Master of Arts in TESOL with Initial Certification, Fairfield University

24 Months

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About this course

This program is designed for individuals aiming to gain initial certification in TESOL. It combines education courses with specialized TESOL courses, providing students with foundational and advanced knowledge in teaching English to speakers of other languages. The curriculum includes instructional methods, bilingual education, language acquisition, assessment techniques, and content integration, preparing students for teaching roles in diverse multicultural settings. Additionally, practical components such as supervised student teaching help students gain hands-on experience to meet certification requirements.

Why this course is highly recommended

This course is ideal for those seeking to become certified TESOL educators, especially for non-K-12 contexts. It prepares students with a balanced combination of theoretical knowledge and practical teaching experience, making them well-equipped to handle multicultural classrooms. The program's structured coursework and certification focus, including supervised student teaching, ensure graduates are ready to enter the teaching profession confidently.

Specialisation

The program offers a comprehensive focus on TESOL, covering areas like teaching grammar, bilingualism, language acquisition, and curriculum development. Students can choose between courses such as TSLA 5423 Foundations of Bilingualism and Bilingual Education or TSLA 5467 Language Acquisition, tailoring their learning to specific interests within TESOL and bilingual education fields.

Course fees

Application fees

1st year tuition fees

17.29L

Living cost

Degree requirements

To complete this program, students need to earn 48 credits, which include 12 education credits, 30 TESOL credits, additional certification coursework, and a certification portfolio. The coursework encompasses philosophy of education, educational psychology, technology, research in special education, as well as specific TESOL modules, student teaching, and a capstone seminar. Some coursework may be waived based on prior credits, and language/language study requirements must also be fulfilled.

English language test

IELTS

6.5

PTE

TOEFL

DUOLINGO

105

Want to learn more about the admission process, eligibility criteria, and acceptance rates for international students? Visit the Fairfield University admission page for complete details.

Career prospects

Graduates of this program can pursue careers as TESOL educators in diverse settings, including adult language programs, bilingual education, and other multicultural educational environments. The certification gained through this program prepares students to work in various teaching contexts, especially within the state of Connecticut, where bilingualism and language instruction are emphasized.

FAQs

What are the practicum requirements for this program?

Candidates with no school experience must complete either TSLA 5951 Elementary TESOL/Bilingual Advanced Practicum or TSLA 5952 Secondary TESOL/Bilingual Advanced Practicum, which involves 7-8 weeks in elementary and secondary placements. For TESOL/DSAP candidates, directed observation and student teaching components are included, with a passing grade required.

Are there language study requirements?

Yes, Connecticut requires nine credits of bilingualism/language study, which can include undergraduate courses or CLEP exams for prior learning credits if no formal coursework has been taken.