Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (MA)
Catalog Year 2025-2026
The MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) prepares graduate students for employment in second and foreign language teaching, program administration, and curriculum and assessment development in the U.S. and abroad, as well as for doctoral study in Applied Linguistics and related disciplines.
Program Requirements
Common Core
Introduction to theories and classroom practices that have shaped second language teaching and learning. Topics of study focus on prominent second language learning/acquisition theories, individual and sociocultural factors in language learning, technology-based resources that enhance language learning, as well as practical issues and applications of theory in a wide range of instructional contexts.
Prerequisites:
none
Research/Methods Course(s)
Study of research paradigms and methods common in the field of TESOL/Applied Linguistics and preparation to plan and implement a research project.
Prerequisites:
none
Restricted Electives
Practical Experience - Choose 3 Credit(s).
Continued workshop in composition pedagogy for first-year teaching assistants.
Prerequisites:
none
Study of current second language writing theories and practices in connection to first-year teaching assistants' teaching of basic writing and composition for multilingual writers.
Prerequisites:
none
Study of current theories and practices in TESOL in connection to students' placement in a university-level ESL classroom.
Prerequisites:
none
Methods - Choose 6 Credit(s).
Introduction to theory and best practices of teaching second language listening and speaking to a variety of English learners in multiple contexts.
Prerequisites:
none
Introduction to theory and best practices of teaching second language grammar and vocabulary to a variety of English learners in multiple contexts - specifically focusing on content based teaching practices.
Prerequisites:
none
Introduction to theory and best practices of teaching second language reading and writing to a variety of English learners in multiple contexts.
Prerequisites:
none
* Course offering for ENG 624 dependent on enrollment and may be replaced with 600-level elective in consultation with advisor.
Unrestricted Electives
Only two (2) 500-level courses may count in this category. Methods courses may not double count. ENG 634 may be repeated under different topics. - Choose 15 Credit(s).
Introduction to theory and best practices of teaching second language listening and speaking to a variety of English learners in multiple contexts.
Prerequisites:
none
Introduction to theory and best practices of teaching second language grammar and vocabulary to a variety of English learners in multiple contexts - specifically focusing on content based teaching practices.
Prerequisites:
none
Introduction to theory and best practices of teaching second language reading and writing to a variety of English learners in multiple contexts.
Prerequisites:
none
Exploration of state and federal legislation affecting ESL programs, current models of ESL program delivery, and Minnesota State Standards and standardized testing. Additionally, the course develops the ability to understand related students, families, and programs in context.
Prerequisites:
none
This course aims to develop students¿ understanding of the interdisciplinary field of second language (L2) writing and, more specifically, the unique characteristics and instructional needs of L2 writers across multiple contexts.
Prerequisites:
none
Exploration of second language literacy as a situated social practice. Current second language literacy theories and practices are studied and applied to a variety of second language reading and writing instructional contexts.
Prerequisites:
none
Exploration of major theories of second language acquisition through supporting research and pedagogical applications.
Prerequisites:
none
Examination of a special topic or topics in the field of TESOL/Applied Linguistics. Course may be repeated.
Prerequisites:
none
Survey of language tests and other forms of related assessment that measure various second language abilities.
Prerequisites:
none
Examination of the social factors and conventions that inform language choices, how sociolinguistic and pragmatic norms differ among social, cultural, and language groups, and how language learners acquire these norms.
Prerequisites:
none
* ENG 628 is required for students with ENG 101 multilingual teaching assistantships.
Capstone Course
Oral Defense - Choose 1 Credit(s).
Independent capstone experience, guidelines of which are determined by the requirements of a particular program option.
Prerequisites:
none
Policies
Language Requirements
Students whose first language is English must have a minimum of two consecutive years of high school foreign language study or one year of college-level foreign language study or an equivalent. This requirement may be met in residence, but courses taken to fulfill it will not count toward the degree.
Students whose first language is not English must have a minimum TOEFL score of iBT 80, IELTS 6.5, or Duolingo of 110 to be admitted to the program.
Capstone Requirements
Students must choose one of the following options:
Oral Defense: Requires students to conduct a primary research project and to give an oral presentation, preferably at an organized conference. Students who choose the oral defense option are required to complete 31 total credits.
Application Requirements
Personal statement, not to exceed two pages, describing the applicant’s (1) relevant background information and (2) current teaching and research interests, as well as (3) how MNSU’s graduate TESOL program will support their academic and professional goals.
Resume
Additional Requirements for International Applicants
