Admission and Application

A bachelor's degree normally is required for entry to the MA TESOL program. Teaching experience (typically 1-2 years) and or/completion of a TESL Certificate similar to that offered by TWU is also highly recommended. If necessary, students lacking sufficient background may be allowed to take supplementary courses during their first semesters of the masters program. Other factors which may enhance a candidate's application include: teaching experience, overseas experience, additional languages studied and a clear statement of purpose for entering the program.

Application Process

Applicants who wish to apply for financial aid should have their applications completed no later than March 1st prior to the July session. Initial admitting will be completed by March 15. Later applications will be considered if space is available. There is at this time only one entry point into the program, in July 12th (online) or August 30th (RMT). In special circumstances, part-time or special admission may be awarded at other times during the academic year.

The steps in applying for admission are:

Application Package

1. Download the application package.
2. Complete both pages of the Application and Admission form.
3. Describe in up to five pages in total: (1) How your Christian faith or personal value system impacts your view of teaching. (2) Your personal opportunities and experiences in TESOL positions. (3) Your reasons for wanting to enhance your teaching and leadership potential through studies at TWU.
4. Ask two persons who are not relatives to submit the provided confidential reference forms directly to the TWU Director of Graduate Admissions within one week of sending in your application. It is your responsibility to ensure the completed reference forms have been forwarded to the university.
5. Include with your application an application fee of $40.00. The fee is non-refundable.
6. If you require financial aid, please also consider applying for the Dean's Entrance Scholarship.

Online

1. Apply online.
2. Complete "Your Information", "Academic Information", "Admission Statement". "References", and "Confirmation."
3. Please describe in the Admission Statement: (1) How your Christian faith or personal value system impacts your view of teaching. (2) Your personal opportunities and experiences in TESOL positions. (3) Your reasons for wanting to enhance your teaching and leadership potential through studies at TWU.
4. Provide the name and contact information for two confidential reference letters, preferably one academic and one professional referee. These recommendations should come from persons who are not relatives and it is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that reference letters are forwarded to the University. Emails will only go out to the people you indicate once you successfully submit your application.
5. If you require financial aid, please also consider applying for the Dean's Entrance Scholarship.

Transfer Credit

You must take at least 30 of the 42 required semester hours of course work at Trinity Western University. To be eligible for transfer credit, you must have completed courses at the graduate level at other accredited universities with a grade of at least B-. The Director of the M.A. TESOL program may grant transfer credit if upon entry you have already completed equivalent courses elsewhere, or if during your program you want to pursue TESOL-related specialized courses that are not offered TWU. For the latter, you should first seek permission from the Director of the M.A. TESOL program.

Fee and Payment Information

To obtain more information regarding program fees and payments for M.A. TESOL, please visit the Enrolment Services website.

Information for Non-Native English Language Speakers

All applicants who do not have English as their native or primary language must submit a TOEFL score of 620 or equivalent. The M.A. TESOL program requires a high level of English language skill. Students who do not have requisite English skill may be required to enroll in a pre-academic English program prior to being accepted into the regular program. (For information on qualifiying