. TESOL students also have access to graduate student housing and amenities like the library, gym, and swimming pool at our scenic Malibu campus.

• Malibu Campus Overview
• Malibu Campus Interactive Map, Virtual Tour, and Aerial Tour

International Student Experience

• As a visa-eligible program, we offer exceptional support to international students. 
• A dedicated enrollment services officer will make your admissions process easy and comfortable.
• We integrate international students across our campuses. The Office of International Student Services (OISS) provides additional support for international students.
• Enjoy access to housing and amenities at our scenic Malibu campus.
• Participate in University social, sporting, cultural, and spiritual events.
• Build upon leadership skills, peer support, and lifelong relationships with colleagues.
• Partnerships with professional networks and conferences and a robust alumni network further students' growth opportunities.

Enhance Your Career and Educational Opportunities

International students in our MA in TESOL program have successfully continued their studies in the MA in Teaching (MAT) program, with six units carrying over. Many graduates of both programs have gone on to secure teaching positions in U.S. public schools, particularly as Mandarin bilingual educators.

For those looking to extend their academic journey further, Pepperdine also offers a PhD program, providing an additional opportunity for continued study and career advancement. Whether your goal is to gain teaching experience in the U.S., pursue opportunities abroad, or explore doctoral studies, our programs support a range of professional pathways.

TESOL Newsletter

Stay up to date with the most current information about the TESOL master’s program and field.

Expand Your Career Possibilities

As our world becomes increasingly diverse, the field of TESOL continues to grow. The MA TESOL degree is unique because it can be leveraged to meet your specific career goals, opening many doors to support language learning in and out of classrooms, curriculum, policy, or research. A master’s degree in TESOL provides professional value and credibility in any language learning context. With consultations from our Career Center, you will be following in the footsteps of alumni in diverse career paths.

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Pepperdine GSEP generously offers over $6,000,000 in scholarships every year, with the majority of students receiving financial assistance. There are numerous scholarship opportunities that are both merit and need-based in addition to discounts for meeting application deadlines.

GSEP welcomes federal and state aid eligibility and veteran benefits which may further reduce tuition cost.

The Financial Aid Office is available to answer questions and help you navigate funding your education at GSEP through numerous scholarship, grant, loan, and other opportunities. 

To help determine your total cost of tuition and living expenses for this specific program, please refer to our GSEP tuition calculator. 

Information Session

TESOL's program director, Kevin Wong, invites you to view a recorded information session. 

In the video, Wong provides a high-level overview of the program, including information about the curriculum, program highlights, the cohort structure, and more.

• Info Session - English Version
• Info Session - Mandarin Version

We also encourage prospective students to attend one of our live virtual information sessions to meet program leadership, hear a more in-depth overview, and ask questions.