Penn State College of the Liberal Arts Department of Applied Linquistics

Graduate Admissions

MA TESL Application Procedures

To apply to the MA TESL program, please submit the following materials:

  1. An official Graduate School Application with application fee. This serves as the program application. The application can be submitted in one of two formats:
    A. Electronic Application
    This format is the preferred way to apply. If you apply electronically, the application fee is discounted at $45.00 U.S., processing time is reduced, and receipt of your application is assured. If you choose this option, send the additional required materials to the department via regular mail. Please read detailed instructions on accessing the electronic application below.
    B. Downloadable Application
    You may download the application form in Adobe Acrobat format for printing rather than filling out an online form. If you choose this option, the application fee is $60.00 U.S. Please read detailed instructions below on where to send the application and fee. Please send a copy of the application along with the additional required materials to the department via regular mail.
  2. Two official transcripts from all institutions of higher education attended, both undergraduate and graduate.
    • To obtain a Transcript Request Form, use one of the following:
    • International applicants must submit official or attested university records, with certified translations if the records are not in English.
    • Originals must be provided. Notarized copies are not sufficient.
  3. Standardized test scores These should be reported directly to the department through the testing agencies. The department code for Applied Linguistics for the GRE is 3907; for the TOEFL use 04; Institution code: 2660.
  4. Three letters of reference
  5. A statement of purpose In this statement, please describe your professional interests and reasons for wanting to pursue an MA in TESL. The statement should be no longer than 2 double-spaced pages.
  6. FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS: Application for a U.S. Visa (International Students Only)
Electronic Application
Click here to access the Electronic Application. Complete the form online and mail the additional required materials in a large envelope to:
M.A. in Teaching English as a Second Language
The Pennsylvania State University
Department of Applied Linguistics
305 Sparks Building, University Park, PA 16802
If you do not pay your electronic application fee by credit card, please download a copy of the Application Fee Form that can be accessed from the electronic application, and mail it along with your payment of the non-refundable application fee ($45.00 U.S.) to the address below. Please note:
  • Applications without fee payment cannot be processed
  • Do not send cash.
  • Make checks payable to: The Pennsylvania State University.
  • International money orders or checks must be drawn on a U.S. bank.
  • Your canceled check serves as your receipt.
  • Mail your payment and fee form to:
    Graduate Enrollment Services
    The Pennsylvania State University
    114 Kern Building
    University Park, PA 16802
Downloadable Application
The Downloadable Application is available in two versions:
Mail one copy of the official Graduate School Application along with your payment of the non-refundable application fee ($60.00 U.S.) to the following address. Please note:
  • Applications without fee payment cannot be processed
  • Do not send cash.
  • Make checks payable to: The Pennsylvania State University.
  • International money orders or checks must be drawn on a U.S. bank.
  • Your canceled check serves as your receipt.
  • Mail your application and payment to:
    Graduate Enrollment Services
    The Pennsylvania State University
    114 Kern Building
    University Park, PA 16802
Please mail another completed copy of the Graduate School Application along with the additional required materials to:
M.A. in Teaching English as a Second Language
The Pennsylvania State University
Department of Applied Linguistics
305 Sparks Building, University Park, PA 16802