Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, (TESOL.MA)

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Program Objectives

At the end of the Master’s program, the graduate student should have acquired the necessary skills, knowledge and experience to:

Demonstrate mastery of advanced linguistic topics.
Act in a culturally sensitive manner in a variety of intercultural contexts with an understanding of the political, social, and cultural implications of English as a world language.
Analyze and apply findings from in-depth explorations into comparative linguistics and comparative language education systems to the development of curricula and language programs.
Prepare language assessment instruments and analyze data to make informed decisions about placement, diagnosis, classroom instruction, and program evaluation.
Integrate faith and learning in the field of TESOL in an international internship or domestic internship working with populations from outside the U.S.
Lead the field of TESOL and participate in professional development activities in the field.
Plan, conduct, and analyze action research in TESOL classrooms.

Program of Study

This program is composed of a minimum of three semesters of approved graduate study. The typical full-time student will complete the program by following a calendar year of studies, one summer and two semesters. A minimum of 31 credit hours are required. The program provides advanced TESOL preparation in areas such as second language literacy, language assessment, program administration, English as an international language, linguistics, and educational philosophy. It culminates in an internship and research project about comparative linguistics and comparative educational systems. The MA in TESOL does not result in licensure in the state of Tennessee for working in the public school system, but collaborates closely with the MAT with TESOL emphasis degree in the College of Education that does lead to licensure. All courses are offered in online format.

Specialty

EDUC 502 - Philosophy and Worldview in Education Credit Hours: 3
TESL 523 - English as an International Language Credit Hours: 3
TESL 524 - Second Language Literacy Credit Hours: 3
TESL 521 - Language Assessment Credit Hours: 3
TESL 522 - Language Program Administration Credit Hours: 3
LING 560 - Advanced Linguistic Topics Credit Hours: 3

Total Hours in Program: 31

Typical Curriculum

Summer 1: 7 weeks in May & June
TESL 521 - Language Assessment Credit Hours: 3
TESL 524 - Second Language Literacy Credit Hours: 3
Summer 2: 7 weeks in June & July
TESL 522 - Language Program Administration Credit Hours: 3
TESL 523 - English as an International Language Credit Hours: 3
Fall - semester-long courses
EDUC 502 - Philosophy and Worldview in Education Credit Hours: 3
LING 560 - Advanced Linguistic Topics Credit Hours: 3