2013-2014

Teaching English as a Second Language - Applied Linguistics, Master of Arts

Department of English

College of Arts and Letters

This program of study covers a blend of theoretical and practical issues, ranging from linguistics and sociolinguistics, to ESL methodology, to assessment of second-language skills. Students complete a one-semester supervised teaching experience and become familiar with research modes and methods for this intriguing field.

This plan will not be available to new students after Summer 2014

  • To receive a master’s degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject areas, consisting of at least 30 units of graduate-level courses. Many master’s degree programs require more than 30 units.

    You must additionally complete:

    • All requirements for your specific academic plan(s). This may include a thesis.
    • All graduate work with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0.
    • All work toward the master's degree must be completed within six consecutive years. The six years begins with the semester and year of admission to the program.

    Read the full policy here.

In addition to University Requirements:

Minimum Units for Completion 37
Additional Admission Requirements

Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
Thesis Thesis may be required by chosen emphasis or offered as an option.
Comprehensive Exam Comprehensive Exam is required.
Oral Defense Oral Defense may be required by chosen emphasis or offered as an option.
Research Individualized research may be required by chosen emphasis or offered as an option.

Additional Admission Requirements

  • Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.

  • The NAU graduate online application is required for all programs. Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Graduate College.

    Admission requirements include the following:

    • Transcripts.
    • Undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale ("A" = 4.0), or the equivalent.


    Visit the NAU Graduate Admissions website for additional information about graduate school application deadlines, eligibility for study, and admissions policies.

    Ready to apply? Begin your application now.

    International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy.

    • Three letters of recommendation
    • Personal statement or essay
Master's Requirements
      • This may include up to 6 units of ENG 699, upon petition to the applied linguistics faculty, for the research, writing, and oral defense of an approved thesis.
      • Please note that you may end up taking more than the 6 units of thesis credit you can count toward your degree because you must enroll for ENG 699 each term while you are working on your thesis.

  • You must also:

    • Have your writing skills evaluated during your first year of study; and
    • Take a comprehensive exam.

  • Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.