Dec 06, 2025  
2025-2026 Graduate Catalog 
    
2025-2026 Graduate Catalog

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Combined BA/MA

Location(s): In-person/hybrid


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: In-Person/Hybrid

The accelerated combined Bachelor of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (BA TESOL) and Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (MA TESOL) degree is an accelerated five-year program in which exceptional students will earn undergraduate and graduate degrees. Student will spend their first three years engaged in undergraduate studies and their final two completing the graduate program. The total number of credits needed for the program will be 142. Students will meet their General Education requirements, world-language study, and an abbreviated version of the TESOL major at the undergraduate level. Starting in the fourth year, students will complete all 30 hours of the MA TESOL program, and a portion of the credits will double count toward the undergraduate BA. The curriculum requires an internship, a teaching practicum, and other field experiences. Thus, students will have substantial hands-on experience in TESOL upon completing the combined BA/MA degree.

Department Information


World Languages 219 Alexander, 734.487.0130

Jeff Popko, PhD, Department Head

Advisor Information


Ildiko Porter-Szucs, PhD, Professor, 317 Alexander Music Building, 734.487.6487

Undergraduate Degree Requirements


The requirements listed below will appear on a student’s undergraduate transcript.

For the undergraduate portion of this program. students must earn a minimum total of 120 credits at the 100-level or above.

General Education Requirements


For specific requirements, please see the Undergraduate Catalog or print a General Education Worksheet.

Major Requirement: 42 hours


Restricted Electives: 6 Hours


Students will complete a minimum of six credit hours from the following. Other course options may be available, students should see their advisor.

World Language Requirements: 6 hours


Students must complete a minimum of six credit hours over two semesters. Any CHNE, FRNH, GERN, GREK, HEBR, JPNE, SPNH, or SWAH-other languages with advisor approval.

Minor Requirement:


This major does not require a minor.

Graduate Degree


The requirements listed below will appear on a student’s graduate transcript.

Degree Requirements: 18 hours


 

 

Cognate: 6 hours


Six hours of supportive or complementary courses in Linguistics should be selected in consultation with the graduate advisor. Select two from among

LING 531-SemanticsLING 532-SociolinguisticsLING 535-Pragmatics, Or LING 592-Special Topics

Program Admission: Undergraduate


Students may not enroll in 500-level courses until they are admitted into the combined program:

Students must meet the folllowing criteria to be admitted to the combined program:

  • Studets may apply for admission into the undergraduate portion of a combined program after completing no fewer than 60 undergraduate credit hours.
  • Students must have a minimum overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0
  • Superior English test scores (e.g., New SAT 1250, ACT 22, TOEFL iBT 88, IELTS 6.5)
  • Students must complete two semesters (minimum of 6 credits) of a World Language at the college level

The World Languages Department is responsible for informing Records & Registration when a student is admitted into the combined program.

Program Admission: Graduate Admission


Application

After reviewing the admission requirements below, please select the appropriate application. Please keep in mind that some programs require application materials by a posted deadline and/or admit students one time each year.

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 at the time of application and admission in the MA portion of the TESOL program.

  1. Students must consult with their undergraduate academic advisor before applying.
  2. An undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
  3. Submit a statement of the applicant’s reasons for pursuing this degree (approximately 500 words).
  4. Two letters of recommendation  

Application process:

The application for the MA portion of the combined BA/MA program opens in January of the third year after the applicant has completed most 200 and 300-level TESOL courses. Qualified applicants will be admitted for the Fall semester on a rolling basis until the start of the term, but desired classes may not be available for students applying late. 

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: In-Person/Hybrid