Chairperson: Dr. Anny Case
Director of Graduate Program: Dr. James D. Hunter
Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
The Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages degree is designed to prepare competent and knowledgeable English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers as well as language specialists who help students develop linguistic and intercultural communication skills. Current and future teachers of foreign languages are also invited to enroll in coursework dealing with language acquisition and language teaching methodology, which have broad applicability in a variety of settings.
The MA/TESOL knowledge base examines these areas:
- Knowledge about language, language use, and culture and their interrelationship; understanding of how the target language is taught.
- Knowledge of both the theoretical and practical bases for language teaching and learning in schools and communities.
- Knowledge of the process of language acquisition as it concerns first and subsequent language learning and an understanding of the principles of language pedagogy.
Courses integrate theory and practice to build students’ knowledge regarding language, the interrelationships of cultures, teaching methods, and language acquisition. Students work collaboratively with faculty and classmates to explore new ideas on learning and teaching. Hands-on projects and other field-based learning opportunities prepare students to plan, teach, reflect, conduct research, and lead in schools and the community. In consultation with a faculty advisor and peers, students select experiences and courses that will meet their own goals, the stated goals of the MA/TESOL program, and the University requirements for a master’s degree.
It is important to note that the MA/TESOL degree is not the same as K-12 teacher certification. Students interested in becoming K-12 teachers are encouraged to consider the Gonzaga Master’s in Teaching (MIT) program. The MIT program leads to certification as an elementary or secondary teacher.
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. college or university. Students from other countries must have the equivalent of an American Bachelor’s degree.
- Undergraduate minimum GPA 3.00 or higher.
- Minimum of two years of successful university-level instruction in a modern language, or other evidence of second language competence deemed satisfactory by the program director. This requirement is waived for students whose first language is not English.
- Students may be admitted without this language background, but they will be required to gain it while enrolled in the program. A completed application form and a nonrefundable fee.
- A written statement of purpose (750-1000) words addressing the applicant’s interest in graduate studies, outlining the applicant’s current strengths and what the applicant hopes to gain from MA/TESOL study.
- Two letters of recommendation sent directly from the recommending persons using the official confidential recommendation form (see appendix).
- Two official transcripts from each college or university attended (International applicants must submit foreign transcripts in the original language and in English).
- International students must also provide:
- An official TOEFL score of 88 iBT (580 written) OR an IELTS score of 6.5 or higher or a recommendation from Gonzaga University’s English Language Center if English is not the student’s native language.
- Completed Financial Declaration form (see appendix) with original supporting bank statements.
- Passport Copy
Program Outline: 35-36 credits
Required Courses: 29-30 credits
One of the following two options: | 3-4 credits | |
MTSL 500 Methods and Materials for ESL Teachers (3 credits) (on sufficient demand)
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MTSL 501 & MTSL 580 Theory and Practice of Language Teaching and TESOL Practicum
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MTSL 502 Pedagogical Grammar | 3 credits | |
MTSL 504 Introduction to Sociolinguistics | 3 credits | |
MTSL 508 Principles of Second Language Acquisition | 3 credits | |
MTSL 510 Course Design, Evaluation and Assessment in ESL Classrooms | 3 credits | |
MTSL 514/EDTE 566 Literacy and the English Language Learners | 3 credits | |
MTSL 517 Phonology | 1 credit | |
MTSL 600 Research Perspectives in Second Language Education | 3 credits | |
MTSL 610 Practicum in Teaching English as a Second Language | 3 credits | |
MTSL 680 Professional Seminar | 1 credit | |
One of the following two courses: | ||
MTSL 602 Project/Thesis
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3 credits | |
MTSL 604 Master’s Portfolio
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3 credits | |
Elective Students are required to take 6 credits of elective courses and can choose from the following or other by arrangement with the MATESL Director. |
6 credits | |
MTSL 503 Immigrant and Refugee Perspectives | 3 credits | |
MTSL 505 Intercultural Competence Development | 3 credits | |
MTSL 509 Academic Writing for Graduate Students | 3 credits | |
MTSL 516 Technology in Second Language Education | 3 credits | |
MTSL 570 History of the English Language | 3 credits |
ELL K-12 Endorsement *
The MA/TESOL Program also offers a 14-credit English Language Learner (ELL) endorsement which consists of a combination of the courses listed below. This is not a stand-alone endorsement.
Any student interested in pursuing this endorsement must be:
- Already certified as a teacher in the State of Washington.
- Pursuing certification in conjunction with Gonzaga University’s Teacher Certification program. For more information regarding this endorsement please contact the MA/TESOL program director.
MTSL 501& MTSL 580 Theory and Practice of Language Teaching and TESOL Practicum | 4 credits |
MTSL 503 Immigrant and Refugee Perspectives |
3 credits |
MTSL 508 Principles of Second Language Acquisition |
3 credits |
MTSL 514 or EDTE 566 Literacy and the English Language Learners |
3 credits |
MTSL 550 Language Awareness |
1 credit |
TESOL Summer Institute
In conjunction with the public schools, Gonzaga MA/TESOL also offers a three-week intensive Summer Institute each year. The institute consists of coursework (MTSL 501) and a Field Experience for ESL students (MTSL 580). Students receive a 120-hour TESOL Certificate upon successful completion of this institute.