TEFL/TESL Graduate Program
Teaching English as a Foreign/Second Language
There are two options for pursuing graduate study in Teaching English as a Foreign/Second Language (TEFL/TESL) in the Department of English. One option is the M.A. in English with a graduate curriculum exclusively focused on TEFL/TESL. A second option is a graduate certificate in TESOL Education.
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M.A. in English – Teaching English as a Foreign/Second Language
The TEFL/TESL graduate program offers a professional degree that is designed to enable graduate students to teach English as a foreign or second language, evaluate the relative utility and validity of diverse teaching methodologies and assessment procedures, adapt and/or develop materials for unique teaching/learning situations, evaluate recent research in applied linguistics and its relevance to EFL/ESL teaching and learning, and assist in the supervision of classroom teachers and in the administration of EFL/ESL programs.
The program offers numerous benefits for students, such as a low faculty-to-student ratio ensuring personal interaction, a diverse student population, multiple opportunities for formal supervised teaching, internships, and assistantships, a collaborative partnership with PLACE (an intensive English language program), and participation in the TEFL/TESL Student Association.
Students who complete our program often pursue careers as ESL teachers (within the US and abroad), language program administrators, materials developers for publishing companies, assessment specialists, translators, and linguists. Others continue their education in doctoral programs.
Please note, this degree is for TEFL/TESL. If you are interested in English Education (teaching English language arts), you can find that degree program here.
Funding Opportunity
Graduate Teaching Assistantship
Graduate Teaching Assistants in the English department receive nationally recognized training in the art of teaching writing and rhetoric. As instructors of the University Composition Program, GTAs prepare students to write, research, and design documents across audiences, genres, and contexts.
Typically, students awarded GTAships serve as instructors in the first-year composition course, CO 150: College Composition. In some cases, they serve as research assistants or support assistants. A limited number of assistantships at PLACE are available for TEFL/TESL students.
The assistantship positions are limited and awarded on a competitive basis to begin in the fall semester. These positions pay a monthly stipend and cover resident or non-resident tuition for first-year GTAs and resident tuition for second- and third-year GTAs.
Interested in a graduate teaching assistantship?
Graduate Certificate in TESOL Education
The Graduate Certificate in TESOL Education provides graduates with practical, theoretical, and critical knowledge of the English language and of methods for teaching it in various social and academic settings. The program features a comprehensive understanding of the form and communicative functions of English, combined with both general and skill-specific (reading, writing, listening, speaking) pedagogical theories and applications.
To obtain the certificate, students must complete 15.0 credits of graduate-level TEFL/TESL courses. The required 3.0 credit courses include: Theories of Foreign/Second Language Learning; Teaching English as a Foreign/Second Language; Syntax for EFL/ESL; Phonology/Morphology for EFL/ESL; and Professional ESL Teaching: Theory to Practice.
For additional information about the program, please contact Tatiana Nekrasova-Beker at t.nekrasova_beker@colostate.edu.
TEFL/TESL Student Association
You can get involved in the community and exercise leadership skills through the TEFL/TESL Student Association–a CSU registered student organization.
The purpose of the TEFL/TESL Student Association (TTSA) is “to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and raise awareness about the field of TEFL/TESL in the Colorado State University community and the greater Fort Collins community.” Members are active throughout the year arranging social and professional events, and organizing their annual “Advocacy Week” event, which takes place during the spring semester and features a keynote speech from a leading figure in the TESOL field. This event offers students an opportunity to conduct events on and off campus to advocate for the field of TEFL/TESL and English language learners. Past speakers who have delivered talks during this event have been Andrew Cohen, Dana Ferris, Eli Hinkel, Paul Matsuda, Fredricka Stoller, and Bill Van Patten.
To find out more, contact Anthony Becker at tony.becker@colostate.edu.
Faculty
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Anthony Becker
- Associate Professor
- Graduate Coordinator, Dept. of English
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Gerald Delahunty
- Professor
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Fabiola Ehlers-Zavala
- Professor
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Luciana Marques
- Assistant Teaching Professor
- Undergraduate Coordinator
- Linguistics &
- Culture Interdisciplinary Minor Advisor
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Tatiana Nekrasova-Beker
- Associate Professor of Applied Linguistics and TEFL-TESL
Ready to apply?
Review the Graduate School guide to start your application process. Here you will find information about general application requirements, international applicant requirements, how to submit your transcripts, and more.
The MA in TEFL/TESL at CSU is a WICHE Western Regional Graduate Program. Residents of Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming are eligible for in-state tuition.
Ways to apply for free
CSU supports options for students to apply for free as part of our commitment to access. We have options for graduate students to apply for free through fee waivers.
Graduate School Student Handbook
Are you a current student? Quickly access essential academic, professional, and well-being resources, as well as important information about graduate student responsibilities.