Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

The MA TESOL is a professional degree designed for those who wish to work with English language learners. The educational objective is to prepare teachers of ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) for work outside the American public school setting. Courses cover second language acquisition theories, TESOL methods, pedagogical knowledge of English grammar and phonology, and ESL (English as a Second Language)-focused content delivery. The program includes course study and a comprehensive examination, for a total of 36 credits (12 courses). Courses include eight required core courses (24 credits) and four elective courses (12 credits). The MA TESOL is a professional degree designed for those who wish to work with learners of English.MA TESOL students gain theoretical and practical knowledge about those factors that constitute a sound ESL program; for example, human language learning, language in its sociocultural settings and uses, language program structures, and support for achievement of learner objectives. Students pursuing a degree or certificate in TESOL divide their class time between theory and practice. All UT Arlington TESOL students acquire not only a working knowledge of how to be an effective teacher of English to speakers of other languages, but also a sense of how other languages operate. As a part of the curriculum, students complete 36 credit hours and engage in a minimum of 60 clock hours of classroom practice.