The program traces its origins to the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP) Muhammadiyah in 1963.With the history that spans more than sixty years in the education sector, it has undergone countless changes from FKIP Muhammadiyah to Universitas Ahmad Dahlan, from Master of English Language to Master of English Language Education, yet has always maintained its vision and mission to achieve the highest standards of performance in teaching, research, and community service.
Throughout its milestones, the program has undergone four leadership successions. The founding father of the program Prof. Dr. Bustami Subhan, M.S led it from 2006-2010 , then from 2010 to 2014 it was managed by Dr. Surono, M.Hum, from 2014-2019 was under the control of Dr. R.A. Noer Doddy Irmawati, M. Hum. Furthermore, from 2019 until now the program has been led by Associate Professor Drs. Akmal, M. Hum. M.Sc., Ph.D.