The Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages prepares individuals from a variety of backgrounds to teach English to non-native speakers in the U.S. and internationally.
- Individuals from a variety of backgrounds who wish to teach English to non-native speakers.
- Currently practicing teachers who want to expand their teaching to include English language learners.
- Individuals with English or foreign language expertise who have a desire to teach and travel overseas.
- International students with an expertise in English who wish to help other non-native speakers master the English language.
Graduates of our programs in TESOL have taught English in language schools, k-12 settings, and universities in the U.S. and internationally. Students who have completed the M.A. in TESOL have also pursued further study in doctoral programs in Education, Linguistics, and TESOL and Composition.
Ours is an expert faculty-led program in which:
- Students master theory of second language acquisition, effective teaching practices, and methods of assessment of English language proficiency.
- Students gain practical experience through a hands-on teaching practicum.
- Students interact with fellow graduate students and others in Valparaiso University’s vibrant international community.
- Students take additional supporting coursework in linguistics and grammar.
- Opportunities are available to explore technology-enhanced teaching methods, and to study the impact of new technologies on literacy.
- Students with initial teaching licensure may pursue a program approved by the Indiana Department of Education for professional EL (English Learners) certification.
- Students may pursue a thesis option, which increases the degree to 39 credits.
- Students may take classes as full-time or part-time students. Courses are available in the evenings and during the summer.
- M.A. TESOL students must meet general Graduate School admission requirements, plus demonstrate at least 15 credits of college English coursework (such as a minor), or evidence of prior experience learning a foreign language.
- Additional requirements for international students:
- Non-native English speakers must have an undergraduate English major or equivalent, and
- Demonstrate an English language proficiency score of TOEFL 83+, IELTS 6.5+ with no subscore below 6.0, or Gateway English course with a grade of A- or higher.
- International students who meet all other admission requirements besides language proficiency may be admitted provided that they satisfactorily complete the Interlink language program on our campus.
- Currently enrolled undergraduate students at Valparaiso University may apply for Early Entry in the program, and, if provisionally admitted, to enroll in graduate coursework during their senior year that may be applied to both their undergraduate and graduate degrees. For the latest in information about Early Entry, please see the 2016-17 graduate catalog, p. 105.
Please see the graduate school admission site, below, for application materials.
The above information comes fromthe 2016-17 graduate catalog, below, p. 98. Students typically follow the catalog for the year in which they matriculate.
