Master of Arts in Teaching English as a Second Language
Concordia University's College of Theology, Arts and Sciences, in conjunction with the Department of International Studies, offers a Master of Arts in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL). This 30-33 hour master's program is a combination of theory and practice offered for students who are interested in teaching English as a second language around the world and in the United States in venues other than K-12.
Program Objectives
In addition to meeting the objectives for all graduate programs, successful international students in the MA 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
Domestic 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.
MA in TESL Core Course Requirements [22]
| Course Code | Course Title | Credits |
| TESL 534 | Intro to Graduate Studies TESL | 1 |
| TESL 539 | Linguistics | 3 |
| TESL 544 | English Grammar & Structure | 3 |
| TESL 545 | Strategies for Teaching English | 3 |
| TESL 546 | TESL Methods | 3 |
| TESL 547 | TESL Assessment | 2 |
| TESL 585 | Practicum | 3 |
| TESL 603 | Research and Design | 3 |
| TESL 597 | Professional Assessment Seminar | 1 |
| TOTAL (semester hours) | 22 | |
Option A: Thesis
In addition to the core courses, candidates will complete TESL 699: Thesis. A total of 30 credits are required for a thesis option.
| Course Code | Course Title | Credits |
| Complete 5 Elective credits and: | ||
| TESL 699 | Thesis | 3 |
Option B: Non-Thesis
In addition to the core courses, candidates will add eleven (11) credits of electives. Students in the non-thesis option will also complete a substantive research project. The guidelines for the project will be given to candidates. A total of 33 credits are required for non-thesis option.
Option C: Non-Thesis with International Education Component
Students in this option will complete a 3-credit international education course/practicum. Students will do an intensive six- week international teaching practicum which includes a research/curriculum development component. Note: International teachers cannot use their current employment for this option. A total of 30 credits is required for this option.
| Electives: | ||
| TESL 541 | Curriculum & Tech | 2 |
| EDGR 535 | Theories of Teaching & Learning | 3 |
| TESL 501 | Workplace ESL | 3 |
| TESL 505 | Language & Culture: Intercultural Comm | 3 |
| EDCI 538 | Stratagies & Materials for Teaching ELL (K-12) | 3 |
| TESL 520 | TESL Special Topics Seminar | 2 |
| TOTAL (semester hours) | 30-33 | |