Online Master of Education (MEd) in Curriculum and Instruction — TESOL PK-12 to Adult

Strengthen English Teaching and Learning in the United States or Abroad

Located in Virginia. Serving the World.

Prepare to teach English in the U.S. and abroad by seeking George Mason University’s online MEd in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). Our program equips you with the expertise to create inclusive classrooms across the lifespan rooted in engaging English instruction that considers learners’ cultural, linguistic, and experiential backgrounds.

Mason’s flexible online TESOL master’s degree program empowers you to teach English learners across numerous contexts. We’ve designed our program for current and future educators to advance the scope of their teaching abilities in as few as five semesters, including summer. Practicing licensed teachers will graduate ready to sit for the PRAXIS-English to Speakers of Other Languages (PRAXIS ESOL) exam for PK-12 teaching.

Discover the rich online learning experiences available exclusively from Virginia’s largest research university. Plus, capitalize on the proven career and advancement achieved by graduates of Mason’s online programs.

No. 83 – Best Education Schools1

Top 20 – Greatest Economic Diversity2

Best Value School1

Top University for Non-Traditional Students3

Download a FREE Program Brochure

The brochure includes program details, course information, and more. Get your copy and connect with an admissions representative by completing the following form.

Note: All fields required.

Prepare to Sit for the PRAXIS ESOL Exam

Many PK-12 schools in the U.S. require licensed practicing teachers to pass the PRAXIS English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) exam. Students in the online TESOL program at Mason can be confident they’re receiving the training and experience needed to help them pass the test.* And as a graduate of Mason, you’ll maintain lifetime access to our career services to further help you achieve your goals.

A Curriculum for Teachers Aspiring to Enter Global Education

With Mason’s fully online MEd in TESOL program, you’ll develop the expertise needed to thrive as an educator in our increasingly global society. Take online courses focusing on language and literacy practices that enable you to support diverse cultural and linguistic needs. You’ll also learn to implement effective lesson plans within culturally and linguistically responsive and inclusive classrooms.

This program includes 30 credits and the following courses:

Human Development and Learning

Examine the overarching principles of human growth and domains of development through theories of educational psychology.

Understanding Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Learners

Explore the ways that race, language, culture, and other factors intersect to affect learning experiences and outcomes for culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) students.

Foundations in Language and Literacy

Learn theories of language acquisition and the complexity of language development as you prepare to support bi-multilingual learners’ English language and literacy practices.

TESOL Methodology

Delve into contemporary, promising pedagogies for teaching bi-multilingual learners in diverse contexts.

Rigorous Academic Standards. Flexible Online Format.


At Mason, we curate online programs that offer innovative experiences to further your ambitions in a way that works with your schedule. Like our on-campus students, you’ll benefit from our commitment to academic rigor and integrity while learning from the same renowned faculty.

We’ve been recognized as a top university for non-traditional learners, and our commitment to your success goes beyond graduation. After you’ve earned your degree, you’ll maintain lifetime access to our career services.

A World of Opportunity for Your Teaching Career

English is the world’s most spoken language.4 With Mason’s online TESOL program, you can expand the scope of your English instruction to meet the needs of learners worldwide. Upon graduation, you’ll be ready to enter global education, empowering learners of varying backgrounds to meet their English learning goals.

Professional Settings for TESOL Graduates

  1. PK-12 public schools*, private schools, and international schools
  2. Intensive English programs at universities
  3. Community college programs for English learners
  4. Community-based adult education and literacy programs for immigrants and refugees
  5. Governmental and non-governmental agencies
  6. Private language institutes
  7. Corporate language training

A World-Class Education Within Reach

George Mason University is Virginia’s largest public research university. We welcome students from all walks of life, and we’ve designed our programs with that in mind. Our modern curriculum, responsive faculty, and innovative solutions combine to produce a six-year graduation rate that exceeds the national average, with no disparity based on ethnicity or economic status. We’re proud to be continuously recognized – and ranked – for offering an education that is affordable, accessible, and valuable.

Download a FREE Program Brochure

Sources and Disclosures:

  1. U.S. News & World Report. George Mason University. Retrieved October 17, 2023, from https://www.usnews.com/.
  2. The New York Times. Top U.S. Colleges with the Greatest Economic Diversity. Retrieved October 12, 2023, from https://www.nytimes.com/.
  3. College Factual. George Mason University: Rankings. Retrieved November 2, 2023, from https://www.collegefactual.com/.
  4. Statistica. The most spoken languages worldwide in 2023. Retrieved October 19, 2023, from https://www.statista.com/.

*Licensing requirements differ by state.

Professional Licensure Disclosure: This program has been identified by George Mason University as one that may lead to a career requiring professional licensure/certification. Federal regulations require Mason to disclose information as to whether this program meets/does not meet the educational requirements for licensure/certification in your state, or whether such a determination has not been made. Please consult our Licensure Disclosure Tool (https://provost.gmu.edu/licensure) for the disclosure statement specific to your desired state/program combination.