As a 2025 international study published in the Journal of Pedagogical Research noted: 

• Possessing English language skills can be essential in being recruited for employment and earning promotions. 

• When their employees have English language skills, organizations can boost efficiency and strengthen cross-cultural communication. 

Helping others acquire English language skills is rewarding work, and entering a career in teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) can be a great way to make a meaningful contribution to society.  

Individuals who are just beginning to explore working in TESOL should know about the ways to approach a career in the field. For example, earning a Master of Arts (MA) in TESOL degree can allow them to acquire in-depth expertise. Alternatively, they can acquire basic knowledge by earning a certificate in TESOL and then advance toward earning a master’s degree. If you have an interest in a career in TESOL, then comparing a degree versus certificate in TESOL can be a helpful exercise. 

Master’s Degree vs. Certificate in TESOL: Definitions 

Knowing what master’s degrees and certificates in TESOL are is the first step in examining the two credentials.  

Master of Arts in TESOL Definition 

The TESOL International Association considers a master’s degree in TESOL to be a terminal degree for individuals who teach English as an additional language. In other words, it views the degree as the highest degree an individual can earn in the field. 

Offered by universities online or on campus, MA in TESOL degree programs emphasize subjects such as pedagogy, teaching and research. Students in these programs gain knowledge in areas such as linguistics, language instructional design and the role of the English language in society. 

As with other types of education master’s degrees, earning a master’s in TESOL first requires a bachelor’s degree. 

Certificate in TESOL Definition 

In contrast to a master’s degree, a certificate in TESOL is narrower in scope. Certificate programs in TESOL, both online and on campus, concentrate on practical training and methods for teaching English. Coursework for certificate programs in TESOL can vary significantly, as the programs are offered by a range of providers including colleges and other training and professional organizations. Individuals need to become familiar with the requirements of the organization they want to work for and ensure that the certificate they earn meets those requirements. Earning a certificate in TESOL can help students work their way toward earning a master’s degree at a later date. 

Earning a certificate in TESOL from an institution is different from gaining state teaching certification, or teaching licensure, which has separate criteria according to the state of practice. Some states offer specialized licensure for English language learning. 

While individuals don’t always need to have a bachelor’s degree to earn a certificate in TESOL, it’s important to know that many employers will require the TESOL teachers they hire to have a bachelor’s degree.  

Duration and Curricula of Master’s Degree and Certificate Programs in TESOL 

Reviewing the duration and curricula of master’s degree and certificate programs in TESOL highlights the ways in which a master’s degree program can offer more extensive expertise than a certificate program. 

Master of Arts in TESOL Program Duration and Coursework 

Earning an MA in TESOL typically requires about 30 to 35 graduate credit hours, which can take one to two years. The curriculum of this program typically encompasses courses that provide in-depth knowledge and skills in subjects such as: 

• Sociolinguistics 

• Theories of English language learning 

• Curriculum design 

• TESOL research methods 

• Intercultural awareness and competence 

MA in TESOL programs also include courses in: 

• Grammar instruction 

• Materials development and assessment tools 

• Topics, issues and trends in English 

• Strategies and techniques for teaching academic language skills  

• Computer-assisted language learning 

In addition, students get to participate in a practicum that provides them with valuable, real-world experience teaching English to speakers of other languages. They conclude their degree programs by completing projects such as one of the following: a thesis and oral defense, a nonthesis graduate paper and comprehensive exam, or a portfolio and comprehensive exam. 

Certificate in TESOL Program Duration and Coursework 

Compared with a graduate degree, a certificate in TESOL is typically less comprehensive. Lasting from several weeks to several months, certificate programs in TESOL typically provide training in topics such as: 

• Teaching grammar and conversation 

• Managing classrooms 

• Assessing students 

The curricula of certificate programs in TESOL can vary, so it’s important to research those programs thoroughly to determine whether they offer the content and education you’re seeking. A strong certificate program may provide individuals with some foundational knowledge that can help them complete a master’s degree program. 

Master’s Degree in TESOL vs. Certificate in TESOL: Career Outcomes 

Individuals in TESOL positions work both domestically and abroad, teaching children and adults. They carry out duties such as planning instruction, employing different instructional methods based on students’ needs, assessing students and monitoring student progress. 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), adult basic education, secondary education and English as a second language instructors earned a median annual salary of $59,950 as of May 2024. In 2023, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of English Language Acquisition (OELA) projected that the U.S. would need 76,443 additional teachers of English language learners over the next five years. 

With a certificate in TESOL that meets an employer’s requirements, an individual can fill certain positions teaching students the English language. Employers typically also require candidates to have a bachelor’s degree. A state teaching license is needed for public school and some private school positions, and some states have licensing requirements for adult education programs. Earning a master’s degree in TESOL can help teachers stand out to employers who require advanced training in TESOL. 

Compared with a certificate, an MA degree in TESOL opens the door to more career possibilities. In addition to teaching positions, individuals who earn a master’s degree in TESOL can also work as: 

• Instructional coordinators, who are responsible for a school’s curriculum and teaching standards. Individuals in this role also create and implement instructional materials. According to the BLS, instructional coordinators earned a median annual salary of $74,720 as of May 2024. The BLS projects employers to have an average of 21,900 job openings for instructional coordinators each year through 2034. 

• Educational consultants, who advise schools, businesses and other organizations on topics such as curriculum, language learning strategies, teacher training or strategies to enhance English language learning. The BLS reports that management consultants, including educational consultants, earned a median annual salary of $101,190 as of May 2024. The BLS also projected that there would be an average of 98,100 job openings for management consultants in all fields each year through 2034.  

Gaining TESOL Expertise Can Lead to a Fulfilling Career 

It’s important to reflect on whether earning a degree or a certificate in TESOL is the best next step to help you reach your career goals. Earning an MA degree in TESOL is a great way to acquire advanced expertise and position yourself for various career possibilities helping English language learners improve their lives. 

If you’re interested in graduate education in TESOL, then explore SEMO Online’s Master of Arts in TESOL degree programto learn how it can help you achieve your career ambitions. Offering the flexibility of online learning and the opportunity to enhance your TESOL, linguistic and language acquisition expertise, the program could set the stage for career success. Start accomplishing your educational goals today. 

Recommended Readings 

 Sources: 

Go Overseas, “How to Get Your TEFL Certification: Step-by-Step Guide” 
Go Overseas, “What Is TESOL? All You Need to Know About Getting TESOL Certified” 
Journal of Pedagogical Research, “College Graduates’ Foreign Language Needs in Employment” 
TESOL International Association, Choosing a Master’s Program 
TESOL International Association, Frequently Asked Questions About Starting a Career in TESOL 
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Adult Basic and Secondary Education and ESL Teachers 
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Instructional Coordinators 
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Management Analysts 
U.S. Department of Education, Office of English Language Acquisition, Educators of English Learners: Availability, Projected Need, and Teacher Preparation 
ZipRecruiter, What Is an ESL Consultant Job?