Master of Arts (M.A.) in Linguistics – Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL)
Increase Your English-Teaching Abilities with Liberty’s Master’s in Linguistics – TESL Degree
Are you hoping to gain skills that can help you be a better teacher? If so, Liberty’s online Master of Arts (M.A.) in Linguistics – Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) degree is a great option! Throughout this program, you’ll analyze the building blocks of language and study how linguistics can be used to understand the evolutionary processes that underlie speech formation.
This teaching English as a second language degree program will complement the TESL and TESOL programs you may be teaching by covering the advanced theories found in applied linguistics. The practical approach to language you gain from this TESL degree can also have far-reaching implications in the fields of artificial intelligence, business, translation, military intelligence, or speech pathology. By studying under our experienced faculty, you can become equipped to promote second language acquisition and even help students better understand their own language.
What Will You Study in Liberty University’s Teaching English as a Second Language Linguistics Program?
- Advanced topics in applied linguistics and its use in language acquisition
- Current trends in second language research
- The history of language and important aspects of linguistic field studies
- Various methods of assessment and protocols for test creation
Your linguistics courses will be complemented by 2 language studies courses of your choosing. You’ll also explore the practical uses of linguistics within the teaching English as a second language specialization. Your TESL area of study will give you added instruction in the history, philosophies, and current trends of second language research.
You will also study how to create a fully-integrated classroom curriculum that incorporates reading, writing, listening, and speaking. These courses will all be taught from a Christian worldview and can help you embark upon a rewarding career as an English teacher in various locations around the world.
Benefits of Pursuing Your TESL Linguistics Degree with Liberty University
As a leader in distance education since 1985, we understand what it takes to create a flexible and affordable education for busy people. Since we have been investing in distance and online learning for decades, our experience has taught us how to streamline our degree options so you can focus on what really matters to you. While many schools offer online degrees, we believe Liberty stands out.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Our online programs are backed by our brick-and-mortar campus – ranked among Niche.com’s Top 5 College Campuses in America – and that commitment to excellence extends to our online students as well. Earning your degree from a nonprofit university with this kind of recognition can help set you apart from others in your field.
- Online undergraduate tuition rates have been frozen for the last 10 years. While many other online colleges have raised tuition, Liberty has been able to keep costs low as a nonprofit university.
- Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) — so you can pursue your degree with confidence.
- As an online Liberty student, you’ll have access to a wealth of resources through our top-notch library portal.
Military Benefits
Service is important to us, so whether you’re currently serving in the Armed Forces, have served, or are married to someone who serves, we’re here to serve you. Liberty’s military benefits are available to:
- Active duty service members of the U.S. Armed Forces
- Reserve/National Guard
- Veterans/retirees
- Spouses of service members and veterans/retirees
- Current Department of Defense employees
We are proud to support you in your pursuit of a flexible and affordable online education by offering you the following benefits:
- Tuition discounts – $275 per credit hour for graduate courses
- Additional discount for veterans who serve in a civilian capacity as a First Responder (less than $625 per course)
- 8-week courses, 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times (may exclude certain courses such as practicums, internships, or field experiences)
Potential Careers for M.A. in Linguistics – TESL Graduates
Top Job: English as a second language instructor/professor
Other Career Possibilities
- Curriculum development specialist
- Forensic linguist
- Language data analyst
- Military intelligence linguist
- Professional linguist
- TESL textbook writer
These rates are reflective of academic year 2024-2025. Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.
Credit Hours

Transfer Credits
Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total
Next Start Date
Jun 23, 2025
Accreditation
Liberty University is accredited by SACSCOC










600+ Online Degrees
With over 600 online degrees, we have something that will accommodate your dreams and calling.
Backed by a brick-and-mortar campus
Our residential campus ranked among Niche.com’s Top 5 College Campuses in America. That commitment to excellence extends to our online students as well.
No tuition increase for 9 years
We want to help you pursue your goals – so while tuition rates at most universities have continued to increase over the years, the majority of our rates haven’t.
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