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

In addition to University Requirements:

Minimum Units for Completion	38
Additional Admission Requirements	Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
Fieldwork Experience/Internship	Optional
Arizona Endorsement	May prepare student for Arizona Endorsement.
Thesis	Thesis may be required by chosen emphasis or offered as an option.
Oral Defense	Oral Defense may be required by chosen emphasis or offered as an option.
Foreign Language	A foreign language 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.
Progression Plan Link	View Program of Study
Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Plan	Optional

Purpose Statement

Our TESL degree combines a strong theoretical foundation in applied linguistics with practical training in the teaching of English to people who speak other native languages. The principal goals of the program are to:

• provide the linguistic theory necessary for ESL/EFL teachers
• equip teachers with the practical skills needed for effective language teaching
• prepare students for further study in English language teaching, applied linguistics, and related fields

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completing the Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics and Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL), students will be able to:

• Apply knowledge of
  • the social and regional diversity of English,
  • the history of the English language,
  • the structure and uses of the English language,
  • English language discourse processes, and
  • genres to English language teaching and learning
• Apply critical and analytical skills to effective English language use and to English language instruction.
• Understand second language learning processes in diverse cultural and educational contexts and the implications for language teaching and assessment.
• Integrate technology into language instruction and materials development.
• Evaluate language program effectiveness.
• Apply knowledge of cross-cultural communication to teacher-student interactions, materials development, lesson plans, course design, community interactions, and assessment instruments.
• Apply knowledge of theoretical and practical issues from applied linguistics and ESL methodology to innovative and effective English language teaching practices.
• Become active professionals in Applied Linguistics and related fields through participation in professional development seminars; local, national, and international conferences; practice teaching; research experience; and/or in doctoral programs.

Graduate Admission Information

• 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 Office of Graduate and Professional Studies.
  
  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.

Additional Admission Requirements

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

• • Personal Letter of Intent (2 - 3 pages in length)
  • 2 letters of recommendation required only for those MA TESL applicants applying for Graduate Teaching Assistantships

Master's Requirements

• This Master’s degree requires 38 units distributed as follows:

  • English Common Coursework: 24 units
  • Content Coursework Electives: 9 units
  • Professional Develoment Seminar: 2 units
  • Teaching Practicum Coursework: 3 units

  
  Take the following 38 units:

• English Common Coursework (24 units)

  • ENG 504, ENG 518, ENG 528, ENG 548, ENG 558, ENG 559, ENG 638, ENG 658 (24 units)

• Content Coursework Electives (9 units)

  • In consultation with your advisor, elect additional (AL/TESL) ENG courses (9 units)
    • No more than 3 units of 400-level coursework are permitted
    • Students interested in conducting research or pursuing a doctorate should take ENG 668 as one of their electives.

• • Professional Develoment Seminar (2 units)

    • ENG 587, ENG 687 (2 units)

• • Teaching Practicum Coursework (3 units)

    • Select one from the following (3 units):
      • ENG 601, ENG 688

• Students who successfully petition for a thesis must enroll in at least 3 units of ENG 699. These 3 units are in addition to the 38 units required for graduation.

  You must also:

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

Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's Program

• • This program is available as an Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Plan wherein a student may start a master's degree while simultaneously completing their bachelor's degree.

• • Students enrolled at the Flagstaff campus for both undergraduate and graduate programs are eligible to complete the Bachelor of Arts in English and start a Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics and Teaching English as a Second Language at NAU.

• • Students must apply to the master's program by the graduate program's application deadline, meet all admissions requirements listed in the policy Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's Programs, as well as the admissions requirements for the specified master's plan to be considered for admission. Admission to programs is competitive and qualified applicants may be denied because of limits on the number of students admitted each year.
    
    Be sure to speak with the Master's Program Director/Coordinator regarding your interest in the accelerated plan.

• • Students accepted into the Accelerated Program should complete the following requirements:

• • Master's Requirements
    
    This Master's degree requires 38 units distributed as follows:

    • English Common Coursework: 27 units
    • Content Coursework Electives: 6 units
    • Professional Development Seminar: 2 units
    • Teaching Practicum Coursework: 3 units

    
    Take the following 38 units:

• • English Common Coursework (27 units)

    • ENG 504, ENG 518, ENG 528, ENG 548, ENG 558, ENG 559, ENG 638, ENG 658 (24 units)
    • Select one from the following (3 units):
      • ENG 410C, ENG 411C, ENG 420C, ENG 469C, ENG 479C

• • Content Coursework Electives (6 units)

    • In consultation with your advisor, elect additional (AL/TESL) ENG courses (6 units)
      • No more than 3 units of 400-level coursework are permitted
      • Students interested in conducting research or pursuing a doctorate should take ENG 668 as one of their electives.

• • Professional Develoment Seminar (2 units)

    • ENG 587, ENG 687 (2 units)

• • Teaching Practicum Coursework (3 units)

    • Select one from the following (3 units)
      • ENG 601, ENG 688

• Students who successfully petition for a thesis must enroll in at least 3 units of ENG 699. These 3 units are in addition to the 38 units required for graduation.

  You must also:

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

Additional Information

• 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.

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