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Why Study Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)?

Graduate study in TESOL opens doors to opportunities locally and abroad.

The M.A. TESOL is an internationally-recognized professional credential. It is ideal for individuals planning a career in English language teaching. Holders of the M.A. TESOL work in teaching and leadership roles.

The master’s degree has four options: general, thesis, P-12 certification, and thesis with P-12 certification and can lead to licensure.

At a Glance

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FINANCIAL AID ↓HOW TO APPLY ↓APPLICATION DEADLINES ↓PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS ↓PROGRAM CONTACTS ↓

What Are My Career Options Studying Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)?

Whether you’re seeking certification or want to jump start a change to your career, a TESOL degree from UMBC will give you the options to work in so many different contexts, from early childhood education to adult learners.

Tuition, Scholarships & Financial Aid

Find opportunities to further advance your career and academic studies.

UMBC participates in all federal and state student financial aid programs and offers scholarships and assistantships through the Graduate School, Graduate Departments and the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.

2025–2026 Graduate Cost Calculator Graduate Assistantships Fellowships Funding Your Education

Ready to Apply?

Review Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Requirements

Bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA

Letters of recommendation (three for the MA TESOL; two for the TESOL PBC)

Statement of purpose explaining your interest in the field

Second language speakers of English must submit one of the following scores:

213+ on the computer-based TOEFL* 80+ on the internet-based test TOEFL* 6.5+ on IELTS* 53+ on PTE Academic

Start Your Graduate Admissions Application

Please note that application decisions can take 6-8 weeks after the program’s deadline, and depend on how many applications a department receives. You will receive an email once the department processes your decision letter. You will be able to see your decision letter by logging in to the application website. Your decision letter will be where the application checklist was. You may also check your recommendation statuses to send reminders or update contact information from the user page. If you are having trouble logging back in, you can recover your account.

Have Questions?

Please contact the appropriate Graduate School staff member for assistance, or contact our Main Office at gradschool@umbc.edu or 410-455-2537.

Application Deadlines

Fall Semester

Domestic Students:
Apply by August 1

International Students:
Apply by April 1

Spring Semester

Domestic Students:
Apply by January 1

International Students:
Apply by November 1

Summer Semester

Domestic Students:
Apply (for Domestic Applicants Only) by June 1

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Contact Information

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Program Contacts

Main Contact

410-455-6579
tesol@umbc.edu

Program Director

Dr. Francis M. Hult
fmhult@umbc.edu

Program Coordinator - Online/Off-Campus

Mary Tabaa
443-278-3096
tabaa@umbc.edu

UMBC Graduate School Admissions Office Contact Information

Mailing Address

UMBC Graduate School
1000 Hilltop Circle Baltimore, MD 21250

Admissions Staff

Staff are available from
Mon - Fri, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 410-455-2537

Request Help

Email Graduate Admissions at gradschool@umbc.edu.

Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages