English as a Second Language (MA)
Overview
The MA in English as a Second Language aims to provide graduate training for language educators and prospective researchers within the international profession of TESOL, teachers of English to speakers of other languages. The graduate program is designed based on applied linguistics, focusing on both theoretical linguistics and ESL teaching practices, including practicum, assessments, and special topics of computer-assessed language learning (CALL), curriculum design, and Second Language Acquisition theories. Students are mostly ESL teachers in RGV. But we also have students who are advanced to a doctoral degree or teach English overseas, like in Korea, Japan, and Mexico. Most students take the non-thesis option for professional training, while some do the thesis option with a plan to pursue a doctoral degree.
Admission Requirements
To be admitted to the graduate program in English as a second language, prospective candidates must first meet all requirements for graduate admission to UT Rio Grande Valley, as well as the other requirements listed below:
- Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution in the United States or a recognized international equivalent in a similar or related field.
- Undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 in the last 60 semester credit hours. If applicant does not meet the minimum undergraduate GPA criterion, GRE general test with minimum scores of 153 Verbal, and 4.0 Analytical are required for conditional admission
- Letter of intent demonstrating interest in the program and articulation of goals
- Resume including education and work experience
- English language ability will be judged on the resume and submitted letter of intent; therefore, applications should be certain to use appropriate, formal academic English
- Non-native English speakers who did not graduate from an English-medium high school and university must meet the minimum language proficiency requirements
Application for admission must be submitted prior to the published deadline. The application is available at www.utrgv.edu/gradapply.
Program Requirements
Required Courses - 27 Hours
Non-Thesis Option:
Prescribed Electives - 6 Hours
Any 6000-level ENGL course not fulfilling degree requirements.
Free Electives - 3 Hours
Any master level course at UTRGV.
Capstone Requirement
Written Comprehensive Exam
Thesis Option:
Prescribed Electives - 3 Hours
Any 6000-level ENGL course not fulfilling degree requirements.
Thesis - 6 Hours
Total Credit Hours: 36