Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) & TESOL/Spanish (M.A.)

For International Students

  • On campus

The master's program in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)/Applied Linguistics offers a challenging educational experience to help students meet their professional and scholarly goals. The program combines theoretical understanding with practical applications and prepares students for both teaching and non-teaching positions in today's world. Our faculty are nationally and internationally known and are strong scholars and teachers. Generally, the equivalent of two years of full-time study is required to complete the program, and students may choose to undertake either a thesis or non-thesis track.

The master's program in TESOL/Spanish is also offered and combines coursework in the theory and teaching of language with a concentration on English and another language. This program requires proficiency in the other language and is available on the non-thesis option only.

Areas of Concentration Currently Available:

  • TESOL
  • TESOL/Spanish

Admission Requirements:

  • International Application for Admission
  • All post-secondary official transcripts sent directly from your current and/or all prior academic institutions that you have attended to the Office of Admissions at the mailing address listed below.
    • Mailing Address:
      • University of Northern Iowa
      • International Graduate Admissions
      • 002 Gilchrist Hall
      • Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0018
  • Minimum undergraduate grade point average of a 2.75 on a 4.0 point scale
  • Official TOEFL score of (100), IELTS score of (7.0), or Duolingo score of (120) to be considered for full admissions
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Provisional admission possible for students not meeting TOEFL/IELTS minimum score
  • For TESOL/Spanish only: statement of purpose written in Spanish
  • For TESOL/Spanish only: writing sample
  • Applicant statement addressing the professional background, motivations for seeking degree and career goals

Application Deadlines:

  • Spring Semester: November 1st
  • Fall Semester: April 1st

Program Duration:

  • 2 Years

Graduate Funding Requirements: