Master of Arts in English - Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

Students in the ESL concentration follow an integrated program of study that helps them develop expertise in areas such as second language acquisition cross cultural communication language structure and instructional methodology. Besides developing skills in analyzing language assessing language ability and planning language instruction students apply their knowledge through practical experiences in the U.S. and abroad. While pursuing their degrees graduate students have taught English abroad in the Czech Republic China Korea and in Japan. Students have also presented papers at professional conferences such as The Southeastern Conference on Linguistics NWAVE Tennessee TESOL and International TESOL. ESL students also are active in the Greater Memphis community tutoring and teaching individuals and small groups. After graduation employment opportunities include teaching in the U.S. and abroad in various programs in ESL and Linguistics.

An overall minimum grade point average of 3.00 at the undergraduate level is expected.

An official undergraduate and if applicable graduate transcript to Graduate Admissions.

A statement of purpose outlining the student’s proposed course of study and career goals

Two letters of recommendation, preferably from college/university professors of English or comparable disciplines.