Academic Programs
Master of Arts in TESL
The M.A. in Teaching English as a Second Language is designed for individuals seeking advanced professional preparation in the teaching of English as a second or foreign language in the U.S. or abroad. The program is aligned with theories of language that emphasize its functional nature and focuses on learning in, from, and for teaching practice within diverse, multilingual societies around the world. All professional core coursework include field experiences in various ESL instructional settings.
The program consists of 36 credit hours or 12 courses in the following areas: foundations, professional core, and methods of language study/research. In addition, students can elect courses in an area or areas in which they have special interests. Over their course of study, students select either a pedagogical or research concentration which determines the program evaluation component of the M.A. TESL. Students who choose the pedagogical concentration complete an e-portfolio that describes their teaching philosophy and experience. Students choosing the research concentration complete an M.A. paper.
All M.A. TESL students complete a one semester teaching internship in an appropriate ESL instructional setting. The experience includes opportunities for working closely with a mentor teacher and supervisor in creating and adapting instructional and assessment activities and practice teaching. Summer teaching opportunities exist in our ESL Program and at the Intensive English Communication Program on campus. Post-graduation Teaching EFL Abroad opportunities also exist with exchange programs established in South Korea, Turkey, Chile, and Mexico. The M.A. TESL coursework, field experiences, and teaching internship strengthen students’ abilities to create educationally sound, contextually appropriate, and socially equitable learning opportunities for English language learners in the instructional settings in which they will eventually teach.
Outside of coursework, a variety of department-sponsored activities enhance the intellectual and professional lives of both faculty and graduate students. All M.A. TESL students are encouraged to participate in the regularly scheduled departmental roundtable sessions and guest lecture series. These events bring together faculty and graduate students from both the M.A and Ph.D. programs to engage in discussions of mutual interest. The sessions include presentations and discussions of research-in-progress by members of the Applied Linguistics community as well as presentations by visiting speakers. The graduate student body also organizes regularly scheduled social events that bring faculty and graduate students together in more informal settings to share ideas and develop affiliations.
For more detailed information on the M.A. TESL program, please view our graduate handbook.
For information on how to apply to the M.A. TESL program, please click here.
Please note: This program does NOT provide certification to teach ESOL in U.S. public schools. If you are seeking certification to teach in Pennsylvania K-12 schools, please visit the Curriculum and Instruction Department in the College of Education.