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Full Description

The Master of Arts degree in Teaching English as a Second Language is grounded in linguistic principles, language learning theory and empirical research on language learning and teaching. The program enables students to teach effectively in varied learning contexts. Students gain experience through a supervised practicum and have the opportunity to teach in a variety of English-as-a-second/foreign-language contexts. Graduates are prepared for international teaching and research, adult education, and advanced study in applied linguistics. literacy positions.

The Teaching English as a Second Language major includes the following optional concentration:

• The TESL Education concentration prepares students for P-12 school educators. Students' practicum takes place in area schools, and students prepare for the state licensure requirements.

Professional Licensure Disclosure

This program is designed to prepare students to sit for applicable licensure or certification in Ohio. If you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Ohio, please review state educational requirements for licensure or certification and contact information for state licensing boards at Kent State's website for professional licensure disclosure.

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
• Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
• Official transcript(s)
• Goal statement (1-2 pages)
• Three letters of recommendation
• English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:¹
  • Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
  • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
  • Minimum 58 PTE score
  • Minimum 110 DET score

Applicants are assessed holistically, considering academic credentials, academic or professional references, non-academic criteria and other specific program criteria.

¹

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores may be considered for conditional admission.

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester
  • Funding deadline: January 15
    Applications must be submitted by this deadline to be considered for an assistantship or any other funded position.
  • Rolling admissions
• Spring Semester
  • Rolling admissions

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Demonstrate understanding of different associated fields within teaching English as a second language, including linguistics, language acquisition, pedagogy and practice.
2. Demonstrate what knowledge of the field and disciplines making up teaching English as a second language.
3. Demonstrate skills in teaching.
4. Demonstrate understanding of different cultural norms and practices and the ability to accommodate teaching practices based on these differences.

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Additional Requirements for Students Not Declaring a Concentration

¹

Students may use 6 credit hours in appropriate graduate courses in other departments with approval of department advisor toward the 18 credit hour requirement.

²

Students may choose these courses if not chosen above.

TESL Education Concentration Requirements

¹

Students complete 100 hours of field work as teacher assistants in area schools, which enable them to gain collaborative clinical experience as P-12 teachers.

²

Prior to enrollment in ENG 53392 and ENG 68592, students must be evaluated satisfactorily on non-academic  dimensions, including completing background checks and modules. Further information is available in the Office of Graduate Student Services.

³

ENG 51525 and ENG 53392 must be taken concurrently.

⁴

During students' full-time student teaching assignment, they are assessed on professional dispositions, understanding of codes of ethics and professional standards appropriate to TESL and work with English language learners. In the school context, students are assessed data literacy and analysis; use of research and assessment data; leadership and collaboration; utilization and support of appropriate technology for the discipline; and understanding of laws related to English language learners.

Graduation Requirements

• All students in the M.A. degree complete a capstone project with options of a thesis or portfolio or exams.
• All students in the M.A. degree cannot be concurrently enrolled in the Teaching English as a Second/Foreign Language certificate. Students who hold either certificate may be permitted to apply 12 graduate credit hours earned in the certificate toward the M.A. degree.

• No more than one-half of a graduate student’s coursework may be taken in 50000-level courses.
• Grades below C are not counted toward completion of requirements for the degree.

Licensure Information

Candidates seeking Ohio licensure are required to pass specific assessments in order to apply for licensure. Students should consult their advisors for specific program requirements and refer the Ohio Department of Education-Educator Preparation website for more information on assessments specific to licensure type.

• Delivery:
  • In person
• Location:
  • Kent Campus