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Make an impact through teaching English.

In an increasingly multi-lingual world, classes need teachers who can teach English to other language speakers. With a master’s degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) you’ll have the teaching skills and english knowledge necessary to make an impact in the lives of your students. 

Southeast’s TESOL program offers real-world experience through a practicum. Students select a site to teach at, and construct a curriculum based around the needs of the students there. 

What You'll Do

As an M.A. in TESOL candidate, you’ll deepen your understanding of linguistics, first and second language acquisition, and literacy acquisition in a second or additional language as you engage in teaching and research. More specifically, you’ll have the opportunity to: 

  • Acquire basic knowledge of linguistics with emphasis on English structure, its usages, and roles in society.  
  • Design a program of language instruction for your own particular setting and learn to revise, adapt and assess the program. 
  • Receive professional attention from faculty with expertise in the field of TESOL and linguistics and guidance for and preparation with the job search process. 

What Can You Do with an M.A. in TESOL?

As an internationally, nationally, and regionally recognized program of excellence, TESOL prepares teachers for the K-12, adult, college or university setting for teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. Graduates will work with children in preschool through high school, in adult education programs with refugees and immigrants, or in college and university programs. 

Career Opportunities 

  • Instructional Coordinator 
  • ESL educators overseas and in the US 
  • International Program Coordinators 

English: TESOL (MA) Degree Map

Explore the courses you'll need to complete your degree.

Secondary Education by the Numbers

  • $73K

    Instructional Coordinators

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the median annual salary for instructional coordinators is $73,080.

  • $63K

    Adult Basic and Secondary Education and ESL Teachers

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the median annual salary for adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers is $63,130.

What You’ll Study 

With a master’s degree in TESOL, you’ll complete a minimum of 33 credit hours.

In addition to the criteria established for general admission to graduate studies, applicants must have the following:

  • An undergraduate GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale

Degree Requirements

The TESOL program requires practical experience before completion of the program. Candidates meet the 33-hour requirement through course work and complete one of the following capstone options:

  • A non-thesis graduate paper and comprehensive exam
  • A portfolio and comprehensive exam
  • A thesis and oral defense. 

(30 Hours)

Core Requirements
  • EN686 Sociolinguistics (3)
  • TL525 Theories of ESL/EFL Learning (3)
  • TL530 Practicum in TESOL (3)
  • TL585 Methods and Curriculum Design for ESL/EFL (3)
  • TL601 Research Methods in TESOL (3)
  • TL620 Approaches to the Teaching of Grammar (3)
  • TL625 Materials Development & Assessment Tools for TESOL (3)
  • TL648 Foundations in Linguistics (3)
Choose 3 hours from the following:*
  • EN606 Topics, Issues and Trends in English (3)
  • TL650 Strategies and Techniques for Teaching Academic Language Skills to English Language Learners (3)
  • TL652 Computer-Assisted-Language Learning (3)
  • XXxxx Appropriate course in the field of interest, chosen with advisor
Choose one with advice of program coordinator
  • GR698 Master's Final Comprehensive Examination (0)
  • GR699 Master's Oral Examination (0)

* The elective hours may not be confined to the courses listed above. Students will be advised to select courses that are appropriate to their field of interest. These fields may include composition, literature, education, foreign languages, etc. 

Recommended sequence of required coursework

The first year: TL525, TL648, TL585, TL601

The second year: TL620, TL630, TL530, TL625, EN686 

Summer classes are available. Students are encouraged to work with their advisor to design an initial study plan that is tailored to their specific needs based on their previous experience. 

Accelerated Program

The accelerated master’s degree program allows certain undergraduate students to take     classes in their senior year that count for both undergraduate credit and graduate credit.  Our Master of Arts in English and TESOL program’s were approved for this program.  We encourage you to consider this opportunity.

If you have ever considered working on a Master’s program, this may be an excellent opportunity for you to begin. 

Program Requirements:

  • Junior Standing with at least 75 credit hours completed 
  • Maximum of 12 hours (500 level) of EN, LI or TL can be transferred to the graduate program.
  • Minimum grade point average of 3.0
  • In the final semester of the undergraduate program the formal graduate application must be submitted

Program Notes:

  • Tuition will be charged at the undergraduate rate.
  • Course will be initially recorded as undergraduate class at the end of semester.
  • After grades are submitted at the end of the semester, the courses will be added to your graduate course list for graduate credit. 

Required Courses

  • TL 525 ESL/EFL Learning and Teaching (required course)
  • TL 585: Methods and Techniques for TESOL (required course)
  • Then choose 2 courses from the following list –
    • EN 500 History of the English Language
    • EN 535 Rhetorical Theory and Written Discourse
    • EN 550 Style in Writing
    • LI 542 Literature for the Young Adult
    • LI 576: American Fiction of the 21st Century

Graduate Coordinator

Dr. Irina Ustinova (iustinova@semo.edu) MA TESOL

Dr. Sarah Dietrich (sdietrich@semo.edu) MA TESOL

College of Education, Health and Human Studies

This degree is housed within the College of Education, Health and Human Studies. The college boasts programs that train students in mind, body, and soul. So, whether you want to teach, to care, to support, or to fix, we have a program to get you there.

Assistant Professor in the Department of English

"Because our students live and work around the world, they are able to teach each other about systems, cultural traditions, and current events in other countries. Having this global perspective is invaluable for teachers who will be working with learners of English as a second or additional language. "

Dr. Sarah Dietrich, Ph.D., MA in TESOL

Headshot of Dr. Sarah Dietrich

Online Learning at Southeast

When it comes to your success, we do whatever it takes. Online learning at Southeast takes the same reputable college courses taught by Southeast faculty and makes them available anytime, anywhere.

Become a Redhawk.

Do more than dream about the future. Take the first steps to make it all happen.

Getting the Job

Your education is just one piece to launching an extraordinary career. Once you’ve mastered the material, you still have to find the job you want, make the right connections, sell your knowledge and experience—and if all this is giving you anxiety, don’t panic. SEMO’s Career Services office is here to help you with the next step. They’ll provide the expertise and support you need, so you’re landing your dream job in no time.

Phone
Advising
(573) 651-5184
Location
Office Location
Kent Library 305
Mailing Address
One University Plaza, MS 4610
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701

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