TESOL Online: Master’s in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages at Florida State University

Florida State University (FSU)’s online Master’s in TESOL equips educators with cutting-edge skills in ESL/EFL teaching, language assessment, and program administration. With flexible, affordable options and expert faculty, the program prepares graduates for global career opportunities or advanced academic pursuits.


Earn your Master’s in TESOL online at FSU. Flexible, affordable, and prestigious program for aspiring ESL/EFL educators worldwide.
Earn your Master’s in TESOL online at FSU. Flexible, affordable, and prestigious program for aspiring ESL/EFL educators worldwide.


Program Overview

Florida State University (FSU) offers an online Master’s in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) program, designed to equip educators with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the fields of language teaching and education. This program is ideal for both pre-service and current teachers of English as a Second Language (ESL) or English as a Foreign Language (EFL).

With a focus on both theoretical foundations and practical applications, the program incorporates the latest advancements in language teaching, preparing graduates for dynamic roles in ESL/EFL education, language assessment, teacher training, curriculum design, program administration, and publishing. For those aspiring to further their academic careers, the program provides a strong foundation for pursuing doctoral studies in Second Language Education or Applied Linguistics.

The TESOL program is led by world-class faculty whose expertise includes second language acquisition, task-based teaching, research methodologies, and learner differences. Students completing the program are also eligible to earn a Graduate Certificate in TESOL at no additional cost.


Program Highlights

  • Flexible: Fully online with options for full-time or part-time study, allowing students to balance education with other commitments.
  • Affordable: Among the most competitively priced programs in the country.
  • Personalized: Tailored to align with individual interests and career aspirations.
  • Prestigious: Taught by award-winning professors at a globally recognized institution.

FSU also offers on-campus graduate programs for those interested in teaching additional languages such as Spanish, Italian, or German through its Foreign and Second Language Education department.


Admission Requirements

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, candidates must meet the following requirements:

  1. Bachelor’s Degree

    • A degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or an equivalent international institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in upper-division coursework.
  2. GRE Scores

    • Official scores from the GRE are required, with target scores of:
      • Verbal: 146+
      • Quantitative: 140+
    • GRE requirements may be waived if one of the following conditions is met:
      • At least three years of professional teaching experience with documented evidence of “Effective” or “Highly Effective” teacher evaluations.
      • Successful completion of six graduate credit hours in FSU’s Curriculum and Instruction (C&I) program with a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
      • Passing the General Knowledge Test of the Florida Teacher Certification Exam or an equivalent state certification exam.
    • Note: GRE requirements are waived for all master’s and specialist programs through Fall 2026.
  3. Language Proficiency (International Students)

    • International applicants must submit scores from one of the following tests:
      • TOEFL: Minimum 80
      • IELTS: Minimum 6.5
      • Duolingo: Minimum 120
      • Other accepted exams: MELAB, Cambridge C1 Advanced Level, or Michigan Language Assessment.
  4. Supporting Documents
    Applicants must upload the following to the Admissions Portal:

    • Statement of Purpose: A one-page essay outlining qualifications, career goals, and reasons for pursuing the degree.
    • Letters of Recommendation: Two required.
    • Resume/CV: A one-page summary of relevant experience and achievements.
    • Writing Sample: An academic or published paper.
  5. Transcripts

    • Official transcripts from all institutions attended must be submitted.
    • For international applicants, a credential evaluation is required through a NACES-approved evaluator, such as SpanTran.

Deadlines

  • Fall Admission: July 1
  • Spring Admission: November 1
  • Summer Admission: March 1


Course and Degree Requirements

The TESOL program requires 33 credit hours, which include:

Core Courses (24 Credit Hours)

  • TSL 5345: Methodologies for Teaching Foreign and Second Languages
  • TSL 5351: Form-Focused Instruction
  • TSL 5440: Language Testing and Evaluation
  • TSL 5660: Introduction to Second Language Acquisition
  • TSL 5944: Foreign and Second Language Education in Practice
  • TSL 6641: Research Issues and Designs in Second Language Education
  • TSL 6665: Instructed Second Language Acquisition
  • TSL 6371: Task-Based Language Learning and Teaching
  • TSL 8966: Master’s Comprehensive Exam (0 credit hours)

Elective Courses (9 Credit Hours)

Students can choose from a range of electives, such as:

  • TSL 6661: Individual Differences and the Psychology of the Language Learner
  • TSL 5142: Development of Foreign/Second Language Curriculum and Materials
  • TSL 5350: Pedagogical Grammar for Foreign and Second Language Teachers
  • TSL 5940: Field Laboratory Internship
  • TSL 5930: Seminar on Current Issues in Teaching Second Languages


Tuition and Financial Aid

FSU offers some of the lowest tuition rates in the country, along with various scholarships and financial aid opportunities. Visit the Tuition and Fees page for more information.


Career Opportunities

Graduates of the TESOL program are in high demand globally. Potential career paths include:

  • Teaching ESL or EFL in schools, universities, and private institutions.
  • Developing curriculum and instructional materials.
  • Conducting language assessments.
  • Training future language teachers.
  • Managing language education programs.
  • Consulting in language education or working in educational publishing.

The program is designed to empower educators to make a meaningful impact in the lives of their students and in the broader field of language education.


About the College

FSU’s Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences is the oldest of its kind in Florida. It houses six academic departments, research centers, and laboratory schools, all dedicated to advancing education and human potential. Renamed in 2024 in honor of alumna Anne Spencer Daves, the college continues to provide innovative, high-quality education programs.

For more information, visit the FSU Graduate School Website.


How to Apply

Ready to start your journey?

Submit your application and supporting documents before the relevant deadline!


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