Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

Quantitative Factors
Grade Point Average (GPA). For M.A. program applicants, undergraduate GPA is determined by the U.T. Arlington Graduate School.
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Scores. All applicants are required to submit GRE scores. There are no exceptions. The Department of Linguistics & TESOL evaluates each applicant\u2019s sub-scores separately: verbal, quantitative, and analytical.
TOEFL Scores (international applications only) Applicants for whom English is not their native language and who have not been granted either an undergraduate or graduate degree by an English-medium institution must also present a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or IELTS equivalent score. There are no exceptions.
Qualitative Factors
Letters of Recommendation. Each applicant must present three (3) letters of recommendation that unequivocally indicate that the applicant is prepared for and capable of successful graduate study in linguistics or TESOL at U.T. Arlington. The letters should further indicate that the applicant is capable of completing the appropriate degree program.
Statement of intent for academic study in our department. Each applicant must write a statement that explains their plan of study and specialization in our department. The statement will be evaluated on the degree to which it is clear, reasonable, and consistent with the research and teaching agenda of the current faculty in Linguistics & TESOL at U.T. Arlington. The statement should also convey a level of commitment and maturity commensurate with the applicant\u2019s desired degree goals.
Undergraduate Preparation. Applicants to the M.A. in TESOL program should have passed the following three courses or reasonable equivalents as determined by the TESOL graduate advisor (U.T. Arlington equivalents are noted in parentheses):
English composition (ENGL 1302)
A course on English-language literature (ENGL 2319, ENGL 2329)
The equivalent of a fourth-semester course in a foreign language (SPAN 2314, FREN 2314, etc.). Students whose undergraduate education was delivered in a language other than English are exempt from this requirement.
Writing Sample (required for PhD applicants, optional for MA programs): Applicants must submit an academic writing sample (research paper) of 20 pages or less. The paper must be in an area of language, teaching, or linguistic study, and demonstrate a strong prose style, a solid handle on argumentation, and the ability to do academic research in linguistics or a closely related field.