COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) at Southeast Missouri State University is a 33-hour graduate program designed to prepare educators to teach English effectively in diverse global and multicultural settings. The program emphasizes the practical application of linguistic theory, teaching methodology, and intercultural understanding to real classroom environments, ensuring that graduates are equipped to teach learners in pre-school through higher education, adult education programs, and international contexts. Students complete a structured core of courses that build a strong foundation in key areas such as sociolinguistics, ESL/EFL learning theories, TESOL research methods, curriculum design, grammar instruction, materials development, and foundations of linguistics. These courses help students understand how language works, how it is acquired, and how it can be taught effectively to speakers of other languages.A central component of the program is the TESOL practicum, where students gain supervised, hands-on teaching experience in real educational settings. This allows them to apply theoretical knowledge to classroom instruction, develop teaching strategies, and refine their ability to work with diverse English language learners. In addition, students take courses that focus on intercultural awareness and competence, preparing them to work effectively in multicultural classrooms and global education environments.Students also choose from electives such as academic language instruction, computer-assisted language learning, or advanced English topics, allowing them to tailor their studies to specific teaching interests. The program culminates in one of several capstone options, including a thesis with oral defense, a non-thesis graduate paper with comprehensive exam, a portfolio option, or a teaching portfolio, all of which require reflection and demonstrate mastery of TESOL concepts.Overall, the TESOL program prepares graduates to become skilled, reflective, and adaptable English language educators capable of designing effective instruction and supporting learners across a wide range of educational and cultural contexts worldwide.