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Pepperdine | Graduate School of Education and Psychology
students in classroom

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

The top-ranked Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) program will prepare students to teach English as an additional language from preschool through university, both in the United States and abroad, or to pursue doctoral studies. Graduates are critically engaged and socially aware as they pursue a variety of career options in the education and consultancy fields.

Designed for both international and domestic students alike, our MA in TESOL is an 11 month, full-time residency program on our Malibu campus that provides students with expertise in second language acquisition, pedagogy, and a deep understanding of the complex relationship between language and culture.

Embracing the scholar-practitioner model of professional training, rigorous coursework is conjoined with clinical practicum placements, where students gain real-world experience teaching in multicultural and multilingual learning environments. This program culminates in a digital portfolio capstone experience which allows students to focus on either practice or scholarship/research.

All MA in TESOL courses are aligned with the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and the Standards to Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages programs.

Program Benefits

11-Month Program

Fast-track your career, enter the job market, and start making a difference much more quickly than students in traditional MA in TESOL programs.

Malibu Campus

Study and enjoy on-campus housing on our top-ranked Malibu campus overlooking scenic beaches and the Pacific Ocean.

Quick Facts

Format: Daytime
Term: Fall
Locations: Malibu/Calabasas
Length: 11 months / 30 units
Tuition: $1,510 per unit

 

 

Top-Ranked Program

Join our prestigious MA in TESOL program at one of the highest-ranked universities in the US.

 

CAEP and TESOL Aligned

Learn through courses carefully and systematically aligned with the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation and TESOL International Standards.

 

Networking Opportunities

Participate and present in professional organizations and conferences with opportunities to network and leverage your degree.

 

Built-In Doctoral Pathway

Earn credit towards your choice of multiple doctoral programs within Pepperdine through the progressive and rigorous TESOL curriculum.

 

Internationally Recognized Faculty

Engage with supportive and caring instructors who are scholar-practitioners with exemplary academic achievements, professional expertise, scholarly credentials, educational and clinical experience.

 

No GRE or Standardized Tests Required

Come with your ability, passion, experience, and commitment to succeed, which we value above test-score performance.

 

Technology-Infused and Social Justice Oriented

Empower your students with 21st-century skills through culturally and linguistically affirming pedagogies.

 

Authentic Clinical Practicum Experience

Gain hands-on experience teaching in placements that align with your career goals.


1

of the Highest-Ranked Universities in the US

1

Year to Complete Your Masters in TESOL

#1

TESOL Program in California That Can Only Be Completed In-Person

100%

Graduation Rate for the Classes of 2022 & 2023

$7K+

Scholarships Available

1

Only TESOL Program with Specialization Options

#1

Malibu Campus Ranked One of the Most Beautiful Places to Study

#1

for Best Weather by Best College Reviews

#55

Ranked in National Universities by USNWR

 

 

Take the Next Step

Reach out to us to learn more about Pepperdine's MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) program.

Get in Touch

Fill out the Request Information form to learn more and get in contact with an enrollment officer.

Attend an Info Session

Experience an in-depth overview and meet program leaders.

Start Your Application

Submit the application form early to meet scholarship and enrollment deadlines. It takes fewer than 15 minutes.

 

Program Deadlines

MAY
01

Fall Term 2024: Application Complete - Submit all supplemental application materials. You may be eligible to receive a $3,000 scholarship.

 

 

curriculum

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 program may be customized to specialize in one of four pathways:

  • Organizational Leadership and Learning
  • Leadership in Pre-K to 12 Education
  • Learning Design and Technology
  • Higher Education

malibu

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.

students studying

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.

newsletter image

TESOL Newsletter

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

female teaching english

Expand Your Career Possibilities

As our world becomes increasingly diverse, the field of TESOL continues to grow. The 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 form

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

screen shot from info session

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.

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.

Alumni and Faculty Spotlight

"This is a program that goes beyond the academics. They really prepare you for your future jobs. They help you build up your resume, and they help you become more competitive when it comes to job hunting." - Eve Wu, Alumna

What Our Alumni Are Saying

 

sample

"My cohort members and I relied on each other; it was truly a very special time of a lot growing as well as cross-cultural learning."

- Angie Hoang, MA in TESOL '17

Kristle Domondon headshot

"We had a small cohort, which meant a supportive community. We leaned on each other, which helped me get through the program."

- Kristle Domondon, MA in TESOL '20

Why Pepperdine

Passion and Purpose Driven

Since our founding in 1937, Pepperdine University has had one mission: to strengthen students for lives of purpose, service, and leadership in a learning environment where academic excellence is rooted in a Christian faith and values.

Our graduate programs empower students to transform into the best possible expression of themselves for meaningful work and purposeful lives. That legacy is alive today more than ever, as we help students all over the world gain the skills they need to achieve personal fulfillment, lead with purpose, and make a lasting impact in the lives and communities they serve.

Reputable University

GSEP offers prestigious programs at one of the top universities in the US, committed to the highest standards of academic excellence. Consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful places to study, Pepperdine is where you're inspired to learn as you learn to inspire.

#29

Best-Value Schools
U.S. News & Report

#9

Best College Value in the West/SW
Kiplinger

#10

Most Entrepreneurial Universities
Forbes

 

Distinguished Faculty

  • TESOL faculty are nationally-recognized scholar-practitioners with exemplary academic achievements, industry expertise, educational experience, and scholarly credentials.
  • Professors are accomplished professionals who balance theory and real-world application in a practitioner-based curriculum informed by their desire to prepare students to make a difference.
  • Average class size of 14 students and a 12:1 faculty-student ratio provides a supportive educational setting, meaningful interactions, and long-term professional and personal connections.

