Online MA in TESOL Overview
The MA Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (MA TESOL) program is designed especially for monolingual English-speaking teachers, paraprofessionals, and pre-service teachers who have English Language Learners (ELLs) in their classrooms and want to know how to better serve those students. Educators working with individuals, small groups, or whole classes of ELLs will benefit from this program. Teachers who have a teaching license from the Colorado Department of Education may use this opportunity to seek a Master of Arts in TESOL.
Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
College of Education
100% Online
Delivery Method
$710*
Cost Per Credit
*Approximate In-state
$811*
Cost Per Credit
*Approximate Out-of-state
Priority Application Deadline
Rolling Admissions
Application Deadline
30
Credit Hours
2 Years
Average Completion Time
MA in TESOL Course Overview
This program prepares teachers to better understand and support their students who are learning English as a second or additional language. Courses focus on understanding the stages of language and literacy development as well as methods and materials of instruction and assessment that support multilingual learners. Coursework focusing on the English language strengthens the foundational language knowledge of teachers. Additionally, coursework stresses the importance of family and community engagement for the multilingual students.
Courses are offered on a cohort basis, beginning every even-numbered summer semester.
- CURR 5700 - Introduction to ESL/Multicultural Education
- CURR 5701 - Materials and Methods: Linguistically Diverse/Multicultural Education
- CURR 5702 - Literacy for All Learners
- CURR 5703 - Assessment: Methods, Materials, and Theories for ELLs
- CURR 5704 - Practicum in Language and Literacy
- CURR 5705 - Second Language Acquisition: Capstone
- CURR 5707 - Pro-Seminar: Parent and Community Involvement
- CURR 5713 - Language and Linguistics
- LEAD 5700 - Introduction to Research and Statistics
- CURR 5090 - Master’s Research Project
For details on program coursework, please visit the Academic Catalog.
- CURR 5702: Literacy for All Learners
- This course presents current and emerging philosophies and methods on teaching reading to all learners. It includes a review of materials and strategies for inclusive teaching of reading and writing.
- CURR 5705: Second Language Acquisition Capstone
- This course presents a broad survey of second language acquisition research. It stresses theoretical concerns, research findings and practical applications to teaching second languages, giving emphasis to applied second language acquisition, cultural awareness and social and economic factors that contribute to ELL’s success in schools.
- CURR 5713: Language and Linguistics
- Language and Linguistics presents basic components of language structure and language use, emphasizing relevance for teaching culturally and linguistically diverse students.
Take the First Step
Complete the form on this page to be contacted by an Enrollment Advisor.
Tuition and Fees
At UCCS Online, we strive to keep our tuition costs affordable so that you can get a world-class education that fits your budget. When you earn a degree, you’re not simply getting a diploma — you’re making a lifelong investment in yourself and empowering your future career. We know that affordability is an important factor, and that’s why we’re here to help you explore all of the options available to fund your education.
Our Enrollment Team can answer any of your questions about tuition and financial aid, help you take care of the paperwork, and make sure you’re able to focus on reaching your goals. From financial aid and scholarships to tuition assistance programs, we’ll work with you to find the best way to finance your degree.
Complete the formComplete the form on this page to connect with our Enrollment Team and get more information about tuition, fees, scholarships, and financial aid.
Western Region Graduate Program (WRGP/WICHE)
Students from the following states (Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming and the U.S. Pacific Territories and Freely Associated States) have the opportunity to pay a reduced tuition rate which is currently equal to in-state tuition.
In State Cost Per Credit:
$710
Approximate tuition per credit hour based on the number of credits taken
Out of State Cost Per Credit:
$811
Approximate tuition per credit hour based on the number of credits taken
We know that affordability is an important factor, and that’s why we’re here to help you explore all of the options available to fund your education. Our Enrollment Navigators can answer any of your questions about tuition and financial aid, help you take care of the paperwork, and make sure you’re able to focus on reaching your goals. From financial aid and scholarships to transfer credits and corporate tuition assistance programs, we’ll work with you to find the best way to finance your UCCS Online degree. Complete the formComplete the form on this page to be contacted by an Enrollment Advisor.
Financial aid is available for eligible students to use toward paying educational costs while enrolled in a UCCS Online program. To determine your eligibility and apply for financial aid, you’ll need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). When you submit your FAFSA, you will be considered for three types of aid: grants, work-study, and student loans. To be considered for federal financial aid, you will need to apply early and annually.
- Scholarships | You may be eligible for scholarships at UCCS. We offer many scholarships and grants to students who are ready to earn their degrees and achieve success. Between both UCCS-offered and external scholarships, our students earned more than $10 million in scholarship awards last year alone.
