May 19, 2020

Here's Why You Should Earn a Master's in TESOL Online (In California)

Are you interested in teaching, linguistics, or the mechanics of language acquisition?

Are you wondering, "Should I go to grad school?"—and if so, how? Now that the COVID-19 pandemic has forced everyone to adapt to the online modality, there are more options than ever at your fingertips.

The economic shock of the pandemic has many people thinking about their jobs and careers. Although this time can be challenging, it’s also an opportunity to re-think and clarify your career aspirations and goals.

It’s an era in which online graduate programs have a unique gift to offer. A well-established online graduate degree is prepared to continue offering students an excellent education in a remote environment.

If you're wondering — what can I do with a master's in TESOL? — you're in the right place because this may be the perfect time to consider earning a MEd in TESOL, Literacy, and Culture online at the University of San Diego.

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages: What is TESOL?

What is TESOL? What does TESOL stand for?

TESOL stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages and refers to the field and practice

of language instruction for bilingual and multilingual English learners and speakers.

TESOL methodology provides effective instructional tools to support students at every stage of language learning, from pre-kindergarten through adult learning.

The central mission of TESOL is to not only serve by teaching English to speakers of other languages, but to serve as meaningful change-agents for the most marginalized and underserved communities of learners who can attain better opportunities in life through developing proficiency in the English language.

Why Should You Consider Earning a Master’s in TESOL Online?

TESOL jobs are everywhere, and the demand for TESOL instructors is growing as our world becomes more diverse and globalized. People with a master’s degree in TESOL or a TESOL teaching certification are able to find work everywhere in the world, in both formal and informal education environments.

People with a master’s degree in TESOL are able to find work in several career settings, including (but not limited to)

Community colleges
Universities
Adult education centers
Language academies
International schools
PK-12 schools abroad

In all these settings, a master's degree in TESOL either qualifies you to serve as an educator or allows you to better serve in an administrative or support capacity.

Why Choose a Master's in TESOL Online Based in California?

If you are primarily interested in a master's degree in TESOL that is offered online, you may think it doesn't matter where the program is based. You'll be interacting with your peers and professors from anywhere, so who cares where the school is, right?

We think this is a misconceived notion,

especially for a master's in TESOL online program — here's why.

Did you know that almost half of all residents in the United States’ five largest cities are speaking another language at home? In fact, in Los Angeles, this number reaches nearly 60 percent.

The Center for Immigration Studies reports that “Of those who speak a foreign language at home, 25.9 million (39 percent) told the Census Bureau that they speak English less than very well.” The Center for Immigration Studies also states that “in California, 44 percent of school-age (5-17) children speak a foreign language at home.”

California's cities and suburbs are incredibly diverse and are home to many people who are or were originally speakers of other languages beside English. This diversity translates powerfully into our school community in San Diego, where students and professors engage questions of culture and practice in teaching English to speakers of other languages in a richer way.

A master's in TESOL online that is based in California is a great bet if you want to find a program where the school community is also engaged in exploring culture and developing many perspectives.

What Will You Actually Learn in a TESOL Online Program?

Especially if you are just discovering the field of TESOL, it can be tough to imagine what you will be studying and learning in an online master's program in the field. Maybe you have wondered, "Is teaching English to speakers of other languages difficult?" or "What can I do with a master's in TESOL?"

We're here to tell you that a master's in TESOL online

can take you from interested to expert in just two years.

The key thing to understand is that your skill and enjoyment as a teacher depends on learning theory and technique. Your classes will be a blend of conceptual and practical.

Here's a look at the learning outcomes you can expect in the University of San Diego master's in TESOL online program:

Candidates demonstrate specialized field knowledge as they integrate knowledge and technology across content areas and use differing perspectives to engage all learners in critical thinking, creativity and collaborative problem solving related to authentic local and global issues.
Candidates apply theories of learning, instruction, and motivation relating to the cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, physical and moral development of all learners; evidenced by developmentally appropriate and challenging learning experiences implemented in an inclusive learning environment.
Candidates incorporate assessment and technology in their planning and instructional strategies as a means of obtaining continual feedback used to improve student learning, classroom management strategies and pedagogical approaches.
Candidates utilize and generate meaningful research on pedagogical practices, student learning, and educational issues and policies to actively investigate and consider new ideas that will improve teaching and learning and advance the profession.
Candidates explore effective approaches for creating inclusive learning environments that are welcoming and accepting of diverse learners and students with learning differences who, because of gender, language, cultural background, differing ability levels, disabilities, learning approaches and/or socioeconomic status may have academic needs that require varied instructional strategies to ensure their learning.
Candidates engage in critical reflection on how their own frames of reference and potential biases impact expectations for and relationships with learners and their families.

An Inside Look at USD's MEd in TESOL, Literacy, and Culture Online:

At the University of San Diego, the online MEd in TESOL, Literacy, and Culture prepares students to work in adult education settings, such as community colleges, universities, adult education centers, and language academies in the United States and abroad.

USD's online master’s in TESOL offers optional certificate focuses on culture, linguistics, second language acquisition, and methodology of teaching English to adult learners, including alignment with required standards, and a sound understanding of the complexities of working with linguistically and culturally diverse populations.

Graduates from USD’s master’s in TESOL online find meaningful work in their community and around the world, in places ranging from California community colleges to the International School of Panama to the University of Macau. You can explore your ability to make an impact as a teacher of English — while you explore the world.

Hear from Faculty of USD's TESOL Online Program:

“The goal of the USD TESOL online program is to develop thoughtful practitioners, researchers, and leaders in the field who are equipped with a strong theoretical knowledge and pedagogical knowledge to work with students from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds both within the United States and abroad. The uniqueness of our program lies in the fact that our candidates have opportunities to engage in sustained fieldwork and practicum experiences in ESOL classrooms throughout their program of study in order to prepare them for their field. Through this program, our candidates gain a deep sense of awareness and social responsibility to address the unique needs of their students within the diverse contexts in which they serve.” - Dr. Sarina Chugani Molina, Associate Professor

Program Features of USD's master's in TESOL online:

150+ hours of observation, experience, and research
Earn a TESOL Certificate to teach ESL domestically and internationally
International experience requirement built in (Ex. United Kingdom, South Africa, Japan)
Prepares students for leadership and administrative positions
WASC Approved

TESOL Online Program Format:

30 Units
2 Year Completion Time for Online Program

Coursework in the master's degree in TESOL:

Research Design Methodology 2 (3 units)
Cognition and Learning (3 units)
Human Development (3 units)
Language, Literacy and Culture 1 (3 units)
Introduction to the Nature of Language and Linguistic 1 (3 units)
Second Language Acquisition and Development 1 (3 units)
Methods of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages 1 (3 units)
Special Topics in ESL (3 units)
Practicum in TESOL (3 units)
Master's Capstone Seminar (3 units)

Make a Real Difference — Obtain a Master's in TESOL Online at the University of San Diego!

Now is the perfect time to chart a new course for your education and career, all while studying from anywhere in the world in our online program.

Whether you are worried about the long-term effects of COVID or simply want to access the best graduate program from the comfort of your home, our online MEd in TESOL at the University of San Diego is built for you.

If you're ready to obtain a respected master's degree in TESOL at USD, we encourage you to request more information or start your online application today!

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