COURSE CURRICULUM

The English Language Teaching and Applied Linguistics track in the Master of Arts in English at University of Colorado Denver is a flexible 30–33 credit graduate program focused on preparing students for careers in TESOL, applied linguistics, writing instruction, and international education. Students complete all coursework at the graduate level and must maintain strong academic performance with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and grades of at least B- in all degree courses. The curriculum combines theoretical foundations with practical teaching and communication skills through required courses in Linguistics and Global Englishes, Technologies of Writing, Teaching English Language Learners, and TESOL Writing and Assessment. Students also complete 15 graduate elective credits that allow them to customize the degree based on professional goals and interests in consultation with a faculty advisor. Elective opportunities include internships at the CU Denver ESL Academy, advanced studies in writing, rhetoric, linguistics, technical communication, and writing pedagogy. The program emphasizes language diversity and requires students to demonstrate multilingual or cross-cultural language competency through prior language study, home language experience, or approved coursework. Students complete the program with a capstone experience that may take the form of a Master’s Thesis, Master’s Project, or Portfolio Exam, allowing them to apply research, teaching, and communication skills in a professional or academic context. Teaching assistants gain additional classroom preparation through a practicum in language and rhetoric, while limited independent study opportunities allow exploration of specialized interests. The program also offers a 4+1 pathway that enables qualified undergraduate students to complete both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in approximately five years with waived application requirements such as GRE scores and recommendation letters. International students participate in an interview process as part of admission. Graduates develop expertise in language teaching, assessment, writing instruction, communication technologies, and applied linguistics, preparing them for roles in schools, universities, ESL programs, corporate training, international education, nonprofit organizations, and professional communication fields.