Lee University to introduce a TESOL masters program

In May of 2023, Lee University will introduce a fully online Teaching English to a Second Language or TESOL masters program unlike any other TESOL masters program available. 

Lee University already offers an undergraduate degree in TESOL, but many other schools only offer a graduate TESOL program.

“The TESOL major is quite small, but it brings a familial aspect. Everyone knows everyone … The professors care about the well-being of each student and are intentional with their time,” said Belia Jackson, sophomore TESOL major. 

The TESOL major offers three major options: TESOL, TESOL with a k-12 licensure, and global transformation. 

“I chose TESOL because I want to make my life as purposeful as possible, and I want to be able to travel around the world and still pursue my career. There is a huge need for immigrants and refugees to learn English as they enter the states,” said Jackson. “Eventually, I want to come back to the states and work with immigration and refugee organizations. I want to be able to equip my students with practical English skills but also be able to express themselves as they would in their native tongue.”

Lee’s graduate TESOL program will assume students already have a base knowledge in TESOL, making it different than many other graduate TESOL programs.

“What we discovered was when our students finished our program and they wanted to go on to a master's degree the large majority of TESOL programs were very repetitive of the material that had already been covered in their undergraduate programs,” said Dr. David Boresma, professor of TESOL and linguistics.

The program will be fully online, asynchronous, designed to be completed within one calendar year, and a part of Lee’s Language and Literature Department separate from the Lee online program.

Classes would consist of recorded lectures of the professor and interactive assignments depending on the course taken.

“I think it's gonna be a great program. I'm really excited about it,” Boresma said. 

Applications are due by May 9 and can be found online and any questions can be directed to Dr. Boresma at dbroersma@leeuniversity.edu.