Master of Arts in Teaching English as a Second or Other Language New England campus experience
Experienced professors
Career-relevant curriculum
Academic and career support
Program Overview Why get a TESOL master's degree on campus?
Whether you're ready to take on leadership roles in English education in the U.S. or aboard, the Master of Arts (MA) in Teaching English as a Second or Other Language (TESOL) program can prepare you for a variety of English education opportunities.
At Southern New Hampshire University, we’re building strategies for teaching learners of all ages through improving conversational, professional and academic proficiency. You’ll learn how to plan and implement instruction using evidence-based and student-centered approaches. That way, you're bound to make a global impact.
Skills you'll learn:
- Sociocultural context within ESOL instruction
- Principles of needs analysis and language proficiency assessment
- Knowledge of the structure and use of English
- ESOL instruction planning and implementation
- Professionalism and leadership through collaboration
- Policies, rights and legislation pertaining to ESOL learners
Note: This program is for students who attend our New Hampshire campus. If you are a student at Vietnam National University, visit our program page for our Master of Science in Teaching English as a Foreign Language.
Courses & Curriculum Learn teaching methodologies with on-campus TESOL courses
With evening and online classes for working professionals, the MA in TESOL is designed to provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to teach English to non-native speakers in a variety of educational contexts. This includes K-12 and post-secondary education. Here, you'll study the latest theories and best practices in second language pedagogy, methodology, curriculum design and assessment. With these skills, you'll be able to plan and deliver effective instruction and program management in English as a Second Language (ESL) in the United States or English as a Foreign Language (EFL) in another country.
Note: The MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) program does not lead to licensure. For currently licensed individuals, state requirements for adding endorsements varies greatly, and SNHU does not guarantee that the completion of the MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) will result in rank, endorsements and/or salary increases and strongly encourages interested individuals to contact their state licensure board prior to enrolling.
Learn from instructors with industry experience
Our faculty members bring with them decades of knowledge and experience in teaching English as a second language, which informs the development of SNHU’s courses and curriculum. They look forward to supporting your journey in the classroom and as you work toward a career in your field.
Rita Naughton
Position
Associate Professor, Coordinator (World Languages)
Joined SNHU
2012
Education
- PhD in Intercultural Communication from Biola University
- MEd in Secondary English, Middle School English and English as a Second Language from the University of Massachusetts-Lowell
- BA in English and Spanish from the University of Massachusetts-Lowell
Dr. Rita Naughton began at SNHU as an adjunct professor in the ESL program. Her other recent teaching posts have been at the University of Massachusetts on both the Boston and Lowell campuses. Her research interests include the intersection of literary and language capacity, which is reflected in her doctoral dissertation, "Metacognition, Writing Strategies and Learning Styles in the ESL College Writing Classroom." Naughton carries New Hampshire certifications in English Education (5-12) and English for Speakers of Other Languages. She is a native speaker of Portuguese and has taught Spanish at the high school and college levels.
Lleij Schwartz
Position
Associate Professor, Department Chair (ILE)
Joined SNHU
2008
Education
- MA in Teaching in English and English as a Second Language from the University of New Hampshire
- BA in Humanities from the University of New Hampshire
Lleij Schwartz joined SNHU in 2008 as an adjunct professor and transitioned to serving as a visiting assistant professor of TESOL before becoming an associate professor. He teaches courses such as English for Academic Purposes (EAP) and American Culture in the Intensive English Program (IEP). His research interests include intensive English programs, TESOL in higher education, educational leadership in TESOL, needs analysis and second language acquisition and adult learners.
To learn more about SNHU faculty, visit our campus faculty page.
Campus major courses
You’ll take major courses that provide you with a solid foundation in your area of study – in some cases featuring experiential or project-based learning opportunities, labs, simulations and internships. These courses will allow you to learn a wide variety of topics and help prepare you for a role in your desired field.
Courses may include:
Visit the course catalog to view the full MA in Teaching English as a Second or Other Language curriculum.
Can't wait? You don't have to!
