Master of Arts in TESOL
A PATH TO BECOMING A CONFIDENT, INNOVATIVE, AND REFLECTIVE LANGUAGE EDUCATOR
Hawaiʻi Pacific University's Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) prepares graduates to teach as well as to use their knowledge of second language acquisition to critically evaluate classroom practices and creatively implement curricular and programmatic innovations. HPU MA TESOL graduates are expert language educators who are highly valued in the U.S. and around the world in teaching positions for English and other languages. An HPU MA TESOL degree also opens the door to diverse career paths in international education such as program development and administration, educational assessment and publishing, teacher education, curriculum development, cross-cultural experiences, student support services, immigration services, and fields where language education skills are an asset.
The MA TESOL and the Graduate TESOL Certificate are offered in two tracks: in-person and online (synchronous). Courses are offered mainly in the fall and spring semesters, with additional offerings available in the summer.
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At A Glance
Class Settings
- On Campus / Evening
- Online / Synchronous
Start Dates
- Fall Entry: August
- Spring Entry: January
COURSE INFORMATION
- 36 Credits
- Complete in 21 Months Full Time
TUITION
All costs can be found at hpu.edu/costs.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
- $55 app fee
- Official transcript/s (bachelor’s degree or higher)
- Resume
- International Students: English Entry Level Requirement
Optional
- Statement of Purpose essay
- One letter of recommendation
Student Experiences
This video introduces HPU's MA TESOL student experience, including the program’s small-class learning environment, applied linguistics focus, practicum-based teacher preparation, and pathways in language education. Students should watch this video to understand how the program connects coursework, faculty mentorship, teaching practice, and the broader TESOL community at HPU.
in-person or online synchronous
Learn By Doing with Practicum Experience
The HPU TESOL program has a well-deserved reputation for its practical, hands-on approach to language teacher development. Nearly all TESOL students take two practicum courses. In the first, they observe language classes in a variety of settings both on and off campus. In the second, they serve as assistant or autonomous student teachers. In addition, TESOL students often work as student tutors in HPU’s Center for Academic Success, assisting other students with English, world languages, math, and other subjects. They also find both paid and volunteer opportunities for professional development off-campus. Literacy programs, language centers, and public schools are all located within easy walking distance or a short bus ride of HPU classrooms.
Program length: 36 credit hours or 12 semester-courses (1 prerequisite course) - typically completed in 2 years
Curriculum & Courses Tailored to Career Pathways
The MA TESOL curriculum prepares students through applied linguistics, second language acquisition, teaching methods, pronunciation, grammar, reading and writing, listening and speaking, assessment, electives, practicum, and capstone work. The program learning outcomes can be framed around ASK:
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Attitudes of a professional: Towards Colleagues and students, MA holders will demonstrate teamwork and sensitivity. Towards the discipline, MA holders will demonstrate a spirit of inquiry, critical thinking, and reflection. Towards the global community, MA holders will demonstrate cultural sensitivity and global citizenship.
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Skills in spoken and written communication, in academic and pedagogical research, and in teaching including materials development and lesson planning, delivery, management, and assessment.
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Knowledge of the major subfields of linguistics, the theories of a second language acquisition, and the principles of language teaching methods: MA holders will be able to articulate their own philosophy of language teaching, explaining the principles on which it is based.
Full-time enrolled, August entry
Year 1 Fall Semester (9 credits)
Prerequisite: AL 2000 Introduction to Linguistics
- AL 6000 Teaching Second Languages: Theory and Practice
- AL 6110 English Phonology and the Teaching of Pronunciation
- Elective
Year 1 Spring Semester (9 credits)
- AL 6120 English Syntax and the Teaching of Grammar
- AL 6720 Second Language Reading and Writing
- Elective
Year 2 Fall Semester (9 credits)
- AL 6710 Second Language Listening and Speaking
- AL 6961 Practicum I in TESOL
- Elective
Year 2 Spring Semester (6 credits)
- AL 6730 Assessment in TESOL
- AL 7099 Practicum II and Capstone
- Elective
Full-time enrolled, January entry
Year 1 Spring Semester (9 credits)
- AL 6120 English Syntax and the Teaching of Grammar
- AL 6720 Second Language Reading and Writing
- Elective
Year 1 Fall Semester (9 credits)
Prerequisite: AL 2000 Introduction to Linguistics
- AL 6000 Teaching Second Languages: Theory and Practice
- AL 6110 English Phonology and the Teaching of Pronunciation
- Elective
Year 2 Spring Semester (6 credits)
- AL 6730 Assessment in TESOL
- AL 7099 Practicum II and Capstone
- Elective
Year 2 Fall Semester (9 credits)
- AL 6710 Second Language Listening and Speaking
- AL 6961 Practicum I in TESOL
- Elective
Electives Offered
- AL 6140 Discourse Analysis for Language Teachers
- AL 6150 Using Corpora in the Language Classroom
- 6160 Second Language Vocabulary Development
- AL 6320 Language and Society
- AL 6740 Research and Issues in Computer-Assisted Language Learning
- AL 6750 TESOL Materials Development
- AL 6760 Teaching English to Children and Youth
Compare the MA TESOL Degree and Graduate TESOL Certificate
The MA TESOL is a full 36-credit graduate degree designed for students seeking advanced preparation in language education, applied linguistics, practicum experience, and broader professional pathways.
