Program Overview

Program Overview

The Master of Arts in Foreign Language Teaching (MAFLT) is a distance-based graduate program designed to meet the needs of current and aspiring language educators around the world. Unlike other professional development options for language teachers, this degree offers a multilingual approach grounded in applied linguistics. Over 20 languages have been represented by students, alumni, and faculty. Our students explore current proficiency-based approaches while building an international community with other engaged and inquisitive educators. Courses in the MAFLT make it a priority to keep content close to the classroom while also addressing a wide range of theory and practices, incorporating national and international standards, and encouraging leadership in the field. The online format allows busy professionals to add a credential while continuing in their current positions. Time to completion ranges from 5 semesters to 5 years. Class size is typically capped at 15, which allows for frequent and substantial interaction with peers and faculty. Fully accredited, with flexible options for pacing.

Program Outcomes

We know that not everyone who speaks a language can teach it effectively. We also know that many language teachers move into the classroom immediately recognize that they would benefit from further guidance and inspiration. Proficiency in the target language is expected; what our students gain is a greater ability to articulate their beliefs, values, and practices and then to promote excellence in themselves and others. The 8 required courses in the program offer a coherent and balanced set of tools for curriculum design, assessment, teaching intercultural competence, instructional technology, and research methods. The capstone Experiential Module project is uniquely customized for each student in consultation with a faculty mentor. Graduates walk away with an online teaching portfolio that demonstrates and presents their accomplishments long after the program ends.

Career Outlook

MAFLT students and alumni include current K-12 teachers with an undergraduate degree in education, career changers, international teachers who are changing countries, and more. Whether their primary goal is moving into the language teaching profession, maintaining excellence in their current role, moving up the pay scale, shifting into administration, developing skills for supervising other teachers, continuing to a doctoral program, or exploring other roles in language education, our students consolidate existing experience and develop a wider range of awareness and skills. Final projects and portfolios vary depending on the career goals of the student and can focus on action research, program administration, materials design, community engagement, language immersion, and more.

Course Information

Core Courses

• FLT 807 - Foreign Language Teaching Methods (3 Credits)
• FLT 817 - Foreign Language Program Development and Administration (3 Credits)
• FLT 808 - Assessment for Foreign Language Teaching (3 Credits)
• FLT 815 - Teaching Culture in Foreign Language Courses (3 Credits)
• FLT 845 - Language Concepts for Foreign Language Teaching (3 Credits)
• FLT 860 – Foreign or Second Language Acquisition (3 Credits)
• FLT 881 - Teaching Foreign Languages with Technology (3 Credits)
• FLT 841 – Special Topics in FLT (topics may include Sociolinguistics, Biliteracy, etc.) (3 Credits)
• FLT 885 – Experiential Module (Master's Project) (5 credits)
• FLT 898 – Comprehensive Exam / Final Portfolio (1 credit) A maximum of 9 credits may be transferred for credit in the MA program.

Admissions and Requirements

To be accepted to this program, you must have:

• A bachelor's degree
• A personal statement summarizing your background and interest in the program
• An academic statement summarizing your prior schooling and preparation for graduate coursework
• An updated resume or CV
• 3 Letters of recommendation. Contact information for three individuals who know you in academic or professional settings and will write recommendation letters
• GRE scores or application for GRE waiver, if your prior schooling was conducted in English
• Test scores (TOEFL or IELTS) and/or writing sample demonstrating advanced English language proficiency, if your prior schooling was NOT conducted in English
• Official transcripts sent directly from all prior institutions, with professional translations if needed

Tuition & Fees

• In-State Tuition: $770 per credit
• Out-of-State Tuition: $770 per credit
• International Tuition: $770 per credit

Cost of Attendance

The university reserves the right to make changes in the types, structures, rates for fees, and tuition. Every effort will be made to give as much advance notice as possible. In addition to tuition and fees, there are other expenses associated with your Cost of Attendance. A breakdown of a graduate student budget can be found.

Key Dates

Fall Semester

• Application Deadline: June 1st

Spring Semester

• Application Deadline: October 15th

Summer Semester

• Application Deadline: April 1st

Program Details

• Delivery Method: Hybrid, Online
• Program Type: Certificate Programs, Bachelor's Programs, Master's Programs, Doctoral Programs
• Total Credits: 30
• Credit Hour: $770
• Minimum Duration: 2 Years

University Rankings

• 29th among Best Public Universities in America — U.S. News & World Report, 2025
• Veteran-Friendly 'Gold Status' 10 Years in a Row — Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, 2025
• #3 in Online Master's in Curriculum and Instruction — U.S. News & World Report, 2025
• #3 in Online Master's in Education Administration — U.S. News & World Report, 2025
• #6 in Online Master's in Education/Instructional Media — U.S. News & World Report, 2025
• #9 in Online Master's in Special Education Programs — U.S. News & World Report, 2025
• #7 in Online Master's Education Programs — U.S. News & World Report, 2025