Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (MA)

Summary

The MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) prepares graduate students for employment in second and foreign language teaching, program administration, and curriculum and assessment development in the U.S. and abroad, as well as for doctoral study in Applied Linguistics and related disciplines.

Catalog Year

2024-2025

Degree

Master of Arts

Major Credits

30

Total Credits

30

Locations

Mankato

Online

Career Cluster

Languages and Literature

Apply

Program Requirements

Common Core

Introduction to theories and classroom practices that have shaped second language teaching and learning. Topics of study focus on prominent second language learning/acquisition theories, individual and sociocultural factors in language learning, technology-based resources that enhance language learning, as well as practical issues and applications of theory in a wide range of instructional contexts.

Prerequisites: none

Research/Methods Course(s)

Study of research paradigms and methods common in the field of TESOL/Applied Linguistics and preparation to plan and implement a research project.

Prerequisites: none

Restricted Electives

Practical Experience - Choose 3 Credit(s).

Study of current second language writing theories and practices in connection to first-year teaching assistants' teaching of basic writing and composition for multilingual writers.

Prerequisites: none

Study of current theories and practices in TESOL in connection to students' placement in a university-level ESL classroom.

Prerequisites: none

Teaching Methods - Choose 6 Credit(s).

Introduction to theory and best practices of teaching second language listening and speaking to a variety of English learners in multiple contexts.

Prerequisites: none

Introduction to theory and best practices of teaching second language grammar and vocabulary to a variety of English learners in multiple contexts - specifically focusing on content based teaching practices.

Prerequisites: none

Introduction to theory and best practices of teaching second language reading and writing to a variety of English learners in multiple contexts.

Prerequisites: none

Thesis or Oral Defense Option - Select either the Thesis option or the Oral Defense option which matches with your Capstone.

Thesis Option - Choose 12 Credit(s). ENG 634 may be repeated under different topics.

This course aims to develop students¿ understanding of the interdisciplinary field of second language (L2) writing and, more specifically, the unique characteristics and instructional needs of L2 writers across multiple contexts.

Prerequisites: none

Exploration of second language literacy as a situated social practice. Current second language literacy theories and practices are studied and applied to a variety of second language reading and writing instructional contexts.

Prerequisites: none

Exploration of major theories of second language acquisition through supporting research and pedagogical applications.

Prerequisites: none

Examination of a special topic or topics in the field of TESOL/Applied Linguistics. Course may be repeated.

Prerequisites: none

Survey of language tests and other forms of related assessment that measure various second language abilities.

Prerequisites: none

Examination of the social factors and conventions that inform language choices, how sociolinguistic and pragmatic norms differ among social, cultural, and language groups, and how language learners acquire these norms.

Prerequisites: none

Oral Defense Option - Choose 15 Credit(s). Only one (1) 500-level course may count in this category. Methods courses may not double count. ENG 634 may be repeated under different topics.

Introduction to theory and best practices of teaching second language listening and speaking to a variety of English learners in multiple contexts.

Prerequisites: none

Introduction to theory and best practices of teaching second language grammar and vocabulary to a variety of English learners in multiple contexts - specifically focusing on content based teaching practices.

Prerequisites: none

Introduction to theory and best practices of teaching second language reading and writing to a variety of English learners in multiple contexts.

Prerequisites: none

Exploration of state and federal legislation affecting ESL programs, current models of ESL program delivery, and Minnesota State Standards and standardized testing. Additionally, the course develops the ability to understand related students, families, and programs in context.

Prerequisites: none

This course aims to develop students¿ understanding of the interdisciplinary field of second language (L2) writing and, more specifically, the unique characteristics and instructional needs of L2 writers across multiple contexts.

Prerequisites: none

Exploration of second language literacy as a situated social practice. Current second language literacy theories and practices are studied and applied to a variety of second language reading and writing instructional contexts.

Prerequisites: none

Exploration of major theories of second language acquisition through supporting research and pedagogical applications.

Prerequisites: none

Examination of a special topic or topics in the field of TESOL/Applied Linguistics. Course may be repeated.

Prerequisites: none

Survey of language tests and other forms of related assessment that measure various second language abilities.

Prerequisites: none

Examination of the social factors and conventions that inform language choices, how sociolinguistic and pragmatic norms differ among social, cultural, and language groups, and how language learners acquire these norms.

Prerequisites: none

Capstone Course

Select either Thesis or Oral Defense for the Capstone.

Choose 3 Credit(s).

Independent capstone experience, guidelines of which are determined by the requirements of a particular program option.

Prerequisites: none

Choose 1 Credit(s).

Independent capstone experience, guidelines of which are determined by the requirements of a particular program option.

Prerequisites: none

Policies

Language Requirements

  • Students whose first language is English must have a minimum of two consecutive years of high school foreign language study or one year of college-level foreign language study or an equivalent. This requirement may be met in residence, but courses taken to fulfill it will not count toward the degree.
  • Students whose first language is not English must have a minimum TOEFL score of iBT 80, IELTS 6.5, or Duolingo of 110 to be admitted to the program.

Capstone Requirements

Students must choose one of the following options:

  • Oral Defense: Requires students to conduct a primary research project and to give an oral presentation, preferably at an organized conference. Students who choose the oral defense option are required to complete 31 total credits.
  • Thesis/Publishable Manuscript: Requires students to write a publishable research manuscript that contributes new knowledge to the field. To pursue the thesis/publishable manuscript option, students must have faculty approval. Students who choose this option are required to complete 30 total credits.

Application Requirements

  • Personal statement, not to exceed two pages, describing the applicant’s (1) relevant background information and (2) current teaching and research interests, as well as (3) how Minnesota State University’s graduate TESOL program will support their academic and professional goals.
  • Resume

Additional Requirements for International Applicants