Whether you’re looking to continue your education locally or traveling across the world to experience SNHU, you can apply now. We can’t wait to meet you!
Career Outlook What can I do with a TESOL degree?
In the field of teaching English to speakers of other languages, there are many ways to connect with learners. You could go on to work in the U.S. or abroad, either in the private or public education sector. However, if you don't feel called to the classroom, there are also opportunities available working with immigrant and refugee organizations, corporate training and more.
Career paths include:
- English educator
- Materials writer
- Curriculum specialist
- Private tutor
Openings projected each year for adult basic and secondary education and ESL teacher occupations through 2033, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).1
Median annual salary for adult basic and secondary education and ESL teacher occupations in May 2023, according to the BLS.1
Understanding the numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors—like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.
Campus Student Experience So, what's it like taking classes on campus?
Our campus-based TESOL master's program consists of 6 core courses (18 credits) with students having the ability to pursue an additional 4 elective courses and 4 courses in a specialization track (36 total credits). The specialization tracks offered include ESL/EFL teaching, digital language learning and English language program management. The degree program is offered over three semesters and can be completed within 18 months of full-time study.
In addition to your courses, you can get involved by observing classes in-person at educational institutions throughout southern New Hampshire. You can also expand your horizons by joining virtually with partners such as the International Institute of New England and SNHU’s Center for New Americans. Plus, you can take advantage of global opportunities, like accompanying faculty on a service-learning trip to Okinawa, Japan.
Student support
At SNHU, you'll never have to worry about feeling alone. Here, you’ll have help from your advisors, access to tutoring and office hours, career coaching, and mental health services so you can do your best and feel your best.
Additionally, our Office of Diversity Programs, International Student Services and Campus Accessibility Center make campus an inclusive place for everyone. Visit our Student Services page to learn more about our support offerings.
Small class sizes
With small class sizes, you’ll learn in an environment where professors with real world experience know you by name.
Here, you’re not getting lost in giant lecture halls, but instead, actively participating in thoughtful dialogue where you’re always encouraged to collaborate with your peers and ask questions when they arise.
State-of-the-art facilities
Our 300-acre campus has everything you need. From technology-advanced classroom settings to your dorms complete with fitness centers and hangout spots, our goal is to give you the best college experience possible.
Whether you’re learning in a classroom, in a lab, on the field, or in your field, you’ll have what you need to be successful from the moment you wake up to the moment you close your textbooks.
School of Arts, Sciences and Education Learn about the School of Arts, Sciences and Education
From understanding why people behave the way they do, to studying and tackling today's environmental issues, the School of Arts, Sciences and Education serves as an academic hub for creativity, collaboration and learning. Here, you'll have the chance to gain real-world experience through internships, student teaching, lab work and community-based projects. From studying cells under a microscope or analyzing crime scenes to leading a student-teaching session in an elementary classroom, you’ll learn how the world works so you can help make it a better place.
Student teaching opportunities
Inkwell game design studio
State-of-the-art labs
How SNHU makes college affordable
At Southern New Hampshire University, we're on a mission to make high-quality education more accessible with more affordable tuition. With 70+ career-focused majors, state-of-the-art facilities, D2 sports and over 70 student clubs and organizations, you can get the campus experience you've always dreamed of at a more affordable price.
Fill out the FAFSA to see if you’re eligible for grants or work-study. (You could also be offered loans, though you’ll have to pay those back later.)
Transfer credits toward your master's degree program at SNHU. If you’ve taken one course or many, we’ll evaluate them for you.
Getting free money for college – from SNHU or an outside organization – could help you save hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Hear from us
Our students participate in collaborations, cultural events, and campus activities that further enrich their academic experience at SNHU. It is wonderful to witness their excitement on their graduation day.
Rita Naughton, Associate Professor, Coordinator (World Languages)
Accreditations
SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs.
Sources & Citations
1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/adult-literacy-and-ged-teachers.htm (viewed Oct. 11, 2024). Cited projections may not reflect local or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.
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