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Frequently Asked Questions

MA, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages in Shanghai and NYC

Not Accepting Applications

To best meet the needs of our students, we have decided to suspend enrollment in the hybrid MA TESOL program in Shanghai and NYC. We encourage you to explore our MA in TESOL, Grades K-12 with Initial Certification, our MA in TESOL and World Languages with Dual Initial Certification, and our MA in TESOL (non-certification) degrees in New York City. 

Yes, our TESOL program is officially approved and recognized by the Chinese Ministry of Education.

The program takes place over two years and begins with an intensive Summer session in Shanghai, followed by Fall and Spring semesters in Shanghai. The second intensive Summer session takes place in New York City, after which students return to Shanghai for the remaining Fall and Spring semesters.

No, the program is designed to take place over a two-year period.

  1. A completed graduate application form
  2. English proficiency test; exceptions may be possible on an individual basis. See testing requirements
  3. A transcript from your undegraduate institution
  4. An essay or personal statement
  5. A copy of your most recent résumé or curriculum vitae
  6. Two letters of recommendation

No, there is no written examination required for admission.

Admissions interviews may be scheduled for certain applicants.

The application deadline is February 1 for admission in the Summer of the same year. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis after that date.

The program typically starts in the second week of July.

No, the program is designed for students to start in the Summer.

No, deferral is not permitted.

According to NYU student leave policy, students are allowed to take a leave for a maximum of 2 semesters.

During Fall and Spring terms, classes are scheduled over a limited number of weekends for a low-residency format that accommodates working professionals from anywhere in China. Summer terms take place during the traditional July / August break between school years in China and classes are scheduled on weekdays then. Summer classes take place on-site at NYU Shanghai in the first summer and at NYU Steinhardt in New York City in the second summer.

The courses in this program range from theory-based courses to practical courses that cover five key domains of TESOL:

  • Foundations on current theory and practice in second language acquisition
  • Classroom practice using cutting-edge language teaching methods across age groups and proficiency levels
  • Specialized training in language assessment, technology-enhanced teaching, and current research
  • Comparative exploration of language teaching in China and the United States
  • Final classroom-based research project

Yes, all students are required to take a short-term study abroad session in New York in their second Summer to broaden their perspectives as well as enhance their intercultural awareness.

Students must pay the full cost of their summer study abroad experience in New York.

Review NYU's Summer Housing rates to learn more. The rates are per person, per week, and vary depending on the type of room you choose.

All courses in this program are taught in English.

Students must have either a tablet device or a computer to study in this program. However, it is highly recommended that students have computers to complete assignments such as written reports.

Yes, students in Shanghai can attend the graduation ceremony in New York City as well as in Shanghai.