The Master of Science in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

This masters program is designed for those who wish to teach English as a second language or English as a foreign language in adult, college-level, or overseas situations. For K-12 teaching in the U.S., the TESOL program with certification option is more appropriate and is described under Masters Programs Providing Initial Preparation to Teach.

Applicants who are native speakers of English must have 12 hours of study of another language and culture. Non-native speakers must have a minimum score of 600 on the paper-based or 250 on the computerized Test of English as a Foreign Language proficiency (TOEFL). An introductory course in linguistics (3 credits) is also required.

Program of Study (36 Credits)

Language Core (12 credits)

• Tap 550 (Lin 552) Approaches to English Grammar (3)
• Tap 536 Second Language Learning (3)
• Tap 652B Perspectives in Bilingualism and Bilingual Education (3)
• One course in Linguistics (3) Recommended are:
  • Lin 522 Introduction to Phonetics and Phonology;
  • Lin 523 Linguistic Structures;
  • Lin 501 Applied Linguistics for Language Teachers
  • Tap 631 Introduction to Language in Education (3) or 
  • other as advised.

Language in Use (9 credits) - Choose three from the following courses:

• Com 577 Culture and Communication (3)
• Ant 524 Language and Culture (3)
• Ltl/Tap 610 Literacy in Society (3)
• Tap 636 Pragmatics (3)
• Com 585 Conversation Analysis (3)

Language Teaching Methodology (6 credits)

• Tap 501 The Teaching of English to Speakers of Other Languages (3)
• Tap 599 Directed Field Experience in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) (clinic classes; two semesters for 3 credits)

Research and Educational Technology (6 credits)

• One research seminar from the following (3):
  • Tap 680 Critical Introduction to Educational Research Paradigms (3)
  • Tap 681 Research in Practice (3)
  • Tap 699 Master’s Thesis in Educational Theory and Practice (for a minimum of 3 credits)
• One course from the following (3):
  • Tap 634 Using Media in the Language Classroom (3)
  • Tap 653 Language, Literacy and Technology (3)

Electives (3 credits) - Choose one of the following courses:

• Ltl 657 Reading in a Second Language (3)
• Lin 501 Applied Linguistics for Language Teachers (3)
• Psy 565 Psychology and Language (3)
• Psy 624 Human Memory (3)
• Lin/Ltl/Ant 526 Language Acquisition (3)
• Other course as advised (3)

Please note: This program requires an internship, field experience, study abroad component, or clinical experience requirement. Students who have previously been convicted of a felony are advised that their prior criminal history may impede their ability to complete the requirements of certain academic programs and/or to meet licensure requirements for certain professions. If you have concerns about this matter please contact the Dean’s Office of your intended academic program.