MA-TESOL Program Description
This program prepares candidates to better serve and teach English to native speakers of other languages. The PK-12 and Endorsement Only concentrations meet curriculum requirements for the English as a Second Language (ESL) endorsement (NS) on a valid Michigan Teaching Certificate. This program is offered completely online.
MA-TESOL Program Admission Requirements
In addition to the general admission requirements for graduate programs, the MA TESOL specific program admission requirements are as follows:
- Official transcripts verifying a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in the United States, England, Canada, or from an institution where the language of instruction was 100% in English
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Candidates who are native English speakers and seeking the ESL endorsement on their Michigan Teaching Certificate must provide evidence of the study of a foreign language (two semesters at the undergraduate level).
MA-TESOL Program Outcomes
- To apply knowledge and understanding of how cultural groups and students’ cultural identities affect language learning and school achievement.
- To use language development knowledge to create a supportive classroom-learning environment that includes opportunities for interaction and negotiation of meaning in English.
- To provide educators with the opportunity to develop a sound basis for dealing with questions of ethics and values.
- To use standards-based practices and strategies related to planning, implementing, and managing content instruction, including the use of critical thinking skills for English learners.
- To provide educators with the opportunity to develop the leadership skills necessary for developing collaboration among the constituencies in the local community and with state and national education professionals.
- To equip educators to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse student population.
- To prepare educators for new professional service and leadership roles.
Program Concentrations
PK-12 Concentration
The MA-TESOL (PK-12 education) is a 30-credit hour program. Currently certified Michigan teachers seeking the ESL endorsement through this program will also need to pass the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) test #126 for ESL (NS).
Adolescent and Adult Education (AAE) Concentration
This program prepares candidates with a baccalaureate degree in any major to teach English in non-K-12 settings, either in the USA or abroad. The MA in TESOL AAE concentration is suited for students without K-12 teacher certification but with B.A. or B.S. degrees from accredited institutions with a major in a wide variety of fields of study, including science, technology, arts, etc. Students in this concentration may be interested in teaching English in universities or community colleges in the U.S. or abroad, in middle schools and high schools in some countries, or in after-school English language programs for elementary children in non-English speaking countries. Graduates may also teach in ministry-based settings primarily with adult students in the U.S. or abroad. This program is offered completely online.
Endorsement Only: PK-12
A copy of Michigan teacher certification is required. To complete the ESL Endorsement program, candidates in Michigan will have to pass the MTTC test #126 for ESL (NS) after taking the 24 required credit hours in the endorsement curriculum. Candidates must provide evidence of the study of a foreign language for two semesters at the undergraduate level. Students who are certified to teach in a state other than Michigan will need to work with that state’s requirements for ESL certification.
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