Overview
May 19, 2023 2026-10-01 1:56Overview
Why Choose the Ed.D. in TESOL
Four reasons experienced educators choose Anaheim University for their doctorate.
Pioneers in Online TESOL
Anaheim University launched the world’s first real-time online MA in TESOL in the mid-1990s.
Learn From the Field's Authors
Study with Dr. Rod Ellis, Dr. David Nunan and former TESOL International Association presidents.
Live, Not Self-Paced
Weekly 90-minute webcam classes: an hour led by your professor, then 30 minutes of student-led discussion.
Keep Your Career
Study from anywhere. Residencies run Thursday–Sunday or Saturday–Tuesday to limit time away from work.
Program Learning Outcomes
What you will be able to do by the time you complete the program.
Knowledge
- Critically understand the interdisciplinary literature that informs TESOL
- Evaluate research evidence and its relevance to your context
- Express informed views on theoretical and practical issues in TESOL
Teaching Practice
- Design courses, curriculum modules and lesson plans for specific learner and teacher groups
- Develop teaching materials and assessment tools for diverse learner needs
Research
- Design, conduct and report original research in your preferred research tradition
- Critically evaluate published TESOL research and summarize key findings
Leadership & Technology
- Take on leadership roles, mentor others and reflect on your professional growth
- Evaluate and apply emerging technologies, including AI, in instruction, assessment and research
- Work collaboratively with peers
How You'll Learn
Each nine-week course combines a weekly live class, an ongoing discussion forum and two assignments.
Your Dissertation
Your doctorate ends with original research on a question that matters in your field.
01
STAGE 1
Coursework
15 courses across the four areas of study, ending with the comprehensive exam.
02
STAGE 2
Proposal
The Dissertation Proposal Writing course, where you shape your research question and design.
03
STAGE 3
Dissertation
Three dissertation terms to conduct, write up and complete your research.
Career Paths
Move from the classroom into roles that shape how English is taught.
HIGHER EDUCATION
Teach and Lead at University Level
Teach TESOL and applied linguistics, and supervise future teachers.
- University lecturer or professor
- Graduate program coordinator
- Academic dean or department head
PROGRAM LEADERSHIP
Run Language Programs
Manage English programs, staff and standards in schools and institutions.
- English language program director
- Language center director
- Academic director, language schools
TEACHER EDUCATION
Develop Other Teachers
Design and deliver training that improves teaching quality.
- Teacher trainer or teacher educator
- Professional development specialist
- Mentor and instructional coach
CURRICULUM & RESEARCH
Shape What Is Taught
Build curricula, tests and materials, and publish research.
- Curriculum and materials designer
- Language assessment specialist
- ELT researcher, author or consultant
Meet Our Faculty
Learn from experienced academics and professionals who bring subject expertise, research, and real-world perspective into the classroom.
Rod Ellis, Ph.D.
Vice President for Academic Affairs and designer of Anaheim University’s Ed.D. in TESOL. Internationally renowned applied linguist and recipient of the Duke of Edinburgh Prize.
David Nunan, Ph.D.
Director of the David Nunan TESOL Institute and designer of Anaheim University’s MA in TESOL. Former President of TESOL International Association and internationally recognized authority on language teaching and curriculum development.
Andy Curtis, Ph.D.
TESOL Professor and former President of TESOL International Association. Earned his Ph.D. in International Education from the University of York and has presented to language educators in more than 100 countries.
Dr MaryAnn Christison
TESOL Professor and former President of TESOL International Association. Internationally recognized teacher educator, author, and specialist in language teacher development.
Ready to Start Your Ed.D. in TESOL?
Speak with an advisor about your teaching experience and research interests, or start your application today.
