Online and Distance Learning

Programs in TESOL provide you with the skills to teach English to speakers of other languages.  With this training you are well-equipped to travel and experience other cultures, whilst having a rewarding teaching career.  You may not get the biggest salary, but you certainly can get an exciting lifestyle, and learn a lot about the world.

This page tells you more about studying the teaching of English as a second or a foreign language, what's involved, and what the prospects are after graduation. Here you'll also find out about where you can study TESOL online certificates as well as TESOL masters programs online.

Why study programs in TESOL?

Find an online TESOL program or a school near you

"TESOL" stands for "Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages". As the name suggests, it is a specialized branch of education.

Various other phrases have been used to describe the same activity, including most prominently: TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language; and, TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language, sometimes also abbreviated ESL). In practice, there is little difference between ESL, TESL, TEFL and TESOL courses.

So why take programs such as these?  You don't take TESOL or TESL to become rich, that's for sure. But you do get to travel to some interesting places. So if travel and experiencing new cultures are things you like or think you'd like, then a TESOL certificate is the qualification for you. If you want to make a career of TESOL, then you may wish to consider taking a TESOL masters program.

Where can you study programs in TESOL and TESL?

There are several universities that offer programs in TESL and TESOL by distance and online education. Listed below are a few selected schools and programs:

• Anaheim University
  • Certificate in TESOL
  • MA in TESOL

• University of Phoenix Online
  • MA in Education/ESL Education
  • MA in Education / Curriculum and Instruction - ESL

• Grand Canyon University
  • M.Ed. TESOL (Not Eligible for IR / No Cert.)

• JIU - Jones International University Online - Graduate
  • MEd in K-12 English as a Second Language Education
  • MEd in K-12 English as a Second Language Education: Teacher Licensure
  • MEd in K-12 English as a Second Language Specialist: Bilingual Education
  • MEd in K-12 ESL Specialist: Bilingual Education Teacher Licensure

• Ashford University
  • MA/Education - English Language Learner

More information about programs in TESOL

Read these pages for more about the TESOL certificate and MA programs in TESOL

You can use this link to search for online degree programs.

You can also search for a suitable program or a school near you.

Remember to compare the admission requirements and course content of several schools before choosing.

Campus Programs

If online learning and distance education is not your preferred mode of study, the web site also has a section on campus programs. 

You can also search for TESOL programs.