Dec 10, 2025  
2025-2026 Academic Catalog 
    
2025-2026 Academic Catalog

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (M.A.)


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The graduate program in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) is designed to enhance knowledge, skills, and effectiveness of teachers, researchers, and administrators in the profession. This program attracts an international student body and combines rigorous academic standards with an appropriate balance between theory and practice.

Admission

It is desirable that applicants for the Master of Arts degree in TESOL have teaching experience prior to admission into the program; they may also acquire this experience concurrent with the program.

Language

Applicants who are not native speakers of English will be required to demonstrate on the TOEFL with TWE that their command of English is adequate for study in the program.

Program Requirements

For thesis writers, a minimum of 33 graduate hours plus the thesis is required. For non-thesis writers, a minimum of 36 graduate hours is required plus a comprehensive examination.

Electives


In choosing electives, students with assistance of their advisors, are to choose at least two courses from each of the two categories listed below.

For students who are enrolled in the thesis track, they have to take the following course as part of their electives:  APLN 5311 - Thesis Proposal Writing (3 cr.) 

For students in the comprehensive exam track, they have to choose another elective from one of the two categories or from other graduate programs on campus in consultation with their academic advisor. 

Thesis


The thesis as a requirement for graduation is optional. The student who chooses to write a thesis must produce a professional paper on some aspects of TESOL. The thesis must be prepared under the guidance and close supervision of a faculty adviser and a designated committee, and must be defended to the satisfaction of the department. The thesis defense is not open to the public.

Comprehensive Examination


The Comprehensive Examination consists of a written examination followed by an oral examination. It is required only of students not writing theses, and may not be taken more than twice.

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