TheMaster of Arts in Teaching English as a Second Language (MA TESL)degree is designed for individuals seeking advanced professional preparation in the teaching of English as a second or foreign language with adult learners in the U.S. or abroad. Our MA TESL is a non-thesis degree program. Please note: This program does NOT provide certification to teach ESL in U.S. public schools.

Requirements

All students must complete 36 credit hours, or 12 courses, in the following areas:Foundations,Professional Core, andMethods of Language Study/Research.

In addition to these areas, MA TESL students complete six credits of field experience in classroom and tutoring settings and chooseelectivecourses in one or more areas of special interest. Two capstone projects are also required of all MA TESL students, the e-Portfolio and the MA Paper. Please note that the MA Paper is NOT a credit-bearing thesis, but it does appear on your official transcript.

Departmental Activities

A variety of department-sponsored activities enhance the intellectual and professional lives of both faculty and graduate students.

• Regularly scheduleddepartmental roundtable sessionsbring graduate students, faculty members, and visitors together for panel discussions, presentations about research-in-progress, and professional development activities.
• Distinguished speakersfrom all over the world come to campus to talk about their latest research interests. These events allow graduate students to meet and talk informally with leading figures in the field.
• The graduate student body also organizes regularly scheduledsocial eventsthat bring faculty and graduate students together in more informal settings to share ideas and develop affiliations.

For more detailed information on the MA TESL program, please seeour MA TESL Handbook.

For information on how to apply to the MA TESL program, please click here.

For additional information about the MA TESL Program, please contact:

Sharon S. Childs, PhD
Chair, MA TESL Program
Email:ssc5@psu.edu