Master of Arts in TESOL

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Application Fee: $90

Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: Overall band score of  6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
• TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
• DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 100.

The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically designed to support international students in their academic pursuits. These scholarships provide financial assistance to help ease the cost of tuition, fees, and other expenses, ensuring that international students have the resources they need to succeed at UTA.

International Student Merit-Based Scholarships: UTA offers merit-based scholarships for international students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance. These scholarships are awarded based on the student’s academic record, and no separate application is required. Eligible students are automatically considered for these scholarships upon admission to UTA. These awards help offset tuition costs and recognize the hard work and dedication of international students.

International Graduate Scholarships: For international students pursuing graduate degrees at UTA, there are several scholarship opportunities available. These scholarships are awarded based on academic performance and research potential. International graduate students may be eligible for departmental scholarships, which are often specific to the field of study, as well as general graduate scholarships. The scholarships for graduate students are competitive and help support research, innovation, and academic excellence.

Maverick Academic Scholarship: The Maverick Academic Scholarship is a prestigious award given to international students who exhibit outstanding academic achievements. This scholarship is awarded to high-achieving undergraduate students and offers a significant financial benefit. The scholarship is renewable for up to four years, provided the student maintains a satisfactory GPA and continues to meet the eligibility requirements.

Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at UTA offer scholarships specifically for international students pursuing degrees in those fields. These scholarships vary in amount and eligibility criteria, but they are often awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional promise in their area of study. Students are encouraged to contact their respective departments to inquire about specific scholarship opportunities available in their field.

External Scholarships: In addition to the university’s internal scholarship offerings, international students at UTA may also be eligible for external scholarships from organizations, government agencies, and private foundations. UTA provides resources to help students find and apply for external funding opportunities, and the International Student Services (ISS) office often shares information about scholarships and grants that are available to students from specific countries or regions.

Scholarships for Specific Countries or Regions: Some scholarships at UTA are targeted toward students from specific countries or regions. These scholarships are designed to encourage international diversity on campus and support students from underrepresented areas. Students from countries such as India, China, and various nations in Africa and Latin America may find scholarship opportunities that are tailored to their background and academic interests.

Graduates of the Master of Arts in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) program at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) are well-prepared to enter a wide array of careers in the field of English language teaching and education. The program equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to teach English effectively to non-native speakers, both in the United States and abroad. 

English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher: One of the most common career paths for TESOL graduates is teaching English as a second language in K-12 schools, community colleges, or adult education centers. ESL teachers work with students of varying proficiency levels, helping them develop speaking, writing, listening, and reading skills in English. Graduates can teach in diverse settings, including local public schools or internationally, depending on their career preferences.

ESL Coordinator or Program Administrator: Graduates may choose to take on leadership roles within educational institutions as ESL program coordinators or administrators. In these positions, individuals are responsible for overseeing ESL programs, designing curricula, training teachers, and ensuring that students have access to the necessary resources to succeed in learning English.

Bilingual Education Teacher: Many TESOL graduates choose to work as bilingual education teachers, teaching subjects such as mathematics, science, or history to students in their native language while also helping them acquire English language skills. These professionals play an important role in ensuring that students from non-English-speaking backgrounds can succeed academically in mainstream classrooms.

Curriculum Developer: TESOL graduates with an interest in educational design can work as curriculum developers, creating instructional materials and educational programs for English language learners. They may work for schools, government agencies, or educational publishers, developing lesson plans, assessments, and digital tools for language learners.

Language Instructor at Language Schools or Private Institutes: Another popular career path is teaching English at private language schools or international language institutes. These institutions often cater to adults or business professionals who want to improve their English skills for work, travel, or personal growth. Graduates can teach in settings ranging from small private schools to large international organizations, especially in countries where English instruction is in high demand.

Online ESL Teacher: With the rise of online learning, many TESOL graduates choose to teach English to students around the world via virtual platforms. Online ESL teaching offers flexibility in terms of work location and hours, and allows graduates to teach students from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds, often focusing on conversation practice, academic English, or business English.

Corporate Trainer or Business English Instructor: Graduates can work as corporate trainers or business English instructors, teaching English to employees in multinational companies or international organizations. These roles focus on improving employees' communication skills in a business context, including writing emails, making presentations, and participating in meetings.

Test Preparation Instructor: Many TESOL graduates work as instructors for standardized English proficiency tests, such as TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System). These teachers help students prepare for the exam by teaching strategies for reading comprehension, writing essays, listening, and speaking. Test preparation instructors can work with students both locally and abroad.

Educational Consultant: Some graduates go on to become educational consultants, advising schools and organizations on best practices for teaching English to non-native speakers. They may provide guidance on curriculum development, teacher training, and the implementation of language acquisition strategies to improve student outcomes in diverse educational settings.

Linguist or Language Researcher: Graduates with a passion for research may choose to pursue careers in linguistics or language research. This can include working in academic research, educational publishing, or governmental organizations that focus on language issues, language policy, and second language acquisition. They may also engage in research to improve language teaching methodologies and contribute to the development of best practices in TESOL.

English Language Program Director: Graduates may take on the role of program director at institutions offering ESL or language programs. In this role, they manage various aspects of language instruction, including hiring faculty, managing budgets, and ensuring the program meets the needs of students. Program directors often work at universities, colleges, or language schools and help maintain high standards in language education.

International Educator: The international demand for English teachers continues to grow, and many TESOL graduates find rewarding careers teaching English in schools, universities, and language centers abroad. Countries in Asia, the Middle East, and Europe are major destinations for TESOL professionals, offering competitive salaries, benefits, and opportunities for cultural exchange.

Language Advocate: Graduates interested in advocating for language rights and educational equity can work as language advocates, promoting policies that support English language learners in schools and communities. They may work for non-profits, government agencies, or international organizations that focus on language access, cultural integration, and educational equality.