MA in Teaching English as a Second Language
Northern Arizona University
Key Information
Campus location
Flagstaff, USA
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
2 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
USD 41,571 / per year
Application deadline
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Earliest start date
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Scholarships
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Introduction
Our TESL degree combines a strong theoretical foundation in applied linguistics with practical training in the teaching of English to people who speak other native languages.
Admissions
Curriculum
Tracks
The MA-TESL program has three tracks:
Applied Linguistics
NOTE: These coursework plans are for advising purposed ONLY. These are unofficial documents (Coursework Plan).
Language Teaching
NOTE: These coursework plans are for advising purposed ONLY. These are unofficial documents (Coursework Plan).
Language Teaching for Practicing Teachers
Length of program
The MA-TESL program is a one-and-a-half to a two-year course of study. If you have a teaching assistantship, you should plan on a two-year commitment.
This program of study combines a strong theoretical foundation in applied linguistics with practical training in the teaching of English to speakers of other languages. The principal goals of the program are to provide the linguistic foundations for English as a second/foreign language teaching, equip teachers with the practical skills needed for effective language teaching, and prepare students for further study (including doctoral-level studies) in applied linguistics and related fields. This advanced degree offers students options to pursue different combinations of required and elective classes to meet their needs.
University Requirements
To receive a master’s degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject areas, consisting of at least 30 units of graduate-level courses. (Many master’s degree programs require more than 30 units.)
You must additionally complete:
- All requirements for your specific academic plan(s). This may include a thesis.
- All graduate work with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0.
- All work toward the master’s degree must be completed within six consecutive years. The six years begins with the semester and year of admission to the program.
Program Outcome
Program goals
The principal goals of the program are to:
- provide the linguistic theory necessary for ESL/EFL teachers;
- equip teachers with the practical skills needed for effective language teaching;
- prepare students for further study in English language teaching, applied linguistics, and related fields.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the MA in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL), students will have the ability to:
- Apply knowledge of
- the social and regional diversity of English
- the history of the English language
- the structure and uses of the English language
- English language discourse processes, and genres of English language teaching and learning.
- Apply critical and analytical skills to effective English language use and to English language instruction.
- Understand second language learning processes in diverse cultural and educational contexts and the implications for language teaching and assessment.
- Integrate technology into language instruction and materials development.
- Evaluate language program effectiveness.
- Apply knowledge of cross-cultural communication to teacher-student interactions, materials development, lesson plans, course design, community interactions, and assessment instruments.
- Apply knowledge of theoretical and practical issues from applied linguistics and ESL methodology to innovative and effective English language teaching practices.
- Become active professionals in Applied Linguistics and related fields through participation in professional development seminars; local, national, and international conferences; practice teaching; research experience; and/or in doctoral programs.
Career Opportunities
What Can I Do with a Master of Arts in Teaching English as a Second Language?
The MA TESL degree provides students with the theory and practical skills needed for effective language teaching and related career paths. It also prepares students for further study in applied linguistics and related fields. The degree opens up many career opportunities in the U.S. and abroad.
Career opportunities that might be pursued:
- Teacher of English as a second language (in English speaking countries) in, for example, university intensive English programs, community colleges, adult education programs, language programs for new immigrants and refugees.
- Teacher of English as a foreign language (in non-English speaking countries), in, for example, universities, private language schools, binational centers, English for academic purposes foundation programs.
- Language program coordinator or administrator.
- Test developer.
- Teacher Trainer.
- Curriculum/materials specialist (for publishing houses).
- English Language Fellow, U.S. Peace Corps teacher.
- ESL coordinator in K-12 contexts (for those who enter the program with teaching credentials).
English Language Requirements
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