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Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (MA-TESOL)

The Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (MA-TESOL) program at Seattle Pacific University prepares students for leadership and service in the field of teaching English as a second or foreign language. The program is characterized by close interaction with faculty committed to excellence in teaching and scholarship, integrated with active involvement in the ESL community.

About the Program

The MA-TESOL program includes:

• Theory made practical
• Balance between academic preparation and teacher training
• Strong emphasis on ethical and intercultural sensitivity
• Practica to ensure success and confidence in the classroom

The program is rooted in a four-strand approach:

• Academic preparation, including courses in phonology, morphology, syntax, and second-language acquisition
• Pedagogy, including methods courses that serve as a bridge between theory and practice
• Practica, including a language-learning practicum and a two-quarter teaching phase
• Electives, giving students a chance to explore individual interests in the TESOL field

Scheduling

• The 3-credit courses generally meet once a week for two-and-a-half hours
• TESOL courses are usually held during afternoon and evening hours, Monday through Thursday
• Students are free to take only one or two courses per quarter or up to 9 credits per quarter
• All coursework must be completed within six years

Curriculum

The program prepares students to teach in colleges and universities, and in various language institutes within the United States and abroad. The program may be completed in seven quarters of full-time coursework.

Prerequisites

• Proficiency in a foreign language equivalent to at least one year's study at the college level
• One or more basic courses in linguistic theory (e.g., LIN 2100)
• With the approval of the program director, students may take these courses concurrently with the master's coursework

Admission Requirements

• Hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university, or its equivalent
• Submit at least two letters of recommendation from unrelated individuals familiar with the intended field of study
• Submit an official copy of transcript(s) from the college or university that granted the bachelor's degree and any institution attended since that time
• Present a GPA of at least 3.0 (4.0=A) in the last 45 quarter credits of coursework completed before applying for admission or in all undergraduate work, whichever is higher
• Present an acceptable score on the appropriate entrance examination (for GRE, a minimum score of 155 on the verbal portion and 3.5 on the analytical writing portion; for MAT, a minimum of 35)
• Submit an essay in response to questions provided in the application packet
• Provide proof of English proficiency if English is not the first language (TOEFL score of at least 100 on the Internet-based test or 600 on the paper-based test)
• Provide an affidavit of support reflecting financial support covering each year of intended enrollment if not a citizen or permanent U.S. resident
• Complete the application for the MA-TESOL program
• Include the application fee

Quarter Application Deadlines

• Autumn: August 1
• Winter: December 1
• Spring: March 1
• Summer: May 1

Program Details

• The MA-TESOL program is 54 credits
• Students interested in this program may also consider pursuing the 69-credit TESOL (MA) with K-12 certification
• Many ESL programs run on a limited and shortened basis during Summer Sessions; practicum placements are typically unavailable at that time
• With the director's approval, students may transfer up to 12 comparable graduate credits into the SPU program