About PhD Program,
Our M.A. in Teaching English as a Second Language program is designed for current and future professionals in teaching English as a second/foreign language, and applied linguistics. The program offers a balanced emphasis on theory, research, and practice.
You’ll learn the theory and practices of teaching, learning, language, the contexts of teaching and learning, and professionalism.
See the Spring 2024 Newsletter for current program events and see our Student Handbook for more details about the program.
PhD Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
Admission to the program is selective and is determined on a case-by-case basis. Admission requires an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above in relevant fields (e.g. in social sciences, humanities, and education, but especially English and foreign languages).
International applicants whose native language is not English need a total TOEFL score of at least 79 ibt, or an IELTS 7, or CESL endorsement. Most successful applicants have a TOEFL score of 95 ibt or above.
PhD Funding Coverage,
Graduate teaching assistantships and other financial support will be available to the most-qualified incoming MATESL students.
Graduate teaching assistantships (GTA) within the Department of English entail teaching composition courses in the Writing Program. Those interested in these assistantships should notify the EAL Program Director by email after applying online.
The selection process for assistantships is highly competitive – awardees have high test scores, excellent letters of recommendation, and excellent writing abilities as demonstrated by their application documents. While a background in teaching is not required, majors that include a substantial writing component (e.g., most humanities, social sciences, and liberal arts degrees) are most desirable. GTAs who speak English as an additional language will need an iBT TOEFL score over 100, and need to pass an oral interview with the Writing Program. The award includes:
- a full out-of-state tuition waiver,
- a full registration waiver,
- payment of the graduate surcharge,
- a stipend of approximately $20,000 per academic year (dependent upon academic background), plus
- individual health insurance coverage (valued at approximately $2861).
Application Requirement,
Statement of Purpose
Letters of Recommendation
Transcripts
Curriculum Vita
Writing Sample
GRE Scores
English Language Proficiency
Application Deadline,
Jan 15, 2025
Application Fee,
- Degree Seeking, $90.00
- Certificate, $90.00 (Application fee is waived for currently enrolled University of Arizona graduate degree seeking students.)
- Graduate Exchange Programs, $90.00 (Contact the Study Abroadoffice to check eligibility.)
