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: | $1,565 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.
of the Highest-Ranked Universities in the US
Year to Complete Your Masters in TESOL
TESOL Program in California That Can Only Be Completed In-Person
Graduation Rate for the Classes of 2022 & 2023
Up to $10K Available in Scholarships
Only TESOL Program with Specialization Options
Malibu Campus Ranked One of the Most Beautiful Places to Study
for Best Weather by Best College Reviews
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
Fall Term 2025: Early Application Submit - Submit the application form by this date to be eligible for a $2,500 scholarship.
Fall Term 2025: International Application Complete - Submit your completed application form and all supplemental application materials by this date.
Information Sessions
Coming soon
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
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.
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.
TESOL Newsletter
Stay up to date with the most current information about the TESOL program and field.
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 & 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.
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
"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
"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
Accreditations, Recognitions, and Partnerships
Contact Us
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.