COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Arts in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) program requires between 36 and 48 credit hours and is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in language teaching, linguistics, and second language acquisition. The core curriculum includes essential courses such as Methodology of Teaching English as a Second Language, Theories in Second Language Acquisition, Linguistics for the Language Professions, and Descriptive Grammar of English. These courses equip students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to understand how languages are learned and how to effectively teach English to diverse learners.Students then complete additional requirements based on whether they choose a concentration. Those not declaring a concentration must take courses such as Sociolinguistics or related alternatives, along with a practicum in teaching international students, and 18 credit hours of major electives. These electives allow students to explore areas like second language writing, reading, listening and speaking, curriculum and assessment, English for specific purposes, and research methods. Students may also complete a thesis as part of their elective options.Alternatively, students can pursue the TESL Education concentration, which is designed for those seeking to teach in P–12 school settings. This track includes courses focused on classroom instruction, reading theory and practice, and second language reading, along with a practicum teaching English language learners in schools. Students also complete 15 credit hours of concentration electives that emphasize multicultural education, bilingual learners, and advanced language teaching strategies. The program culminates in professional practice and student teaching experiences, which provide extensive, supervised classroom training. Overall, the program combines theoretical foundations, flexible coursework, and hands-on teaching experience to prepare graduates for careers in diverse educational environments.