MA in TESOL
Overview
Program of Study
Curriculum
Course Descriptions
As we move into the 21st century, the demand for teachers of English as a second or modern world language—both in the United States and abroad—is higher than ever. The Master of Arts in TESOL provides a program of advanced study for professionals who wish to pursue careers in teaching English as a second or modern world language. Through graduate study in pedagogy, linguistics, cross-cultural communication, and second language teaching methodology, this program develops competencies essential for ESL/EFL educators.
Courses in pedagogy introduce students to state-of-the-art practices in education, as well as relevant research in education, enabling students to build a research-based approach to language teaching. In addition, courses in linguistics introduce students to current knowledge with regard to both first and second language acquisition, which will allow students to develop a sound theoretical foundation for their future language teaching practices. Students also study specific issues in applied linguistics and sociolinguistics that are relevant to the ESL/EFL classroom, such as linguistic variation. Finally, through various methodology and assessment courses, students develop the practical skills required for excellence in teaching English as a second or foreign language.
The Master of Arts in TESOL consists of six core courses, which are required for all students enrolled in the program. Students' additional course requirements depend on their choice of concentration.
The program offers three concentrations. One prepares students to teach ESOL in U.S. public schools (K-12). Another prepares students for teaching ESOL in post-secondary education, in addition to non-traditional educational settings, such as adult education ESL programs, or EFL (English as a Foreign Language) programs abroad. The third concentration is for certified teachers who wish to add TESOL as an advanced certification area.
Program of Study
The number of credits to fulfill the degree requirements varies depending on the concentration. Students opting for the concentration focusing on elementary and secondary education will complete a total of 39 credits, whereas students in the post-secondary concentration fulfill 30 credits. The MA in TESOL for certified teachers consists of 36 credits. TESOL K-12 students must complete an e-portfolio and pass Praxis II in ESOL. The discrepancy between the total number of credits required for each concentration is partly accounted for by the fact that the first concentration leads to K-12 certification.
Curriculum
MA in TESOL (Initial K-12 Certification) (39 Credits)
EDU-508 Issues in TESOL (3)
EDU-519 Human Development and Learning (3)
EDU-543 Reading, Analyzing and Interpreting Educational Research (3)
EDU-545 Principles of Linguistics (3)
EDU-546 Methods and Materials for TESOL (3)
EDU-547 Assessing Second Language Acquisition (3)
EDU-548 Language Learning (3)
EDU-556 Technology for Instruction and Management (3)
EDU-586 Techniques of Teaching Reading & Writing to Students with Limited English Proficiency (3)
EDU-596 English Grammar for ESL Teachers (3)
EDU-611 Internship (6)
SPE-526 Special Education for the Classroom Teacher (3)
MA in TESOL (Post-Secondary Education) (30 Credits)
EDU-508 Issues in TESOL (3)
EDU-543 Reading, Analyzing and Interpreting Educational Research (3)
EDU-545 Principles of Linguistics (3)
EDU-546 Methods and Materials for TESOL (3)
EDU-547 Assessing Second Language Acquisition (3)
EDU-548 Language Learning (3)
EDU-556 Technology for Instruction and Management (3)
EDU-586 Teaching Reading and Writing to Students with Limited English Proficiency (3)
EDU-596 English Grammar for ESL Teachers (3)
One of the following courses
EDU-595 Teaching Practicum (3)
EDU-698 Linguistic and Cultural Diversity (3)