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The MA in TESOL is 40 credits and the MA in Teaching Foreign Language (TFL) is 42 credits. Both degrees are three-semester programs, have online options, and prepare you to be a leader in language education.

Start Date Credits Practicum and Applied

Linguistics Capstone
Language Competency Program Chair
August (or January with specialization) 40 TESOL/42 TFL Required Required

(for TFL only)
Jason Martel

Requirements

Both degrees require the following credits:

Principles and Practices of Language Teaching I (4 credits)

Educational Research Methods (4 credits)

Language Analysis (3 credits)

Sociolinguistics (3 credits)

Principles and Practices of Language Teaching II (4 credits)

Language Assessment (3 credits)

Second Language Acquisition (3 credits)

Practicum Capstone (4 credits)

Applied Linguistics Capstone (2 credits)

To complete the TESOL master’s, the following credits are required:

Structure of English (4 credits)

Electives (6 credits)

To complete the TFL master’s, the following credits are required:

Pedagogical Grammar in Foreign Language Education OR Structure of the Target Language (4 credits)

Language (8 credits)

Core Course Work

Linguistics

Examine the ways in which knowledge about languages—and how languages are structured, used, and learned—are used to develop teaching practices that enhance your students’ language learning.

Pedagogy

Consider your language learners’ goals and explore how various pedagogical practices can enhance their learning. You will use this knowledge as you create language curricula and lessons designed to maximize your effectiveness in the classroom and your students’ learning.

Research and Assessment

Study research and assessment practices relevant to the language teaching field to explore the ways in which research studies and assessment tools are designed and conducted—and the ways in which research and assessments influence your classroom practices. You will also learn how to design research studies and assessment tools so you can more closely examine issues of direct concern and relevance to you and your students.

Practicum and Capstone

Strengthen your expertise through an applied linguistics capstone and a practicum, which provide a balance of the multiple foci of this program.

Practicum

Combines reflective practice and professional development in preparing students for a career in language education. Students integrate theory, research, and pedagogy into a coherent and well-informed approach to planning and executing lessons. They also incorporate these three components when developing and using instructional materials and assessment instruments. Activities and products prepare students for successful entry into the language teaching profession.

Applied Linguistics Capstone

Helps students refine their skills as applied linguistics professionals. Students will develop a curriculum project, an empirical research report, or an assessment tool using original data that they have collected and analyzed. This capstone also aims to encourage the students’ reflection on their previous course work as well as exploration and clarification of their future plans for careers as language teaching professionals.

Specializations

Students can choose to add a career-oriented specialization to their degree coursework. Advanced entry students can complete the master’s degree plus the specialization in three semesters, other students will add a fourth semester. Check out your specialization options.

Language and Intercultural Competence

TFL:

TFL students are required to complete advanced language courses (300-level or higher). Language requirements may vary depending on native/non-native speaker status and whether the target teaching language is regularly offered. Students will work with their Program Chair and the Language Coordinator of their teaching language to determine exact requirements.

Our intercultural competence offerings provide students with the cross-cultural communication skills needed to pursue global careers.

Sample courses:

  • Teaching Chinese in a Globalized Context (in Chinese)

  • Comparative and International Education in Latin America (in Spanish)

  • Models and Decision Making for Positive Change (in French)

  • Intercultural Group Dynamics

  • Multilingual Communication in Multicultural Settings

TESOL:

TESOL students may explore language and intercultural competence classes as electives.

Additional Options

Online MA in TESOL

The online MA in TESOL is a two-year, fully online, asynchronous, part-time, 40-credit program. Review the online TESOL curriculum.

One-Year Hybrid Option

The final two courses of these master’s programs are the Applied Linguistics Capstone and the Practicum Capstone. You may be able to complete these final two courses online during the summer after your second semester, thus completing the program in just a year (fall, spring, then summer). Check out the hybrid option details.

Advanced Entry

Students who have completed previous Teaching Foreign Language, TESOL, and/or linguistics coursework have the option to complete their degree in fewer credits. Check out the advanced entry details.

Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program

Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) are encouraged to apply for the Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program.

Options for Peace Corps Service

Interested students can integrate Peace Corps service into their degree.

Sample Course Schedule TESOL

Fall Start, Full Time, Three Semesters

Term Course Credits
Fall 1 Principles and Practices of Language Teaching I 4
Fall 1 Language Analysis 3
Fall 1 Sociolinguistics 3
Fall 1 Educational Research Methods 4
Spring 1 Principles and Practices of Language Teaching II 4
Spring 1 Structure of English 4
Spring 1 Language Assessment 3
Spring 1 Second Language Acquisition 3
Spring 1 Electives 2–4
Fall 2 Applied Linguistics Capstone 2
Fall 2 Practicum Capstone 4
Fall 2 Electives 2–4
TOTAL   40

Sample Course Schedule TESOL (Online)

The online MA in TESOL curriculum is available here.

Sample Course Schedule TFL

Fall Start, Full Time, Three Semesters

Term Course Credits
Fall 1 Principles and Practices of Language Teaching I 4
Fall 1 Language Analysis 3
Fall 1 Sociolinguistics 3
Fall 1 Educational Research Methods 4
Fall 1 Advanced Language 4
Spring 1 Principles and Practices of Language Teaching II 4
Spring 1 Language Assessment 3
Spring 1 Pedagogical Grammar in Foreign Language Education OR

Structure of Target Language
4
Spring 1 Second Language Acquisition 3
Fall 2 Applied Linguistics Capstone 2
Fall 2 Practicum Capstone 4
Fall 2 Advanced Language 4
TOTAL   42