The MS TESOL is a 33-unit degree that prepares graduates to teach English as a Second Language (ESL) or English as a Foreign Language (EFL). The program is open to both experienced and prospective language educators, domestic or international, who wish to begin or enhance their ESL or EFL career in their home country or abroad. The degree provides an in depth examination of language learning and teaching theories, training in practical language teaching methods, and an introduction to research oriented to the needs and interests of each student. The MS TESOL degree is flexibly designed to accommodate full-time or part-time study and various career objectives while offering significant interaction among a multilingual student population.

Distinctive Benefits

• Strong introduction to theoretical frameworks combined with a focus on practical application
• Development of practical research skills relevant to student needs and future practice
• Integration of technology-enhanced learning and teaching
• Emphasis on professional engagement (CATESOL) and career preparation
• Urban education focus and location provides ideal opportunity to explore global language learning issues - Los Angeles represents the second largest school district in the U.S., where 90 different languages are spoken
• Immediate teaching/tutoring experiences to apply classroom learning through partnerships with USC's Joint Educational Project (JEP) and American Language Institute
• Practicum experience provides opportunity to observe and teach classes under the supervision of an experienced educator
• Strong student support through program staff, faculty, and TESOL/TEFL Society

USC TESOL/TEFL Society

USC MS TESOL students have the opportunity to participate in the USC TESOL/TEFL Society, a dynamic student-run organization that promotes social and intellectual interaction and professional development among students and faculty interested in the fields of TESOL and TEFL.

Career Options

Graduates of the MS TESOL program may be found working in the following capacities:

• Language teachers in public and private schools, colleges, and universities throughout the world
• Teachers in elementary/secondary schools and colleges in the U.S. or in American international schools overseas (primarily U.S. domestic graduates)
• Administrators and directors of ESL/EFL programs
• Founders of new private schools
• Students in doctoral programs in the U.S.
• Curriculum specialists in secondary schools and other educational institutions
• Editors of English language materials
• Consultants to private and governmental education bodies

Admission Requirements

The target undergraduate cumulative GPA is 3.0 or higher, and the target GRE score is at least 1000, verbal and quantitative combined (500 or above in each section and a writing score of 3 or above is most competitive). International applicants must also submit current TOEFL results, with a score of at least 100 iBT or 250 CBT being most competitive. International candidates who are admitted with TOEFL scores below 100/250 will take USC's International Student English Exam (ISE) and may be placed in a course at USC's American Language Institute for development of their English proficiency.

Prospective candidates who do not meet all admission requirements but whose application is otherwise competitive may still be considered eligible for admission and are encouraged to complete the application process. Factors other than standard indicators will be considered such as nature of undergraduate coursework, personal characteristics, communication ability, special talents, significant experience or accomplishments, or compelling professional background or potential.

Program of Study - 33 units

Fall First Year

• EDHP 510 - Introduction to Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
• EDHP 519 - Applied Linguistics: Teaching English Grammar
• Elective

Spring First Year

• EDHP 518 - Applied Linguistics: Teaching American English Pronunciation
• EDHP 521 - Course Design for Language Learning
• Elective

Fall Second Year

• EDHP 511 - Discourse Analysis in the Language Classroom
• EDUC 527 - Assessment in the Language Classroom
• EDHP 593a - Master's Seminar OR
• EDHP 594a - Master's Thesis

Spring Second Year

• EDHP 593b - Master's Seminar OR
• EDHP 594b - Master's Thesis
• EDHP 588 - Practicum in Second Language Teaching
• Elective

Elective Courses (students may select from the following list):

• EDHP 502 -Administration of Higher Education
• EDUC 537 -Methods in Bilingual Education and in Teaching English as a Second Language
• EDHP 585a/b - English for Academic Purposes (recommended if below 100/250 TOEFL)
• EDHP 586 - Teaching Reading and Writing in a Second Language for the Literate Student
• EDPT 510 - Human Learning
• EDUC 503 - Teaching and Learning in U.S. Schools
• EDUC 538 - Curricula and Cultural Pluralism