MEd in Learning, Teaching and Curriculum with Emphasis in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
The University of Missouri’s Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) program is designed to meet the challenges of a diverse student body in a variety of education settings. Given the use of English as a global lingua franca, learning the unique methodology and theories associated with second language teaching is crucial to effectively meeting the challenges of a multilingual global society.
The TESOL program at MU can meet the needs of teachers seeking ESOL certification in the state of Missouri, those seeking advanced education in ESL/EFL teaching and learning, as well as those who seek further education in TESOL. Currently, many of our students begin the ESOL certification courses but find the topic so intriguing that they go on to pursue advanced education in the field.
The student body in the TESOL program at MU is made up of teachers in the U.S and abroad who work with a wide range of learner populations, including children and adults. We welcome traditional and nontraditional students as the program is designed to meet the needs of a variety of learners in a variety of academic settings.
The TESOL program at MU is informed by the second language acquisition theories and pedagogy unique to students who speak English in addition to their native language(s). The courses in the TESOL program are taught by faculty with expertise and knowledge in the field of English language learning including applied linguistics, sociolinguistics, intercultural communication, and English language education. By focusing on the interplay of theory and methods, as well as the cultural and linguistic diversity of English Language Learners, this program focuses on developing effective, responsive scholars and practitioners who use theory and research to enhance their work in a global, diverse, and technological society.
Degree Requirements
The MEd program in TESOL requires 33 semester hours beyond the Bachelor’s (21 hours at the 8000 or 9000 level), planned in agreement with the student’s Advisory Committee.
| TESOL Focus Courses (21 semester hours) | ||
| LTC 8645 | Second Language Acquisition | 3 |
| LTC 8646 | Materials for and Assessment of English Language Learners | 3 |
| LTC 8647 | Language and Culture for Educators | 3 |
| LTC 8648 | Linguistics for Educators | 3 |
| LTC 8649 | Methods of Teaching English Language Learners | 3 |
| LTC 8650 | English to Speakers of Other Languages Practicum | 3 |
| LTC 8654 | ESOL Curriculum Development | 3 |
| Practicum: All master’s students will be required to complete a practicum upon completion of the TESOL focus courses. LTC 8649 Methods of Teaching English Language Learners is a prerequisite and cannot be taken during the same semester as the practicum. If you are currently teaching English language learners, the 16-week practicum can be conducted in your own classroom and will be supervised online by a TESOL instructor. The Practicum may be waived for two years of full-time teaching experience in an ELL program | ||
| Core Master's Courses (6 semester hours) | ||
| ESC_PS 7115 | Human Learning | 3 |
| LTC 8915 | Classroom Research-Learning, Teaching and Curriculum | 3 |
| Electives (6 semester hours) | ||
| LTC 8900 | Seminar in Curriculum and Instruction (Teaching ESL/EFL to Adult Learners) | 1-3 |
| LTC 8642 | Teaching Writing and Reading in Content Areas | 3 |
| LTC 8643 | Teaching ESL/EFL to Adult Learners | 3 |
| LTC 8644 | Teaching English Grammar and Pronunciation | 3 |
| LTC 8683 | Celebrating Reading Through Good Books | 3 |
| LTC 8900 | Seminar in Curriculum and Instruction (Seminar in Bilingual Education) | 1-3 |
| IS_LT 9467 | Technology to Enhance Learning | 3 |
| Other electives may be chosen in consultation with your advisor | ||
Exams
To complete the masters programs, students are required to pass "comprehensive exams" or equivalent. Please speak with your advisor what this exam/project may entail.
Admission
Applicants are required to meet two sets of minimum qualifications for admission: the requirements of the MEd in Learning, Teaching and Curriculum program and the minimum requirements of the Graduate School. Because requirements vary, you must refer to a degree program's graduate admission page to learn about specific admission criteria, application deadlines, eligibility and application process. Your application materials will be reviewed by both the Graduate School and the degree program to which you’ve applied before official admission to the University of Missouri.
Admission requirements will be based upon the following criteria. Complete admission requirements for the Master's program.
- Completion of an appropriate Bachelor's degree with a GPA of 3.0 or better.
- A minimum of two letters of recommendation; three letters, if your undergraduate GPA (last 60 hours) is below a 3.0.
- Statement of purpose clearly indicating that the proposed Masters degree is appropriate to the applicant's professional aspirations.
- GRE scores taken within the last 5 years (preferred minimum scores should be V150,Q145,A3.5 or higher). The verbal must meet the 150 minimum in order to be considered for the program.
- For students whose native language is not English, a score of 550 or better on the TOEFL or a 6.5 on the IELTS taken within the past two years
The LTC graduate program cannot assure admission to all applicants who meet minimum standards specified for the degree program. Resource constraints do not permit the admission of all qualified applicants.
A committee of faculty reviews the credentials of each applicant. It is the responsibility of this committee to exercise professional judgment related to the criteria that applicants must meet in order to be considered for admission to the program.