Master of Education in Teaching English as a Second Language

Concordia University's College of Education, in conjunction with the Department of International Studies, offers a Master of Education in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL). This 30-33 hour Master's program is a combination of theory and practice offered for the teacher not working in a K-12 classroom, but primarily in other venues that work with second language learners.

Program Objectives

In addition to meeting the objectives for all M.Ed. programs, successful foreign candidates in the M.Ed. in TESL will:

  • Gain expertise in teaching English as a foreign or second language
  • Develop an appreciation and understanding of English and its structure
  • Learn the latest theories and techniques for teaching a second language
  • Develop competence in using English as well as improvement in their ability to teach a foreign language

American students who complete this program will:

  • Possess the qualifications to teach in ESL programs in community colleges or universities, social service agencies, and churches
  • Possess the additional knowledge and skills to help them seek employment in foreign countries as teachers of English as a second language

This degree does not meet requirements for state public school certification. Candidates who are interested in teaching TESL in K-12 public schools in the United States should already have completed a teacher certification program. Option B is recommended for K-12 licensed teachers.

M.Ed. in TESL Core Course Requirements [27]

Course Code Course Title Credits
EDTS 534 Professional Planning Seminar 1
EDGR 535 Theories of Teaching & Learning 3
EDTS 546 TESL Methods 3
EDTS 539 Linguistics 3
EDTS 541 Curriculum & Technology 2
EDTS 547 TESL Educational Assessment Seminar 2
EDTS 585 Practicum 3
EDTS 544 English Grammar & Structure 3
EDTS 545 Strategies for Teaching English 3
EDTS 603 TESL: Research Design Methods 3
EDTS 597 Professional Assessment Seminar 1
TOTAL (semester hours) 27

Option A: Thesis [3]

In addition to the core courses, candidates will complete EDGR 699: Thesis. (EDGR 698: Action Research is available with prior approval from the Director of the TESL program.) A total of 30 credits are required for a thesis option.

Course Code Course Title Credits
Select ONE of the following:
EDGR 699 Thesis 3
EDGR 698 Action Research (Approval Required) 3
TOTAL (semester hours) 3

Option B: Non-Thesis [6]

In addition to the core courses, candidates will add six credits of electives.

Course Code Course Title Credits
Select TWO of the following:
EDCI 538 Strategies and Materials for Teaching English-Learners 3
EDCI 540 Language and Culture in the Classroom 3
EDGR 595 Community of Learners 3
TOTAL (semester hours) 6

Students in the non-thesis option will also complete a substantive research project as part of EDTS 597. The guidelines for the project will be given to candidates in this option prior to EDTS 603. A total of 33 credits are required for non-thesis option.

Option C: Non-Thesis with International Education Component [3]

In addition to the core courses, candidates will complete an EDTS 587, TESL Immersion Practicum [3].

Course Code Course Title Credits
Required:
EDTS 587 TESL Immersion Practicum 3
TOTAL (semester hours) 3

Students will spend a minimum of four weeks abroad teaching ESL. In addition, students will write a paper that they will present and defend for completion of the credits. International teachers cannot use their current employment for this option.

The international practicum follows similar guidelines to other College of Education practica. A Concordia University advisor monitors the student's work by computer and telephone, communicating with both the student and the student's on-site mentor/supervisor. A total of 30 credits are required for International Education Component option.