Graduate School of Education

Graduate School of Education

The Graduate School of Education brings together advanced study in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), language education, applied linguistics, and educational research.

 

Its programs are designed for educators and professionals who want to deepen their understanding of how languages are taught and learned, strengthen their professional practice, or pursue research and leadership in language education. Study progresses from focused graduate-level coursework through master’s and doctoral education, allowing students to choose a level that matches their academic background and professional goals.

 

The School’s approach connects theory, research, and practice. Through online study, live interaction with faculty, and opportunities for collaborative learning, students examine current questions in language teaching while developing knowledge they can apply in educational settings around the world.

About the Graduate School of Education

Effective language education requires more than a collection of teaching techniques. It requires an understanding of how languages are learned, how educational decisions are made, how evidence can inform practice, and how teaching needs to respond to different learners and contexts.

 

The School’s TESOL programs bring together applied linguistics, language pedagogy, classroom practice, curriculum development, assessment, and research. Students examine established theories and current research while considering how they apply to real educational settings.

 

At the doctoral level, this work extends into research and educational leadership, preparing experienced educators to investigate important questions in TESOL and contribute to the development of language education.

A live class every week

Ninety minutes on webcam with the professor, in every course. Not recorded lectures.

One subject at a time

Nine-week courses, with a new one starting every ten weeks.

Entry from a bachelor’s

The graduate certificate needs a bachelor’s degree and a 3.0 GPA; the Ed.D. needs a master’s and four years’ experience.

Study from anywhere

Delivered online. The MA & Ed.D. have 2 four-day residential session requirements.

Explore Our TESOL Programs

Watch these short program overviews to learn more about Anaheim University’s TESOL programs, including the Ed.D. in TESOL, MA in TESOL, and TESOL Certificate.

AU Ed.D. in TESOL intro

AU MA in TESOL intro

TESOL Certificate introduction

7

AU past and present faculty and graduates have been TESOL International Association Presidents

Duke of Edinburgh

Prize for the Best Book in Applied Linguistics awarded to AU VP of Academic Affairs Dr. Rod Ellis

99%

student satisfaction rate, 2025 program average

Accredited

by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission

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.

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.

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.
Hayo Reinders, Ph.D.

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

Dr MaryAnn Christison

TESOL Professor and former President of TESOL International Association. Internationally recognized teacher educator, author, and specialist in language teacher development.

Explore Our Schools & Institutes

Discover the schools and institutes behind each area of study and see how they connect across the University.

Talk to a TESOL Advisor

Not sure which TESOL program is right for you? Speak with an advisor to compare the Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, MA, and Ed.D. pathways, discuss your academic background and professional goals, and find the level of study that best fits your next step.