The New School Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (MA TESOL) welcomes applications from motivated individuals whose previous education and other accomplishments show potential for effective and creative work as English language teachers. A bachelor's degree or the equivalent from an accredited college or university is required for admission. You can take the program full-time or part-time.

Admission to the MA TESOL program is based on a number of factors. Applications are reviewed by an admission committee consisting of admission counselors, the director of the MA TESOL program, and members of the faculty. Your statement of purpose, academic transcripts, résumé/work history, letters of recommendation, and required personal interview are all carefully evaluated. Prior ESOL teaching experience is not a prerequisite for the Teaching concentration, although it is welcome.

Priority Application Deadlines for MA TESOL

April 1 for summer term
June 1 for fall semester
November 1 for spring semester

Applications received after the priority deadline are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and may be rolled forward to the next academic term.

MA TESOL admission liaison, Josh Kraemer, is available to help you during the admission process. Email your questions to him at kraemerj@newschool.edu.

How to Apply

Plan ahead to meet the application deadline. It takes time for supporting documents such as official transcripts and reference letters to reach The New School. Your application will not be reviewed until all the required documents have been received by the Office of Admission.

All applicants (except readmit, non-degree, and visiting) are required to use the online application. The application fee and most supporting documents can be submitted online with the application form. The online application form includes detailed instructions for all the items describe below. For your convenience, you can also download the instructions in PDF format. Please read the instructions carefully before you fill out the application. Any supporting documents not submitted online can be mailed to the Office of Admission accompanied by a Materials Cover Sheet.

Students who wish to take courses without matriculating (non-degree/visiting) and former students seeking readmission must contact the Office of Admission for application instructions.

A complete MA TESOL application includes:

• $50 nonrefundable application fee
• Official transcripts from every college or university previously attended, including documentation of undergraduate degree completion or U.S. equivalent
• A statement of purpose—a 1000-word explanation of your interest in and preparation for graduate studies in teaching English to speakers of other languages
• A résumé or curriculum vitae
• Two academic and/or professional letters of recommendation
• Interview: Once your application is completed and the Office of Admission has forwarded it to the departmental admission committee for review, you will be contacted for a required admission interview.
• Optional: Academic writing samples and GMAT/GRE scores are welcome but are not required.
  

Additional Requirements for the Curriculum Development Application

• Provide an official copy of an ELT Certificate* (If you do not have a certificate but have exceptional teaching experience, the admission committee may evaluate other information you provide about your teacher training)
• Provide proof of having taught English as a second or foreign language (ESL/EFL) in a classroom for at least four academic terms (a minimum of 600 hours) for college-level teaching or a minimum total of 720 hours for teaching outside a college or university. Personal tutoring does not fulfill this requirement
• Provide a lesson plan and corresponding teaching materials
• Write a short essay in which you discuss your philosophy of teaching
• Provide a recommendation from a teaching supervisor (PDF) as one of your two reference letters

*The New School Certificate in Teaching English or CELTA, RSA, CTEFLA or an equivalent credential. An acceptable certificate must have required at least 100 hours of classroom or online instruction at an accredited school and a teaching practicum in which student-teachers teach real ESOL students. An official copy of the certificate or an official transcript must be submitted, including teaching evaluations, if available.

International Applicants and Others with Foreign Credentials

See special requirements regarding English language proficiency and transcript evaluation.

The MA TESOL program can be completed entirely online without coming to the United States. However, international students who wish to take the summer intensive or other classes on campus in New York City must obtain a visa. All international students admitted to the program will receive instructions about applying for a visa. Do not submit financial statements with your application for admission.

Costs and Financial Aid

Go to Registrar for tuition and fees and Student Financial Services for estimated other costs of attendance. Speak to an admission counselor if you are concerned about costs. The New School will work with you to help you finance your graduate program. All accepted students are automatically considered for New School merit-based scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships.

All U.S. citizens and permanent residents who file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) are considered for loans and grants based on need. The New School's federal school code is 002780. You do not have to wait for an admission decision to file the FAFSA.

Additional Application Information

Successful applicants will receive a letter of acceptance, which includes detailed information and instructions about financial aid, housing, tuition and fees, student visas (for nonresidents of the United States), and other matters.

A decision to admit is always contingent upon the student's successful completion of any current studies and the receipt of a final transcript by the Admission Committee. An official final transcript must be on record before a student begins classes.

All materials submitted in association with the application for admission become the property of The New School and cannot be returned to you or transmitted to a third party.

Students who wish to apply to more than one graduate degree program at The New School must call the office of admission for instructions: 212.229.5150 or toll free at 800.292.3040.