Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 Graduate Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Graduate Catalog This is not the most recent catalog version; be sure you are viewing the appropriate catalog year.

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages / TESOL [M.A.]


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In the MA TESOL program, candidates explore language learning and teaching theories and practices in various sociocultural settings, both locally and globally. Candidates reflect on their beliefs about language teaching and learning as they develop language awareness, greater empathy, cross- and inter-cultural competencies, advocacy skills for working with linguistically and culturally diverse English learners, as well as a commitment to continued professional growth. Candidates have opportunities to engage in applied research, academic service-learning projects, study abroad, and various teaching practicum options in the university or local or global communities. 

Why our program?

  • Community-based, university-based, and international practicum opportunities 
  • Academic service-learning courses
  • Study Abroad offerings
  • Grant and award-winning faculty with diverse backgrounds, expertise, and leadership in the field
  • Faculty-student collaborations in instruction and research
  • Award-winning students (recognized by the Michigan and International TESOL organizations)

Opportunities

The MA TESOL program at Eastern Michigan University prepares graduates for a career in teaching English to speakers of other languages both in the US and abroad or work in related fields such as language testing and assessment, materials development, publishing, or non-profit organizations. Students might also pursue doctoral studies in Second Language Education, Multicultural Education, Applied Linguistics, Language Assessment, Educational Leadership, etc…

Program Admission


Graduate School Application

After reviewing the admission requirements below, please select the appropriate application. The University is transitioning application platforms; pay close attention when selecting the application below.

The program you are applying to may not accept applicants every semester.

For additional information regarding the application process, please see Graduate Admissions or International Admissions.

Admission Requirements

Minimum Graduate School Requirements

A four-year baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or an equivalent degree from a non-U.S. institution. In addition, a minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale, or 3.0 in the last half of the undergraduate program, is required for full admission. Applicants who do not meet minimum admission requirements may be considered for conditional admission. See International Admissions for international applicant requirements.

Applicants must meet the minimum Graduate School admission requirements (see Graduate Admissions or International Admissions) and complete a Graduate Application.

Applicants must also meet the following program requirements:

  • Submit a statement of the applicant’s reasons for pursuing this degree
  • Submit at least two letters of recommendation
  • Have at least one year’s college-level study of foreign language or the equivalent as determined by the World Languages Department
  • For regular admission, non-native speakers of English must submit a recent (no older than one year) official test score showing a high level of English language proficiency. This requires a minimum TOEFL IBT score of 92 (with minimum subsection scores of 24 on reading, 24 on writing, 22 on speaking, and 22 on listening) or an IELTS minimum score of 7 on every subtest. Applicants with the minimum required scores on TOEFL or IELTS may be advised to take ESL/EAP courses.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis

Conditional Admission 

Conditional admission may be granted to students who do not meet the above admission requirements. These students will be required to take deficiency courses to meet these requirements, in addition to regular program requirements.

Department Information


World Languages | Jeff Popko, Ph.D., Department Head | 219 Alexander, 734.487.0130, apopko@emich.edu

Advisor Information


Cynthia Macknish, Ed.D., Associate Professor, 330 King Hall, 734.487.3347, cmacknis@emich.edu

Fellows Program


Paul D. Coverdell (PDC) Fellows Program in TESOL

Eligibility: Returned Peace Corps Volunteers who are accepted into the MA-TESOL program will be considered for the PDC Fellows program on a competitive basis.

Benefits: PDC Fellows receive program-specific advising and support, and a ½ graduate assistantship (10 hours per week) each semester they continue in the program.

Requirements: PDC Fellows must remain in good standing (GPA 3.0+), attend regular meetings, provide support for local Peace Corps recruiters, and complete a structured internship teaching ESL in local non-profit organizations (10 hours per week). Accepted PDC Fellows who do not continue to meet the requirements will lose their benefits but may continue in the MA-TESOL program

Degree Requirements: 33 hours


The M.A. in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages requires 33 hours of course work to be distributed among required courses, cognate courses and restricted elective courses as follows:

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