MA

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

Format & Location

Hybrid

Video Poster

Start Dates

Fall (September), Spring (January), Summer (May)

Application Deadline

Rolling Admission

Completion

24 months

Schedule

Full-Time or Part-Time

Attend a Virtual Information Session Check for Upcoming Dates

Fairfield offers programs in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) to prepare prospective and practicing teachers to educate K-12 students who are learning English as a second or additional language.

What You'll Learn and Do

Follow the path that works for you

Students in Fairfield's TESOL program can choose from different tracks meant for graduates to become K-12 teachers, practicing teachers seeking cross-endorsement, and candidates interested in TESOL for adults.

Graduate with a bright future ahead

While TESOL program graduates can choose to work as TESOL teachers in grades K-12, they will also be prepared to teach overseas or in adult education. With a Master of Arts in TESOL from Fairfield, the possibilities are endless.

Earn a degree from NCATE and TESOL-accredited university

Students in Fairfield's TESOL program can choose from different tracks meant for graduates to become K-12 teachers, practicing teachers seeking cross-endorsement, and candidates interested in TESOL for adults.

Get hands-on experience

TESOL practicum and student teaching include an 8-week elementary placement and an 8-week secondary placement. Students will benefit from the network of experienced teachers, newly certified teachers, and administrators– many of which being Fairfield graduates– who share their knowledge and expertise at local and regional meetings.

Accreditation

CAEP

Digital Equity and Transformation Network Member

The School of Education and Human Development is currently accredited by NCATE, currently known as CAEP, the largest accrediting body for educator preparation providers, through December 2028. The School of Education and Human Development is undergoing a CAEP self-study to extend accreditation.

Learn More

Learn From Industry Experts

Our caring and committed faculty offer a rigorous course of study, with a broad range of courses that integrate critical reflection, extensive field experience, and the most current research in the field of TESOL and bilingual education.

View All Faculty

Anne Campbell
Associate Professor, Education
Michael Camporiale
University Supervisor, Adjunct Instructor

Admission Information

From your first admission conversation to graduation and beyond, you'll find support at every turn. The Fairfield University student support network is dedicated to meeting your needs. You'll receive personal, academic, and financial guidance as you complete your Master of Arts degree in TESOL.

Admission Requirements

Tuition & Costs

Financial Aid

Career Outlook

Fairfield's TESOL program graduates are in high demand in Connecticut and throughout the region. The comprehensive curriculum and field placements prepare candidates to work as TESOL teachers in grades K-12.

Local Partners

Partner Districts

  • Bridgeport
  • Danbury
  • Greenwich
  • Norwalk
  • Stamford
  • Stratford

Recent Employers

  • Danbury Public Schools
  • Norwalk Public Schools
  • Redding Public Schools
  • Stamford Board of Education
  • Private Family

Going on my eleventh year of teaching ESL at Danbury High School, I continue to draw from the strong educational foundation I received at Fairfield University. My students mean everything to me and I enjoy developing new experiences for them, including a student-led multilingual book club and college campus visits.

Soraya Bilbao MA’14

Image of Soraya Bilbao

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

View the full application requirements page for details.

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.

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.

Additionally, explore Graduate Financial Aid for more details.

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