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

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

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The Westcliff MA TESOL program prepares you for a career in TESOL instruction or administration. At Westcliff University you will

  • Work with diverse students, make teaching demonstrations, and lead projects based on the latest research in the TESOL field
  • Build a foundation in TESOL principles for teaching and for administration
  • Develop your ability to think critically and problem solve creatively
  • Take advantage of workshops and guest speaker presentations, offered throughout the year on both online and hybrid programs.
  • Network with students and faculty working in diverse TESOL backgrounds
  • Equally important, you will learn from professors who are experienced TESOL instructors, administrators, and curriculum and program developers

Mission Statement

The mission of the MA TESOL Program is to prepare students to be competent and reflective TESOL professionals in the global community who possess the breadth and depth of knowledge in the theories and pedagogy necessary for varied ESOL teaching contexts and student needs.

MA TESOL Program Description

MA TESOL Program produces graduates with the skills to train teaching faculty who excel in their roles as educators, creative scholars, and researchers. This program will prepare teachers for a wide variety of positions both in the US and abroad. Our students will be equipped with the specialized knowledge and field skills for teaching English to speakers of other languages. Upon graduation, they will be competent professional educators with demonstrable leadership skills.

The performance outcomes which are required for the completion of the program include: class participation, response to discussion questions, writing research papers, group assignments, case study analyses, quizzes, mid-term and final examinations (Comprehensive Learning Assessments).

Program Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Westcliff University wants to produce capable and knowledgeable students who manifest an understanding of work and careers and an ability to adapt quickly to the expectations of employers and the work environment. To this end we strive to realize the following set of Program Outcomes for all our graduates from the MA TESOL Program.

The master’s degree in TESOL requires both academic and personal growth of its students, contributing to their success as classroom teachers.

 

The following educational outcomes are those of the MA TESOL Program:

1
Demonstrate principles of language pedagogy and of current best practices in teaching English to speakers of other languages; relate how these principles are based on research of language acquisition and the teaching of the various skills
2
Show proficiency in spoken and written English at a level commensurate with the role of a language model of the anticipated English teaching context
3
Consider current TESOL pedagogy in the creation of effective lesson plans for diverse groups of learners in a variety of teaching contexts; evaluate materials, produce content and level appropriate lesson plans, and employ the skills required to explain the English language system
4
Explain current theories concerning the cognitive, affective, social, and cultural factors involved in the acquisition and use of second languages and illustrate this knowledge in effective lesson design and classroom interactions with second language learners
5
Identify and apply the skills necessary for effective leadership, collaboration, and communication in and out of the classroom and/or institution
6
Analyze, discuss and integrate ethical values and issues in learning and teaching
7
Select, assess, and implement technology in teaching English within a wide variety of contexts
8
Formulate and build upon the application of analytical and quantitative reasoning and classroom research procedures to guide, support, and solve complex issues in the TESOL field
9
Recognize when information and/or analysis is needed and develop skills to find, appraise, and effectively synthesize and compose needed information and content
10
Construct and challenge critical thinking skills through inquiry and reflection on theory, practice, and beliefs of teaching and learning

Program Requirements

  • Admissions Requirements

    The minimum academic requirements to apply to the Master Degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Program are:

    An applicant with a Bachelor-level degree from a regionally or nationally accredited institution can apply for entrance into Westcliff University. Undergraduate degrees obtained outside of the United States will only be accepted if they have been evaluated by a member in good standing of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or another nationally recognized credentialing service. In this case, the listed U.S. degree equivalency will be used.

  • Graduation Requirements

    The Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages degree consists of a program requirement of 36 credit hours, including 24 credits of core business courses, 9 credits of business concentration courses, 3 credits of capstone.

    All students pursuing a Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages degree must complete the English 600 Practicum Course. Part of the requirements for the course requires students to complete a minimum of 45 hours of fieldwork in a TESOL classroom. Alternatively, students may complete a written thesis paper. The Dean’s signature of approval is required for satisfactory completion of the capstone course.

    Students must apply for graduation and meet all academic and financial requirements. Upon graduation and fulfillment of all graduation requirements, students will receive a Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Language degrees.

    Students must apply for graduation and meet all academic and financial requirements.

  • Internship Requirements

    Westcliff University requires all students enrolled in graduate degree programs to successfully complete an internship prior to graduation. Westcliff University degrees are designed to prepare students for the workforce, and the knowledge and skills learned throughout the curriculum are directly applicable in the industries to which they are associated. Internship experiences allow students to further refine these skills through practical use with guidance, oversight, and feedback while also building a network within the industry and references for future career needs. Graduate students are encouraged to take full advantage of the opportunities afforded to them in their internship experiences and maximize their potential career placement or advancement upon graduation.

    Graduate internship courses are credit-bearing and are assessed on a Pass/Fail basis. During each internship course, students engage in direct experience per session in addition to participating in the assigned classroom activities. Students are encouraged to complete as many internship courses as they are able to in pursuit of their degree (with a maximum of one course per session). Internships opportunities exist on- and off-campus. Off-campus internships require prior university approval, and F-1 students must have Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization to participate in off-campus internships.

    Students are responsible for developing and demonstrating the skills necessary to be successful in an internship. In addition to industry knowledge, students should be prepared to demonstrate professionalism, effective communication (written, oral, and digital), and integrity while engaged in an internship. The faculty facilitating graduate internship courses assess these qualities and provide valuable feedback to students throughout the course.

Program Information

  • Required Courses

    Master of Arts in TESOL Program Requirements - 36 Credit Hours Total

    TSL 502 Vocabulary Instruction 3 credit hours

    TSL 507 Pronunciation Instruction 3 credit hours

    TSL 512 Writing Instruction 3 credit hours

    TSL 515 Second Language Acquisition 3 credit hours

    TSL 520 Grammar Instruction 3 credit hours

    TSL 527 Methods of Teaching ESL/EFL 3 credit hours

    TSL 532 Listening and Speaking Instruction 3 credit hours

    TSL 542 The English Language in Society 3 credit hours

    TSL 545 Reading Instruction 3 credit hours

    TSL 552 Special Topics in TESOL 3 credit hours

    TSL 590 Curriculum Design 3 credit hours

    TSL 600 Practicum 3 credit hours

  • Course Concentrations

    Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Area of Concentration

    Educational Technology Concentration

    The Master Degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages concentration in Educational Technology prepares educators and professionals to create, enhance, and innovate their classrooms and curriculum with technology for learning. Opportunities for building technology skills and confidence, evaluating current trends and tools, and designing and implementing content and assessments based on current learning theories and best practices, will build a foundation for educators and prepare them to lead and contribute in their perspective contexts.

  • Course Catalog and Student Handbook
    Student Handbook/Catalog

Scholarship Opportunities

  • Scholarship Application

    As a Westcliff student, you have access to a powerful network of support from staff, faculty, alumni, and many others who take pride in investing in you. Scholarships are made possible by generous benefactors who are passionate about supporting your success.

    Apply Now
  • Scholarship Application Deadlines
    Semester Session Scholarship Deadline Start Date End Date
    FALL Session 1 07/31/21 Start: 8/30/21 End: 10/24/21
      Session 2 09/25/21 Start: 10/25/21 End: 12/19/21
    SPRING Session 3 12/04/21 Start: 01/03/22 End: 02/27/22
      Session 4 01/29/22 Start: 02/28/22 End: 04/24/22
    SUMMER Session 5 04/02/22 Start: 05/02/22 End: 06/26/22
      Session 6 05/28/22 Start: 06/27/22 End: 08/21/22
Program Requirements