Admission Requirements

Ed.D. in TESOL Admission Requirements

Admission to the Ed.D. in TESOL is designed for experienced language educators who are prepared for advanced doctoral study. Applicants must hold a master’s degree in TESOL, applied linguistics, or a relevant area of education, meet the minimum 3.0 GPA requirement, and provide the required academic and application materials. No entrance examination is required.

Review the admission requirements, application materials, English proficiency standards, transfer credit policy, and enrollment restrictions below. When you’re ready to apply, you can complete Anaheim University’s online application and submit the required supporting documents.

Anaheim University Senior TESOL Professor Dr. David Nunan with former Senior TESOL Professor Dr. Kathleen Bailey. Both are former presidents of the TESOL International Association.
Anaheim University Senior TESOL Professor Dr. David Nunan with former Senior TESOL Professor Dr. Kathleen Bailey. Both are former presidents of the TESOL International Association.
Degree required
Master’s
Minimum GPA
3.0
Application fee
$75
Entrance exam
None
RequirementDetail
Application materials
Application formRequired
Application fee non-refundable$75
Recent color photographRequired (digital is fine)
Government-issued photo IDScanned copy required
Current résuméRequired
Three professional reference lettersRequired
Dissertation research outline1,000 words
Academic requirements
Earned master’s degreeIn TESOL, applied linguistics, or a relevant area of education
Minimum grade point average3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent)
Professional experienceFour years of TESOL experience (teaching, teacher education, or publishing)
Official transcriptsSealed, sent from the awarding institution
English proficiency — non-native English speakers (one of)
TOEFL550 PBT / 213 CBT / 80 iBT
IELTS6.5
TOEIC800
PTE Academic58
Other qualifying optionsSee the full list below
Other
Entrance examinationNone required
Transfer credit optionalUp to 8 units (2 courses); $75 per course reviewed

Professional References

Applicants must submit three professional reference letters on letterhead with contact information: one from a recent employer, one from a TESOL professional who can assess the applicant’s potential for doctoral study, and one from a faculty member at the institution where the applicant completed their master’s degree.

English Proficiency Requirements

The language of instruction at Anaheim University is exclusively English, and English language services are not provided. Non-native English speakers must demonstrate college-level proficiency by meeting one of the following minimum scores:

TOEFL
80 iBT
IELTS
6.5
TOEIC
800
PTE Academic
58

 

Proficiency may also be shown by a degree from an institution where English is the primary language of instruction; a transcript showing 30 semester hours taught in English with a “B” average or a “B” or higher in an English composition class; or BULATS Level 3 (60), ACT COMPASS ESL Level 3, Eiken Pre-1, or a CEFR B1 level assessed through recognized ESOL examinations, including the University of Cambridge. 

Transcripts not in English: if your institution does not routinely issue transcripts in English, original-language records must be submitted with official English translations (issued by the university itself or by Accredited Language Services, Berlitz, Liaison Linguistics, Josef Silny & Associates, American Evaluation & Translation Services, or Education Evaluators International). Translations must be exact and complete versions of the original records.

Transfer Credit

Anaheim University will accept up to two graduate semester classes (8 units) toward the Ed.D. in TESOL. You must demonstrate the equivalency of each transfer course through relevant documents (syllabus, catalog, course outline) and a petition; no course with a grade lower than “B” will be considered. There is a fee of $75 per course reviewed, and the overall program cost is adjusted for approved credit. All petitions must be submitted with your initial application. Credits earned as part of another completed degree are not accepted, and Anaheim University does not grant credit for prior experiential learning.

How to Apply

  1. 1
    Submit your application
    Complete the Anaheim University admissions application. You may apply online or download the PDF application and submit it by email.
  2. 2
    Submit your supporting documents
    Provide the required Ed.D. application materials listed above, including a recent passport-size color photograph, government-issued photo ID, current résumé documenting at least four years of TESOL experience, official master's degree transcripts, three professional reference letters, research statement, and English-proficiency documentation if required. Documents may be uploaded with the online application or emailed to [email protected]. Scanned copies may be accepted to expedite processing while required originals are being sent.
  3. 3
    Pay the application fee
    Pay the $75 non-refundable application fee. Payment may be made by credit card, check or money order, or bank wire transfer. For payment instructions or assistance, contact [email protected].
  4. 4
    Send required original documents
    Any required original application documents that are not submitted online should be sent by registered mail to:

    Anaheim University
    Office of Admissions, Room 110
    1240 S. State College Blvd.
    Anaheim, CA 92806-5150
    USA
  5. 5
    Application review
    Once your application materials are received, Anaheim University will review your application. A receipt for the application fee will be provided, and if your application is incomplete, the University will contact you with instructions regarding any outstanding materials.
  6. 6
    Complete your enrollment
    If your application is approved, you will receive an acceptance notification and Enrollment Agreement. Complete and return the required enrollment documentation and follow the University's instructions for payment, registration, and beginning your program.

Enrollment Restrictions by State

Anaheim University currently does not accept students who reside in the following U.S. states and territories. If you reside in one of these locations, please contact Student Services at 714-772-3330 before applying.

AlabamaAlaskaAmerican SamoaArizonaArkansasConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaGeorgiaGuamIllinoisIndianaIowaMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMontanaNew JerseyNevadaNew HampshireNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaN. Mariana IslandsOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaPuerto RicoRhode IslandUtahVirginiaVirgin IslandsWisconsinWyoming