Master of Arts in the Teaching of English as a Second Language and Applied Linguistics
Master of Arts in the Teaching of English as a Second Language and Applied Linguistics
Dr. Manuel Vargas, Interim Dean
School Of Education and Human Performance
Dr. Edwin Bell , Interim Chair
Department of Educational Leadership, Counseling, and Professional Studies
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The Master of Arts in the Teaching of English as a Second Language and Applied Linguistics (MA in TESL/AL) is a comprehensive program carefully balancing theory and practice. The program develops an awareness of current thought and practice in ESL education and AL, providing the specialized knowledge and skills program candidates need to successfully teach ESL in diverse academic settings in the U.S. and abroad.
Teacher candidates gain an understanding of, and expertise in areas such as ...
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language acquisition and language learning
-
social and psychological aspects of language
-
cultural aspects of language
-
grammar for ESL teachers
-
principles and methods of teaching ESL
-
testing, assessment, and evaluation in ESL
-
literacy skills development in ESL
-
differentiated instruction in ESL
-
descriptive linguistics
-
varieties of English
-
discourse analysis
ACCREDITATION
The MA in TESL/AL is fully accredited by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (DPI) and the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education(NCATE). NCATE has adopted standards established by Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages, Inc.(TESOL) to ensure the adequacy of preparation of ESL teachers. The program is aligned with the recently revised NC State Board of Education Standards for teachers of ESL and with the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards.
CURRICULUM REQUIREMENTS
The MA in TESL/AL requires completion of 39 (thirty-nine) credit hours of course work, including 6 (six) credit hours of thesis or 6 (six) additional credit hours of course work within ESL. Candidates with an initial teaching license are able to add an A-level ESL teaching license upon completion of 18 (eighteen) credit hours in the core areas.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
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Completed graduate application, including application fee and applicant’s Statement of Purpose, submitted to the Office of Admissions (www.wssu.edu/wssu/graduatestudies)
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Evidence of foreign language experience at the college level
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Undergraduate GPA of 2.5 or higher
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Official GRE/MAT score (or receipt verifying GRE scheduled registration for the test)
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Official transcripts submitted by the deadline
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Three professional references validating applicant’s professional experiences
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
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Expand and diversify the scope of the candidates’ professional training
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Maximize the candidates’ educational experience
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Broaden the candidates’ pedagogical knowledge and skills
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Strengthen the candidates’ professional competency
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Increase the candidates’ preparedness for present- day societal challenges of multiculturalism and multilingualism
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Help the candidates obtain a North Carolina “M” License in the Teaching of ESL
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Enable the candidates to develop relationships and bonds with cohorts of peers
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Enhance the candidates’ earning potential
Plan of Study
|
Course Number |
Course |
Credit Hours |
|
|
REQUIRED COURSES (27 hours) |
|
|
ESL 5310* |
Language Acquisition and Language Learning |
3 |
|
ESL 5311* |
Language and Culture in ESL |
3 |
|
ESL 5312* |
Testing, Assessment, and Evaluation in ESL |
3 |
|
ESL 5313* |
Principles and Methods of Teaching ESL |
3 |
|
ESL 5315* |
Advanced Grammar for ESL Teachers |
3 |
|
LIN 5301* |
Descriptive Linguistics |
3 |
|
LIN 5302 |
Social and Psychological Aspects of Language |
3 |
|
APL 5301 |
Discourse Analysis |
3 |
|
APL 5303 |
Language and Gender |
3 |
|
ELECTIVE COURSES (12 hours)
|
||
|
ESL 6601 |
Masters Thesis (Optional) |
6 |
|
APL 5302 |
Language Variety in American English |
3 |
|
ENG 5301 |
History of the English Language |
3 |
|
ESL 5317 |
Literacy Skills Development in ESL |
3 |
|
ESL 5318 |
Differentiated Instruction in ESL |
3 |
|
ESL 5319 |
ESL Materials, Curriculum, and Syllabus Design |
3 |
|
ESL 5320 |
Teaching ESL Composition at the College Level |
3 |
|
ESL 6301** |
Research Methods in ESL |
3 |
|
ESL 6302 |
Special Topics in ESL |
3 |
|
LIN 6301** |
Research Methods in Linguistics |
3 |
|
LIN 6302 |
Special Topics in Linguistics |
3 |
|
Total Credits |
39 |
|
APPLICATION DEADLINES
Fall admission – July 15
Spring admission – November 15
Summer admission – April 15
Disclaimer: Only pre-licensed candidates can obtain a North Carolina “M” License in the Teaching of ESL upon issuance of the MA degree. Candidates may apply for a North Carolina “A” License in the Teaching of ESL as soon as they have completed 18 credit hours of required coursework.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Educational Leadership, Counseling, and Professional Studies
PROGRAM COORDINATOR:Dr. Doina Kovalik
104C Anderson Center
Phone: (336) 750-3450
Email: kovalikd@wssu.edu
OR
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT:
Mrs. Natalie Wallace
Phone: (336) 750-8606
Fax: (336) 750-2099
Email:wallacena@wssu.edu