Alumni Network

  • Extensive Pepperdine alumni network creates influential business connections with more than 110,000 professionals. Our alumni network has 32 chapters and affinity programs in the U.S. and abroad.
  • Pepperdine alumni, faculty, staff, and parents make themselves available to offer the resources you need and help graduates build professional, personal, and purposeful relationships with Pepperdine people all over the world.
  • As a Pepperdine alumnus, you have exclusive access to the PeppConnect Mentoring Program, a global network of alumni who are willing to mentor and offer career or industry advice.

Student and Career Support

  • GSEP Student Services supports our rigorous curricula through academic advising, records, writing support, library, student groups, and much more.
  • Students are further supported through our Office of Student Accessibility, world-class facilities, and highly competitive programs, all of which contribute to our exceptional programs and rankings.
  • GSEP Career Services operates from an innovative model of career education and holistic career counseling for today's rapidly changing job market helping students and alumni construct their career narrative, build lifelong employability skills, and connect with alumni and industry leaders.
  • The Office of International Students Services (OISS) values our international students for what they bring to our campus—diversity, global perspective, cultural respect, determination, and a wonderful sense of adventure. We welcome students from all nationalities, faiths, and education systems, as they provide a diverse perspective in our classrooms.

Veteran and Military Support

Pepperdine has served veterans and their family members for over 75 years and is proud to support nearly 500 enrolled veterans, service members, and dependents. 

As an active participant in the Yellow Ribbon G.I. Education Enhancement Program, we proudly offer tuition support to Yellow Ribbon-eligible students. Pepperdine invests almost $3M annually to help cover 100% of tuition costs for eligible students.

Under the Yellow Ribbon program, Pepperdine in the VA matches all remaining tuition costs. Pepperdine also does not limit the number of eligible students who can utilize the Yellow Ribbon program. 

  Passion and Purpose Driven

Passion and Purpose Driven

Since our founding in 1937, Pepperdine University has had one mission: to strengthen students for lives of purpose, service, and leadership in a learning environment where academic excellence is rooted in a Christian faith and values.

Our graduate programs empower students to transform into the best possible expression of themselves for meaningful work and purposeful lives. That legacy is alive today more than ever, as we help students all over the world gain the skills they need to achieve personal fulfillment, lead with purpose, and make a lasting impact in the lives and communities they serve.

  Reputable University

Reputable University

GSEP offers prestigious programs at one of the top universities in the US, committed to the highest standards of academic excellence. Consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful places to study, Pepperdine is where you're inspired to learn as you learn to inspire.

#29

Best-Value Schools
U.S. News & Report

#9

Best College Value in the West/SW
Kiplinger

#10

Most Entrepreneurial Universities
Forbes

 

  Distinguished Faculty

Distinguished Faculty

  • TESOL faculty are nationally-recognized scholar-practitioners with exemplary academic achievements, industry expertise, educational experience, and scholarly credentials.
  • Professors are accomplished professionals who balance theory and real-world application in a practitioner-based curriculum informed by their desire to prepare students to make a difference.
  • Average class size of 14 students and a 12:1 faculty-student ratio provides a supportive educational setting, meaningful interactions, and long-term professional and personal connections.
  Alumni Network

Alumni Network

  • Extensive Pepperdine alumni network creates influential business connections with more than 110,000 professionals. Our alumni network has 32 chapters and affinity programs in the U.S. and abroad.
  • Pepperdine alumni, faculty, staff, and parents make themselves available to offer the resources you need and help graduates build professional, personal, and purposeful relationships with Pepperdine people all over the world.
  • As a Pepperdine alumnus, you have exclusive access to the PeppConnect Mentoring Program, a global network of alumni who are willing to mentor and offer career or industry advice.
  Student and Career Support

Student and Career Support

  • GSEP Student Services supports our rigorous curricula through academic advising, records, writing support, library, student groups, and much more.
  • Students are further supported through our Office of Student Accessibility, world-class facilities, and highly competitive programs, all of which contribute to our exceptional programs and rankings.
  • GSEP Career Services operates from an innovative model of career education and holistic career counseling for today's rapidly changing job market helping students and alumni construct their career narrative, build lifelong employability skills, and connect with alumni and industry leaders.
  • The Office of International Students Services (OISS) values our international students for what they bring to our campus—diversity, global perspective, cultural respect, determination, and a wonderful sense of adventure. We welcome students from all nationalities, faiths, and education systems, as they provide a diverse perspective in our classrooms.
  Veteran and Military Support

Veteran and Military Support

Pepperdine has served veterans and their family members for over 75 years and is proud to support nearly 500 enrolled veterans, service members, and dependents. 

As an active participant in the Yellow Ribbon G.I. Education Enhancement Program, we proudly offer tuition support to Yellow Ribbon-eligible students. Pepperdine invests almost $3M annually to help cover 100% of tuition costs for eligible students.

Under the Yellow Ribbon program, Pepperdine in the VA matches all remaining tuition costs. Pepperdine also does not limit the number of eligible students who can utilize the Yellow Ribbon program. 

 

Accreditations, Recognitions, and Partnerships

wasc logo

catesol logo

cabe logo

aiccu logo

EIC Logo

NOVO logo

US News National Universities

US News Best Colleges for Veterans

Yello Ribbon Program

Contact Us

Katerina Blanchard Elizondo headshot

Katerina Blanchard
Enrollment Officer
Pepperdine GSEP

310.568.5772
Email 
Schedule an Appointment

Take The Next Step

Learn more about Pepperdine's MA in TESOL program.

 

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