Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology

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

• Terms: Fall
• Length: 1 year
• Location(s): Malibu/Calabasas
• Format: Daytime

The 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 of our MA in TESOL degree program will be prepared for a variety of career options in the education and consultancy fields.

Designed for both domestic and international students alike, our MA in TESOL is a full-time residency program that provides students with expertise in second language acquisition, 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 and collaborating in multicultural and multilingual environments. This one-year program culminates in a digital portfolio capstone experience in place of a thesis.

Program Benefits

• Prestigious MA in TESOL program at the #46-ranked university in the US* committed to the highest standards of academic excellence and Christian values.
• Pepperdine's Graduate School of Education and Psychology generously offers $5,500,000 in scholarships every year, with the majority of students receiving some form of financial assistance.
• No GRE or any other standardized tests required. We offer an equitable admission process that considers your ability and commitment to succeed rather than test scores.
• Doctoral pathway courses within the program curriculum.
• Classes are held at the Calabasas and Malibu campuses. The Malibu campus sits on 830 acres and overlooks the Pacific Ocean with nearly every spot on campus featuring stunning views of the ocean. Pepperdine is consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful places to study.
• Access to graduate student housing and amenities at our scenic Malibu campus.
• Nationally recognized faculty of scholar-practitioners with exemplary academic achievements, professional expertise, educational experience, and scholarly credentials.
• Small class sizes and a low faculty: student ratio provide a supportive learning environment, meaningful student-faculty interactions, and long-term professional and personal relationships.
• Cohort model designed to build upon leadership skills, peer support, and lifelong relationships with colleagues.
• Opportunities for continued participation in professional organizations and conferences.
• The extensive Pepperdine alumni network creates influential business connections with more than 110,000 professionals.
• Relevant and emerging field with strong projected employment growth and attractive earning potential.
• Career Services Center is dedicated exclusively to the field of education to support professional advancement.