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

Program Overview

The Master of Arts in Teaching - Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages online (MAT-TESOL online) program will equip you to provide systematic and effective language instruction. 

Through this program you will:

• Earn a degree from a school with a strong reputation for quality education
• Take classes online from any location
• Hone your teaching skills by practicing at a school site
• Have the option to complete the program full time or part time

California residents have the option to complete the requirements to be recommended for a California World Languages: Languages Other Than English preliminary teaching credential with the addition of four units.

Curriculum

The MAT-TESOL online program curriculum meets three learning goals designed to support your understanding of important concepts and mastery of teaching skills. 

Online Learning Experience

The online learning experience blends interaction with fellow students and faculty during scheduled weekly live class sessions and coursework assignments completed on your own time. Live class sessions are facilitated by faculty and include highly interactive discussions, and frequent collaborative small-group breakout discussions.

Fieldwork

To support your development as a teacher, you will practice applying theories and instructional methods by conducting observations and tutoring or teaching in a variety of learning environments. Beginning in the second semester of the program, you will complete fieldwork under the mentorship of an experienced teacher at a school site near where you live. Your school placement will be approximately four hours a week during regular school hours. 

As you film your teaching experiences and upload the videos for evaluation and discussion, you will gain supportive feedback on your practice as well as insights from faculty and classmates. You will be encouraged to take risks, try new teaching strategies and sharpen your teaching skills in a supportive environment.

Credential Track

If you meet eligibility requirements and reside in the state of California, you may optionally pursue a California preliminary single subject teaching credential in World Languages: Languages Other Than English (LOTE). Individuals with a LOTE teaching credential are qualified to teach a specific language (Mandarin, Spanish, French, etc.) as a world language in K-12 California public school classrooms.

In order to be recommended to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC)  for a California preliminary teaching credential, you must fulfill a series of requirements. These requirements include:

• The basic skills and subject matter requirements (the subject matter requirement will test your fluency in the language you want to teach) 
• Student teaching in semesters two and three* for four full days every week (you may need to travel more than 20 miles to complete additional student teaching at an eligible site)
• An additional four units and one additional semester of study

If you plan to work in another state, contact the state directly to identify any alternate requirements.

If you are admitted, you will receive more information about how to apply to the credential track during your first semester in the program.

_{*If you complete the program part-time, talk with your academic advisor about your specific student teaching schedule.}

Scholarships

As an applicant, you will be automatically considered for a $5,000 scholarship. There is no need to submit a separate application for this scholarship. Recipients are selected based on academic achievement, demonstrated dedication to the USC Rossier mission and other distinguishing characteristics. All USC scholarships are awarded at the time of admission.

View USC Rossier’s scholarship finder to identify other scholarships and funding opportunities. You do not have to be admitted to apply to these scholarships. Carefully note the scholarship application deadlines, which may occur before the final program application deadline.

Financial Aid

The USC Office of Student Financial Aid provides information regarding various types of financial aid and financing options.

To be considered for financial aid, you must apply for the FAFSA. After you apply, the financial aid office will determine your financial need and inform you of the federal or private loans that are available to you.

Career Outcomes

Graduates of the MAT-TESOL online program are employed in a variety of roles, including:

• International English Language Teacher
• United States ESL Teacher 
• College- or University-level Language Instructor
• Private English Tutor
• English Language Program Administrator
• Education Consultant for International Students
• Curriculum Developer
• Editor of English Language Materials
• Online English Language Business Developer
• Foreign Language Teacher