Teaching English as a Second Language (M.S. Ed.)

Mesa, Arizona • 800-WILKES U, x6372 (T) or 570-408-MESA (T) • Email

The 33-credit Master of Science degree in Teaching English as a Second Language will qualify individuals to instruct populations whose first language is not English. Graduates will be prepared to teach in K-12 schools, colleges and universities, private language schools and business-sponsored English programs, both in the United States and internationally.

Students will select one of two concentrations:

• Teach English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL): This track trains instructors from anywhere in the world to work domestically or internationally and with international learners of all ages. Students in this major need not possess a background in education or a teaching certificate, but must have a bachelor's degree.

• English as a Second Language (ESL). This track trains certified teachers for U.S. public schools focusing on pre-K through grade 12 learners.

Classes will be held in a hybrid format, blending face-to-face classes and online courses.

Students will learn:

• various approaches to second language teaching and how to apply it to the learners individual needs;

• linguistic terminology (phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics and discourse) and its application;

• the role of intercultural communication and pragmatic theory in the second language classroom;

• to evaluate the latest theoretical constructs and research findings in the areas of listening, speaking, reading and writing;

• to examine and apply theories of second language acquisition to lesson planning, classroom instruction, curricular development, program development and assessment;

• second language syllabus design, needs analysis, curriculum design, and assessment techniques;

• to incorporate technology and computer assisted language learning to lesson planning;

• to formulate, design, teach and assess lesson plans on reading, writing, listening, speaking, and other essential language skills.