Apply: Graduate Programs in TESOL

Testing Waivers

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, GRE, GMAT and MTEL testing has temporarily been waived from the application requirements for a number of our graduate programs through spring 2026.

Choose the program option best for you

Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)

The MAT program leads to a master's degree. Choose from one of two tracks: 

  • The licensure track prepares students for initial licensure in the field of ESL in grades K-12 in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This track includes a supervised student teaching practicum in a public K-12 school.
  • The non-licensure track is for those who want to pursue a career teaching ESL in a college, adult, or community program or at a language school in the U.S. or overseas. This track is also appropriate for those who may already have a license to teach ESL but do not yet have a master's degree.

Eligible students can apply for financial aid using the FAFSA form.

Initial License Only Program

The Initial License Only program does not lead to a degree, but will fulfill all of the requirements for initial licensure in the field of ESL in grades K-12 in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

While this program is not eligible for financial aid, the MAT program is.

Graduate Certificate Program

The Graduate Certificate is a 15 credit program that provides a strong introduction to ESL teaching. Students take four courses that combine theory and practice and have a 50 hour field experience directed study which will provide valuable hands-on experience.

Students who decide to pursue the MAT program during or upon completion of the Graduate Certificate program must meet all MAT admissions requirements and submit a separate application. Courses successfully completed as part of the Graduate Certificate can be applied to the MAT.

The Graduate Certificate program does not lead to an academic degree. While this program is not eligible for financial aid, the MAT program is.

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Graduate Application Process

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Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) graduate application process

Required Materials

  • $50 non-refundable application fee
  • Official transcript or transcript evaluation
  • Three references
  • Statement of purpose
    • Part I (500- to 1,000 words, double-spaced) addressing the following questions:
      • What factors in your personal and professional history have influenced you in the past and now lead you to seek admission to this program at Salem State? What are your long-term professional goals, and how will this program help you meet them? Is there any other information that you think would help the admissions committee to evaluate your application?
    • Part II proposed contributions to the field of teaching ESL (500- to 1,000 words, double spaced). Please adhere to MLA or APA style guide in presenting your statement:
      • What aspect of teaching ESL interests you most and why? In what context do you plan to teach ESL and what contributions to your learners do you hope to make and how? What is one area in the field that is of particular interest to you that illustrates the importance of the field of teaching ESL?
  • English Proficiency, if applicable for international applicants
  • TESOL does not require the GRE or MAT

Additional requirements

 

  MTEL Educator License GPA Foreign language proficiency
MAT initial license track Passing scores on Communication and Literacy reading and writing subtest If you have a license submit a copy. 3.0 undergraduate or 3.0 in three graduate-level courses Intermediate level before completion of the program. Demonstrated by undergraduate coursework or equivalent test results.
MAT non-license track n/a n/a 3.0 undergraduate or 3.0 in three graduate-level courses Intermediate level before completion of the program. Demonstrated by undergraduate coursework or equivalent test results.
License Only Passing scores on Communication and Literacy reading and writing subtest If you have a license submit a copy. 2.75 n/a
Graduate Certificate n/a n/a n/a n/a

Deadlines

  • Applications accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed once complete.
  • The licensure-only TESOL and certificate in TESOL programs do not support international students in F or J status due to program modality and/or part-time status. Please contact graduate admissions to verify which programs are suitable.
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