UCCS Online is military-friendly and committed to providing service members and their families with a high-quality education that fits their distinct needs. As a UCCS Online student, you will have access to the UCCS Veteran and Military Affairs, which connects veteran, active duty, reservist, National Guard, and dependent students with fundamental support, services, and resources to ensure academic and professional success. UCCS is a proud home campus to many veteran and military students.
Eligible veteran and military students may use veteran benefits, military tuition assistance, and/or financial aid to pay for their education. Military benefits with UCCS Online include:
- Waived application fee for active duty and veterans
- Military benefits approved program
Connect with our Enrollment NavigatorsConnect with our Enrollment Navigators to learn more about the benefits and financial assistance available to military and veteran students.
All students are automatically opted in to the TAAP program with the choice to opt out. The TAAP program provides all your course materials for one flat fee per credit hour. That means no more time spent searching for, ordering, and paying out of pocket for your own course materials.
Many companies offer tuition assistance benefits as part of their employee compensation program. Generally, these policies determine a set number of credit hours per year that the company will pay for on behalf of the student/employee. Some policies place a cap on eligible tuition dollars and related expenses while others reimburse employees on a per-credit-hour basis. Get in touch with your organization's human resources department to learn more about your educational benefits.
Admissions Information
- Complete the UCCS Graduate Application.
- All applicants (international & domestic) pay the application fee
- Obtain one letter of reference
- Submit one transcript from all institutions of higher education previously attended
- Prepare a career goal statement
- Current résumé (please include relevant paid work and volunteer experience where applicable)
- Complete a background check or provide an unofficial copy of teaching licensure
- Interview with the department faculty member
- Once application materials are in, you will need to interview with a faculty advisor for the program.
**If you have questions about the program before or during the Admissions process, or would like more programmatic information, please contact us at (719) 255-4996 or education@uccs.edu
Career Goal Statement
Please describe why you have applied to your respective program and want to be a professional educator. Please be sure to include personal and professional information that supports this decision. Your statement should be at least two pages in length, double-spaced. Make sure to include your name and the program you are applying to in your goal statement.
Official Transcripts
Domestic students: Have one official transcript of all higher education course work ever completed to date (undergraduate and graduate GPA must be included on transcripts), sent from the institution you attended directly to the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Office of Admissions (electronically or by postal services).
Postal Services:
- UCCS Office of Admissions
1420 Austin Bluffs Parkway
Colorado Springs CO 80918-3733 - Electronically: ugapp@uccs.edu
- For other documents if needed: gradinfo@uccs.edu
Additional Resources for International Applicants:
English Proficiency must be demonstrated by providing evidence of an IELTS score of 6.5 or above, a TOEFL score of 550-(paper-based) or 80-(internet-based).
Applicants with any post-secondary course work from an international higher education institution that is recognized by their country’s Education Ministry must submit a course-by-course foreign degree evaluation by a member of NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services http://www.naces.org/members.htm), AACRAO (http://aacrao.org/) or World Education Services/WES https://www.wes.org/).
The University of Colorado Colorado Springs does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, creed, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status in admission and access to, and treatment and employment in, its educational programs and activities.
UCCS accepts applications throughout the year through a rolling admissions process. However, submitting your application by the preferred deadlines is advisable.
Our stated application deadlines are as follows, but we admit students up to a week before the semester starts. We have also started admitting students mid-semester before Session B begins.
- Fall Semester: August 1
- Spring Semester: November 1
- Summer Semester: May 1
The MA TESOL degree requires 10 courses (30 credit hours).
The first 8 courses (24 semester hours) are applicable to the Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Endorsement (CLDE) through the Colorado Department of Education. The last 2 courses are the core/research classes that complete the MA in TESOL.
- Summer 2025 – June 9, 2025
- Fall 2025 – August 25, 2025
- Spring 2026 – January 20, 2026
Expand Your Opportunities
Earn an education that creates opportunity. Start the admissions process with an enrollment advisor by filling out the form on this page today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We’re here to help. We emphasize to all students that faculty members are here for them. As faculty seek to connect with you, feel free to use their flexible office hours or contact them if you need additional help.
A common barrier to success is time management, especially if you are working a full-time job. The online format offers more flexibility and the opportunity to develop better balance among your commitments, but having a plan for completing your studies each week can help you get on track to success early.
Online courses at the University of Colorado are taught by the same professors that teach in-person classes. This ensures that you are receiving the same education and learning experiences as on-campus students. The primary difference is with the delivery format. Your online courses will all be taught in Canvas, the Learning Management System (LMS). You will be responsible for logging in, accessing course content, and completing any requirements of the course.
The Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) is offered fully online, which means you will not be required to take courses at our campus and there are no on-campus components to this program.