About This Program

The Master of Arts in Teaching English as a Second Language is designed for current ESL educators. This program provides advanced training in pedagogical theory and practice. Read more...

Contact Information

• Program Coordinators:
  • Mark Bracher, Ph.D. | mbracher@kent.edu | 330-672-2665
  • Bee Viton | bviton@kent.edu |
    330-672-1708
• Connect with an Admissions Counselor: U.S. Student | International Student

Program Delivery

• Delivery:
  • In person
• Location:
  • Kent Campus

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries*

^{* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.}

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
• Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000 point scale
• Official transcript(s)
• Goal statement (1-2 pages)
• Three letters of recommendation
• English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions) by earning one of the following:
  • Minimum 550 TOEFL PBT score
  • Minimum 79 TOEFL IBT score
  • Minimum 77 MELAB score
  • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
  • Minimum 58 PTE score
  • Minimum 110 Duolingo English score

Applicants are assessed holistically, considering academic credentials, academic or professional references, non-academic criteria and other specific program criteria.

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester
  • Funding deadline: January 15
    Applications must be submitted by this deadline to be considered for an assistantship or any other funded position.
• Spring Semester
  • Rolling admissions

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Course List

Code	Title	Credit Hours
Major Requirements
ENG 63001	METHODOLOGY OF TEACHING ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE	3
ENG 63033	THEORIES IN SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION	3
ENG 63040	LINGUISTICS FOR THE LANGUAGE PROFESSIONS	3
ENG 63041	DESCRIPTIVE GRAMMAR OF ENGLISH	3
Additional Requirements or Concentration
Choose from the following:		24-36
Additional Requirements for Students Not Declaring a Concentration
TESL Education Concentration
Minimum Total Credit Hours:		36-48

Additional Requirements for Students Not Declaring a Concentration

Graduation Requirements

• All students in the M.A. degree complete a capstone project with options of a thesis or portfolio or exams.
• All students in the M.A. degree cannot be concurrently enrolled in the Teaching English as a Second/Foreign Language certificate. Students who hold either certificate may be permitted to apply 12 graduate credit hours earned in the certificate toward the M.A. degree.

Licensure Information

Candidates seeking Ohio licensure are required to pass specific assessments in order to apply for licensure. Students should consult their advisors for specific program requirements and refer the Ohio Department of Education-Educator Preparation website for more information on assessments specific to licensure type.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Demonstrate understanding of different associated fields within teaching English as a second language, including linguistics, language acquisition, pedagogy and practice.
2. Demonstrate what knowledge of the field and disciplines making up teaching English as a second language.
3. Demonstrate skills in teaching.
4. Demonstrate understanding of different cultural norms and practices and the ability to accommodate teaching practices based on these differences.

Full Description

The Master of Arts degree in Teaching English as a Second Language is grounded in linguistic principles, language learning theory and empirical research on language learning and teaching. The program enables students to teach effectively in varied learning contexts. Students gain experience through a supervised practicum and have the opportunity to teach in a variety of English-as-a-second/foreign-language contexts. Graduates are prepared for international teaching and research, adult education, and advanced study in applied linguistics. literacy positions.

The Teaching English as a Second Language major includes the following optional concentration:

• The TESL Education concentration prepares students for P-12 school educators. Students' practicum takes place in area schools, and students prepare for the state licensure requirements.

Professional Licensure Disclosure

This program is designed to prepare students to sit for applicable licensure or certification in Ohio. If you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Ohio, please review state educational requirements for licensure or certification and contact information for state licensing boards at Kent State's website for professional licensure disclosure.