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

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 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. Students can choose to take the program on campus or online.

MA TESOL Program Required Courses

• TSL 502 Vocabulary Instruction
• TSL 507 Pronunciation Instruction
• TSL 512 Writing Instruction
• TSL 515 Second Language Acquisition
• TSL 520 Grammar Instruction
• TSL 527 Methods of Teaching ESL/EFL
• TSL 532 Listening and Speaking Instruction
• TSL 542 The English Language in Society
• TSL 545 Reading Instruction
• TSL 552 Special Topics in TESOL
• TSL 590 Curriculum Design
• TSL 600 Practicum

Total 36 credit hours

Graduation Requirements

Students must complete prescribed credit hours with a cumulative G.P.A of 3.0 or higher. Students must apply for graduation and meet all academic and financial requirements.

MA TESOL Program Objectives

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

• Demonstrate principles of language pedagogy and of current best practices in teaching English to speakers of other languages; explain how these principles are based on research into language acquisition and the teaching of the various skill areas.
• Demonstrate proficiency in spoken and written English at a level commensurate with the role of a language model by illustrating knowledge of the English language and skills required to explain the English language system.
• Apply current TESOL pedagogy in the creation of effective lesson plans for diverse groups of learners in a variety of teaching contexts; integrate new technology into these lesson plans.
• Explain current theories concerning the cognitive, affective, social, and cultural factors involved in the acquisition and use of second languages and apply this knowledge in effective lesson design and classroom interactions with second language learners.
• Identify the skills necessary for effective leadership in and outside the classroom; apply these skills to individual professional development in and outside the classroom.

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.