Admission

Take the next step toward your career goals. Learn key information about the USC Rossier admission process and application requirements for the Master of Arts in Teaching- Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages online program.

Prerequisites

In order to apply for this program, you must have a bachelor’s degree, or equivalent, from a college or university that is regionally accredited or recognized by a ministry of education. The institution must have been accredited at the time your degree was conferred.

For the credential track: 

Note regarding felonies and misdemeanors: To obtain a teaching credential, the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) requires credential applicants to disclose convictions of a felony or misdemeanor. While a felony or misdemeanor will not necessarily prevent you from being admitted to the credential track, you may not be eligible to participate in student teaching, which is a requirement of the credential track.


Note regarding international students: To complete student teaching requirements for the credential, international students must reside in or relocate to a state in which USC Rossier is authorized to operate. To complete teaching credential requirements, you must obtain a Social Security number (SSN) from the United States Social Security Administration. Contact the Office of International Services for assistance. 

Deadlines

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, but we encourage you to apply early. Early applicants are eligible for an application fee waiver or reduction. 

Fall 2024

Program Start Date: Week of August 26, 2024

Deadline Date
Early Action Deadline May 10, 2024
Priority Submit Deadline* May 24, 2024
Final Submit Deadline June 3, 2024

*If you have attended any institution outside of the United States, it is strongly recommended that you submit all materials by the Priority Deadline.

Application Components

All items must be completed and submitted before the final application deadline, including official transcripts and letters of recommendation.

If you need accommodation for any part of the application process, please contact the Office of Admission and Scholarships at rsoeadm@rossier.usc.edu. We encourage you to submit your request for accommodation at least two weeks before the accommodation is needed so our team can make necessary arrangements.

Online Application

The online application includes questions about your personal, academic and professional background.

Essays

Essay responses will be used to evaluate your personal, professional and educational perspectives and experiences and the ability to effectively communicate ideas and organize written thoughts. 

Personal Statement – 500 words or less

The USC Rossier Master of Arts in Teaching—Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (MAT–TESOL) program is committed to equipping teachers to provide language instruction of the highest quality with a deep commitment to student learning. We also prepare our graduates to identify and help address opportunity gaps and injustices related to languages and language learners around the world.

Reflecting on the goals of the MAT-TESOL program as described above, explain why this program aligns with your personal and professional goals and values (a total length of 500 words or less for the entire statement).

Optional Essay – 250 words or less

To aid the admission committee in evaluating your application, use this essay to discuss anything in your academic and/or professional history that may require additional explanation. This essay is optional.

Employment Information

You will be asked to provide information about past employment and upload your most current resume or curriculum vitae (CV).

Letters of Recommendation

You are required to submit two letters of recommendation from supervisors and/or, former instructors/faculty who can comment on your contributions in the workplace, leadership skills, commitment to life-long learning and ability to perform well in graduate-level coursework.

Transcripts

Many schools issue transcripts electronically. If this option is available to you, please specify that your encrypted transcript(s) be sent to applicationservices@rossieronline.usc.edu. This will expedite the delivery of your transcript(s) and the completion of your application.

Sealed, official academic transcripts must be sent directly from all postsecondary institutions you attended, including community college, to:

University of Southern California (USC)
Application Processing Center
USC Rossier
PO Box 30096 024-003
College Station, TX 77842

Please note: To be considered an official transcript, the transcript must be sent directly from your institution(s) or through an electronic transcript vendor retained by that institution. Transcripts submitted by enrolled or prospective students are considered unofficial documents, even if they are in a sealed envelope provided to you by the issuing university.

Application Fee

The USC application fee is $90; however, you are eligible to pay a reduced fee when you apply early.

Additional Requirements for International Applicants

USC Rossier welcomes international applicants. If your prior study was completed outside of the United States, you must have earned the equivalent of a United States bachelor’s degree to be eligible for admission. View the international application requirements based on your country of study

International students whose native language is not English and who completed their undergraduate work outside of the United States are required to demonstrate proficiency in English as part of the application process. USC does not waive the English proficiency requirement for graduate degree(s) earned in the United States or other qualifying countries; requirements are based on the completion of undergraduate studies. For more information on English Proficiency requirements, English-language test waivers and other alternate accepted exams, please visit the USC Graduate Admission English-Language Proficiency page.

Note: if you have attended any institution outside of the United States, it is strongly recommended that you submit all materials by the priority deadline.

Review Process

Your application to USC Rossier will be evaluated using a holistic review process. Academic preparation, professional work experience, personal achievement and commitment to the USC Rossier mission are each considered. No single attribute or characteristic guarantees admission to USC Rossier. 

We seek applicants who will add to our vibrant learning community and whose goals, values and experiences align with the USC Rossier mission and program goals. We adhere to the university’s non-discrimination policy, and are committed to providing equal opportunity for all students. 

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


 

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Your diploma will read “Master of Art in Teaching, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages”.

No. At USC Rossier, the online and on-campus version of our programs are distinct with separate applications. If you would like to be considered for a program other than the program for which you have been admitted, you will need to reapply to that program.

Yes. We encourage students to work in teaching roles that provide context for their learning. You may also be able to maintain other jobs with flexible schedules during the program.

If you pursue the credential track, you will participate in student teaching in semesters two and three during regular school hours, four days per week, which may make working more challenging.
 

No. This program has one start date per academic year.

There is no minimum GPA required to apply to USC Rossier programs, but competitive applicants typically have a GPA of 3.0 or above. However, GPA is one of many elements evaluated in the admission committee’s comprehensive evaluation of candidates. In the application, you may use the optional essay to discuss anything in your academic and/or professional history that may require additional explanation.

GRE scores are not required, nor accepted for admission at USC Rossier.

Contact

Casey Burford

Casey Burford

Admission Manager, Online Admission