Please note we are not accepting new applications for the 2024-25 academic year.
With an optional certificate, students prepare to become reflective practitioners who can successfully engage with adult students from diverse cultural, linguistic and socioeconomic backgrounds to ensure their academic success.
2 years completion time for full-time online program
150+
Practicum hours of observation, experience and research for on-campus students
Earn a TESOL Certificate to teach ESL domestically and internationally
Available as a 100% online track OR a 100% in-person track
Program pathways
With over 150 hours of observation, teaching experiences and research practice, students use their classroom experience in the real world. Learn what you can do with a Master's in TESOL and how highly trained TESOL educators can work in settings both in the United States and abroad.
- On-Campus
- Online
The on-campus track is a wonderful option for those interested in studying in San Diego, California full-time, and who prefer more face-to-face engagement with the campus community. It's a great opportunity to connect and network with your cohort and our many graduate student organizations across campus.
TESOL Jobs
Changing lives near and far
The degree opens up opportunities in places ranging from California community colleges to the International School of Panama to the University of Macau. Students have gone on to teach a variety of countries.
The following list includes examples of schools and colleges in which our alumni teach or have taught:
More than a degree
Faculty Spotlight
Dr. Sarina Chugani Molina, Associate Professor
"The goal of the TESOL program at the University of San Diego is to develop thoughtful practitioners, researchers, and leaders in the field who are equipped with 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
Alumni Spotlight
Carli Danaher '18 (MEd), TESOL
My degree from SOLES had everything to do with where I'm at. And not only my degree, but my whole experience at SOLES.
I would get to meet people from all over the world and work with people from different countries and cultures. I thought that that was so exciting, and it really was because half of my classmates were international students. This program is so diverse, and I don’t know how diverse a program in English literature would have been.
The difference between the University of San Diego and my undergraduate school was how prepared I felt to enter the workforce after graduation.
— Carli Danaher '18 (MEd), TESOL
Employer Spotlight
The USD English Language Academy
"As the Academic Coordinator of the English Language Academy, a rigorous English language program at USD, I am always looking for outstanding instructors. Fortunately, I haven't had to look farther than the graduates of the Master's Program in Culture, Literacy and TESOL. Currently, three of the 12 instructors on staff at the English Language Academy are graduates of this program; and in our summer program, over half of the instructors are SOLES graduates. The program's dual focus on theory and practical teaching skills has produced professionals with the passion and knowledge to make a real difference in the lives of our students."
— Deborah Sundmacher, Academic Coordinator, USD English Language Academy
Questions?
Connect with SOLES admissions
You can connect with the SOLES Admissions and Outreach team in a number of ways for more information about our degree programs and certificates