COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Applied Linguistics and TESOL at University of New Hampshire requires a minimum of 32 credit hours at the 800 or 900 graduate level, including at least 4 credits dedicated to a research experience. In addition to coursework, students must demonstrate reading proficiency in one foreign language, which can be satisfied either through a departmental examination or by earning a grade of B or better in a fourth-semester college-level language course; students whose native language is not English may be exempt from this requirement. The overall program of study must be approved by the program advisor to ensure it aligns with academic and professional goals.The curriculum includes four required core courses that provide a strong foundation in applied linguistics and language teaching. These are ENGL 815 Teaching English as a Second Language: Theory and Methods, ENGL 816 Curriculum, Materials and Assessment in English as a Second Language, ENGL 819 Sociolinguistics Survey, and ENGL 827 Issues in Second Language and Multilingual Literacy, each emphasizing both theoretical and practical dimensions of language learning and instruction. Beyond the core, students select three electives (12 credits total) from a range of linguistics and applied language courses such as morphology, language and gender, history of the English language, linguistic field methods, English grammar, and special topics in linguistics, allowing for specialization based on individual interests.The program culminates in a required research component, typically ENGL 998 Master’s Paper (4 credits), which involves producing a substantial scholarly work under faculty guidance. An alternative option allows students to complete a 4-credit advanced course with a significant research paper (approximately 30 pages), developed in consultation with the instructor and program advisor. Together, these requirements ensure that graduates develop both theoretical expertise and practical research skills in applied linguistics and TESOL, preparing them for careers in language education, curriculum development, and related fields.