Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

Through the UWW Interdisciplinary Studies program you can build the theoretical foundation and practical skills you need to be a successful teacher of English to speakers of other languages.

This online bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus in TESOL provides the essential knowledge you need in linguistics, theories of language learning and teaching (applied linguistics), and in the practice of teaching. Although not designed to prepare you to teach in the K-12 public education system, it will prepare you for the myriad of employment opportunities in TESOL in the U.S. and abroad.

Program Benefits 

• You’re in the Driver’s Seat: Design your own degree concentration through your perfect mix of 100% online courses, and optional blended and on-campus offerings to fit your busy life. Plus, most of our courses are asynchronous, meaning you can complete them on your schedule. 
• Accelerate Your Degree: Bring in or earn up to 105 credits for your prior coursework, prior learning, and life and work experience to accelerate your degree, saving you time and money. 
• Cross Disciplinary Boundaries: Craft your individualized degree concentration to suit your goals and interests, from taking online courses in Business if you are planning to work for a for-profit company to taking course in criminal justice if you seek to teach English in the prison system. 
• Community College Friendly: Learn about the Mass Transfer Gen Ed Foundation and benefit from our 50-year history of support for community college students. 
• Boston Children's Hospital and Mass General Brigham employees: Receive a 10% discount and more. Learn more about how you can benefit from our employer partnerships. 

Your Future in TESOL

With an Interdisciplinary Studies degree focused in TESOL, you can advance your career teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL) in private or public schools overseas, teaching in community English as a Second Language (ESL) programs in the U.S., tutoring ESL/EFL students online through various platforms or in community-based programs, working in the Peace Corps, developing TESOL materials publishers and programs, working in TESOL testing/placement, and more.  
 

Flexible, Cross-Disciplinary Courses 

You will study with top-notch experts in TESOL in the UMass Department of Linguistics, the UMass Department of Literature, Languages and Cultures, as well as instructors from other related departments.