Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

When you are ready to apply, you can create an online application. Please plan to spend about 10 - 15 minutes completing the application. You can create the application and return to the platform in the future to submit it if you require additional time. You should be prepared to answer a series of questions pertaining to your biographical information, program of interest, and educational/ work background. Additionally, you will be required to enter the names and contact information for two references. As part of the application process, you will be required to submit all official college transcripts (sent directly from your institutions), two recommendations (submitted directly from your references who will receive a unique email link), a personal statement, resume, and test scores (required for programs leading to state certification). Please note, you may submit the online application prior to submitting the required supplemental materials. For any questions about the online application please contact Fairfield University Graduate Admission.

Applications are processed on a rolling basis; however, they need to be submitted at least two weeks before the start of the semester or summer session to be processed in time for the semester.

For master's, PRAXIS Core Academic Skills for Educators tests (formerly PRAXIS I) (PPST) or waiver, minimum GPA of 2.67, 2 letters of recommendation, résumé. Additional exam requirements/recommendations for international students: Required - TOEFL (A TOEFL composite score of 550 for the paper test, 213 for the computer-based, or 84 on the Internet-based test (iBT) with a minimum score of 21 in reading and 23 in writing).

Our Office of Graduate Admissions is available to explain the application requirements and to help you get your application together. You may contact them by submitting a request for information or by phoning (203) 254-4184 or toll-free (888) 488-6840.

Most of our courses are offered from Monday-Thursday in the late afternoon and evening. A few courses are offered online. We also offer summer courses from late May through early August.

If you are interested in taking a course as a non-degree/ visiting student, please contact the Office of Graduate Admission at gradadmis@fairfield.edu for more information.

Courses include topics such as bilingualism, the role of culture in language acquisition, theories of learning, second language methods of teaching, curriculum and materials development, linguistics, and assessment of English language learners.

We keep our classes small. The typical maximum class size is 20, but class sizes range from 6 to 20.

Our students come from a variety of undergraduate backgrounds and have majored in a wide variety of disciplines. The Program Director reviews the applicant's transcripts and identifies what courses, if any, the applicant needs in order to be admitted to the program.

Students who attend full-time take 9 credits each Fall and Spring semester and up to 9 credits in the summer sessions. For full-time students, the program can be completed in about 2 years. For students who attend part-time, the time will vary based on how many courses are taken at a time. Students are required, however, to complete their degree within 6 years after they begin their first course.

Our Office of Financial Aid can best answer that question for you. You may reach them by phoning (203) 254-4125 or by emailing them, and you can visit the Office of Financial Aid page.

Our graduate assistantships provide tuition credit for work. Please see the information noted on the website regarding available positions. Additionally, there may be an opportunity to do an internship in a public school and earn up to $15,000 toward tuition. Email the internship director for additional information.