
MAKE A DIFFERENCE AND EMBRACE YOUR CALLING
Pepperdine’s top-ranked Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) program prepares you to teach English as an additional language worldwide. Whether you aspire to teach in the US or abroad or pursue doctoral studies, our program equips you with the expertise needed for success.
Accelerated Learning: In just 11 months, fast-track your career with our full-time residency program on our picturesque Malibu campus. Immerse yourself in rigorous coursework designed to deepen your understanding of second language acquisition and pedagogy.
Hands-On Experience: Embrace the scholar-practitioner model through clinical practicum placements, where you'll gain real-world teaching experience in multicultural and multilingual environments. Our program culminates in a digital portfolio capstone, allowing you to focus on practice or scholarship/research.
All MA in TESOL courses adhere to the standards set by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and meet the criteria outlined by the Standards to Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages programs.
11-Month Program
Launch your career, enter the workforce, and begin making an impact sooner than students in conventional MA in TESOL programs.
Malibu Campus
Experience campus life on our stunning Malibu campus, complete with on-campus housing and breathtaking ocean views.
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WHAT OUR ALUMNI ARE SAYING
"The courses offer small student to teacher ratios which allows the student to really engage with the instructor. The professors are really interested in learning about your career goals, research interests, and project ideas. The library staff is quite knowledgeable and can help you navigate the databases to find the right peer reviewed articles for your assignments."
R. Williams
"Pepperdine is an amazing school in which the values of purpose, service, and leadership are upheld consistently. I gained superior knowledge and experience as an undergraduate psychology student. The faculty is top notch, the campus is gorgeous, and the student body is diverse and hard-working."
Claire
LEAD THE WAY AND EMBRACE
EXCELLENCE AT PEPPERDINE
EXCELLENCE AT PEPPERDINE
Highly Regarded Program
Enroll in our esteemed MA in TESOL program at one of the most respected universities in the US.
Aligned with Excellence
Courses adhere to the highest standards set by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and TESOL International.
Networking Opportunities
Engage with professional organizations and conferences to expand your network and enhance your career prospects.
Built-In Doctoral Pathway
Earn credits towards various doctoral programs within Pepperdine, paving the way for continued academic success.

Internationally Recognized Faculty
Learn from supportive instructors who bring a wealth of academic and professional expertise to the classroom.

GRE-Free Admissions
We value your passion and commitment above standardized test scores, making our admissions process accessible to all.
Technology-Infused Curriculum
Equip your students with 21st-century skills through pedagogies rooted in social justice and cultural affirmation.

Authentic Clinical Experience
Gain practical teaching experience tailored to your career goals, preparing you for success in diverse educational settings.
1
of the Highest-Ranked Universities in the US
#1
Highest-Ranked Christian University
#1
TESOL Program in California That Can Only Be Completed In-Person
#1
Malibu Campus Ranked One of the Most Beautiful Places to Study
#1
for Best Weather by Best College Reviews
1
Year to Complete Your Masters in TESOL
1
Only TESOL Program with Specialization Options
$7K+
Scholarships Available
100%
Graduation Rate for the Classes of 2022 & 2023
SEE TESOL DIFFERENTLY FROM MALIBU
Housed on the scenic Malibu campus, the expansive University sits on 830 acres overlooking the Pacific Ocean with nearly every place on campus featuring stunning and breathtaking views of the beaches.
With more than 280 days of sun and perfect temperatures, the Los Angeles metro area provides a relaxing and recreational atmosphere for your graduate studies. A short drive to downtown Los Angeles, Malibu is only miles away from many of the area's premier cultural and recreational centers and world-famous venues.

Curriculum Highlights
Dive into a comprehensive 30-unit curriculum designed to equip you with the latest research and practical skills in TESOL. Our social justice-oriented approach integrates cutting-edge theory and practice in applied linguistics, second language acquisition, learning theories, curriculum design, assessment, pedagogy, and virtual learning. Emphasizing the intersections of language, culture, and society, our program prepares you to navigate diverse language classrooms with confidence. Hands-on learning is facilitated through a clinical teaching practicum in ESL classrooms, a capstone project, and the development of a digital ePortfolio. Tailor your learning experience by specializing in one of four pathways:
- Organizational Leadership and Learning
- Leadership in Pre-K to 12
- Education Learning Design and Technology
- Higher Education

Career Opportunities
As the global community becomes more diverse, the demand for TESOL professionals continues to rise. Our MA in TESOL opens doors to a multitude of career paths, allowing you to make a meaningful impact in language education, curriculum development, policy-making, or research.
Gain professional credibility and value in any language learning context with a degree from Pepperdine. Benefit from personalized consultations with our Career Center to chart your course towards a rewarding career, following in the footsteps of our esteemed alumni.

International Student Support
- As a visa-eligible program, we offer exceptional support to international students.
- A dedicated enrollment services officer will make your admission process easy and comfortable.
- We integrate international students across our campuses. The Office of International Student Services (OISS) provides additional support for international students.
- Enjoy access to housing and amenities at our scenic Malibu campus.
- Participate in University social, sporting, cultural, and spiritual events.
- Build upon leadership skills, peer support, and lifelong relationships with colleagues. The community extends beyond the program to the larger GSEP and Pepperdine family.

The Premier Faith-Based University
Pepperdine has always had a singular mission: to strengthen students for lives of purpose, service, and leadership in a learning environment where academic excellence is rooted in Christian faith and values.
As the top-ranked Christian university, we prepare students to drive meaningful change in families and communities.
We empower students from all faith backgrounds to transform into the best possible expression of themselves for meaningful work and purposeful lives.
READY TO BE A WAVEMAKER?
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Pepperdine School of Education and Psychology
24255 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90263
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