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Graduate Progam Information:
Marnie Leonard (970) 491-2403 Marnie.Leonard@colostate.edu

Graduate Study

M.A. in Teaching English as a Foreign/Second Language

The M.A. program in TESL/TEFL provides graduates with practical, theoretical, and critical knowledge of methods for teaching the English language in various social and academic settings. The program features an integrated core in which a comprehensive understanding of the form and communicative functions of the English language is combined with both general and skill-specific (reading, writing, listening, speaking) pedagogical theories and applications. These courses are designed to promote reflective inquiry, to provide students with the necessary tools for ongoing professional growth, to serve as models of effective pedagogy, and to introduce students to the various ways in which instruction can be enhanced by contemporary technologies. The connection of theory and practice is enhanced through a variety of supervised teaching experiences. A portfolio, thesis or major paper completes the degree requirements. 

The M.A. in TEFL/TESL is a professional degree designed to enable graduates to teach English as a foreign or second language, evaluate the relative utility and validity of diverse teaching methodologies and testing procedures, adapt and/or develop materials for unique teaching/learning situations, evaluate recent EFL/ESL research and its relevance to EFL/ESL teaching and learning, and assist in the supervision of classroom teachers and in the administration of EFL/ESL programs. The program integrates pedagogy, linguistics, and classroom teaching. The program prepares graduates for TESL/TEFL teaching in the U.S. and abroad, as well as for advanced studies in applied linguistics. An ESL endorsement is available for those having or seeking a Colorado teaching license. 

To complete the M.A., students must earn a minimum of 35 semester credits and must pass an oral defense of their portfolio, thesis, or major paper. Apply by January 15 if you want to be considered for any University fellowship. Please note: Non-native speakers MUST have a TOEFL score of 550 or higher and TWE results must be submitted (official copy required) to be considered for admission. 

Teaching Assistantships

Teaching Assistantships are available on a competitive basis. Most assistantships begin in the fall semester. Please apply by January 15th for full consideration.

Requirements for Degree

Core Courses

Other Requirements

Native speakers of English should have experience with a foreign language or culture before admission. Non-native speakers of English must achieve a TOEFL score of 550 (paper-based) or 213 (computer-based) or higher before admission. 

In addition to course requirements outlined here, students must pass an oral defense of their thesis/portfolio/major paper. 

A research methods course is additionally highly recommended. 

TEFL/TESL faculty will assist the student in choosing appropriate courses to fulfill the student's professional goals.

Electives

Note: The content for E507 and E590 courses is variable. The following represent some of the E507 and E590 courses recently offered:

E507 Psycholinguistics: Oral and Written Discourse Comprehension
E507 Semantics, the Lexicon, and Second Language Vocabulary Development
E507 Discourse Analysis
E507 Culture and Language Teaching
E507 Sociolinguistics

E590 Evaluation and Assessment
E590 Special Topics in Teaching the Four Skills
E590 Computers and Language Teaching
E590 Curriculum, Materials, and Syllabus Design: An ESP Perspective

For information about course offerings and registration procedures for the upcoming semester or summer session, please view the Rambler, the Department's student newsletter.

This information is not intended to replace your advisor or the information in the CSU General Catalog, the Class Schedule, or the Department Checksheets.

Contact us: Attention Stephanie Besser, Colorado State University English Department 359 Eddy Fort Collins, CO 80523-1773. On the phone (970) 491-2403; email: stephanie.besser@colostate.edu.


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