The Graduate Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages is an 18-credit, focused credential built around linguistic theory, pedagogy, and practicum for students seeking targeted TESOL preparation without completing the full master’s degree.
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"The TESOL class sizes are small which lends itself to small interactions and community-building. Also, the more you learn about TESOL, the more you realize it is linked to other fields, widening your perspective even more."
Read Full Story
Yuka Saruwatari (MA TESOL ‘17), an English teacher at Bihoku High School in Japan, developed her connection to Hawai'i Pacific University 10 years ago when she enrolled in a summer workshop with HPU TESOL instructor Jean Kirschenmann, at the Nagoya University of Foreign Studies.
HPU alumna Ryoko Tazawa (MA TESOL, 2011) and TESOL professor Hanh Nguyen contributed stories to "The Hawaiʻi Book of Rice: Tales, Trivia, and 101 Recipes" (December 2024, Watermark Publishing), edited by HPU's Graduate TESOL Certificate alumna Cheryl Chee Tsutsumi.
In a recent panel discussion featuring alumni from Hawaiʻi Pacific University's TESOL program, Jay Pacpaco and other HPU TESOL graduates shared their varied and inspiring career trajectories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is HPU’s Master of Arts in TESOL?
A: Hawaiʻi Pacific University’s Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, also known as the HPU MA TESOL, is a graduate program that prepares students to become reflective, innovative, and effective language educators. Students study applied linguistics, second language acquisition, teaching methods, pronunciation, grammar, reading and writing, listening and speaking, assessment, practicum, and capstone work.
Q: What can I do with a Master of Arts in TESOL?
A: A Master of Arts in TESOL can prepare graduates for teaching and language education roles in the U.S. and internationally, as well as career pathways in international education, curriculum development, program administration, teacher education, educational assessment, publishing, student support services, immigration services, and other fields where language education skills are valuable.
Q: Who is the HPU MA TESOL program designed for?
A: The MA TESOL program is designed for current and future language educators, English language teachers, international educators, curriculum developers, teacher trainers, and students interested in applied linguistics and second language acquisition. It may fit students seeking either in-person study in Hawaiʻi or live online synchronous graduate coursework.
Q: Is HPU’s MA TESOL program online or in person?
A: HPU’s MA TESOL is offered in two tracks: in person and online synchronous. Online synchronous courses meet live at scheduled times, so students should confirm class times, time zone expectations, and practicum requirements before enrolling.
Q: How long does it take to complete the HPU MA TESOL program?
A: The MA TESOL program is 36 credits, or 12 semester courses, plus one prerequisite course. Full-time students typically complete the program in about 2 years.
Q: What courses are included in the MA TESOL curriculum?
A: The MA TESOL curriculum includes courses in second language teaching theory and practice, English phonology and pronunciation teaching, English syntax and grammar teaching, second language reading and writing, second language listening and speaking, assessment in TESOL, electives, Practicum I, and Practicum II and Capstone.
Q: Does the MA TESOL program include practicum experience?
A: Yes. Practicum experience is a key part of the HPU TESOL program. Students typically complete two practicum courses: one focused on observing language classes in different settings and another focused on assistant or autonomous student teaching and capstone work.
Q: What is the difference between the MA TESOL and the Graduate TESOL Certificate?
A: The MA TESOL is a 36-credit graduate degree with advanced coursework, electives, practicum, and capstone preparation. The Graduate TESOL Certificate is an 18-credit focused credential in linguistic theory, pedagogy, and practicum for students who want targeted TESOL preparation without completing the full master’s degree.
Q: What are the admissions requirements for HPU’s MA TESOL program?
A: Applicants to the MA TESOL program must submit an application form, the application fee, academic transcripts, and a résumé or CV. The current page lists a statement of purpose essay and one letter of recommendation as optional. International students must meet HPU’s English entry-level requirement.
Q: Is there a prerequisite for the MA TESOL program?
A: Yes. The current sample degree plan lists AL 2000 Introduction to Linguistics as a prerequisite course. Applicants should confirm whether they have already met this prerequisite or whether they need to complete it as part of their program plan.
Q: Does the MA TESOL lead to teacher licensure?
A: The MA TESOL prepares students for language education and TESOL-related career pathways, but licensure requirements vary by state, country, school system, and employer. Students seeking K-12 public school licensure or a specific teaching credential should confirm requirements with the relevant licensing authority before applying.