Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (MA)

The Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages degree is designed to prepare competent and knowledgeable English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers as well as language specialists who help students develop linguistic and intercultural communication skills. Current and future teachers of foreign languages are also invited to enroll in coursework dealing with language acquisition and language teaching methodology, which have broad applicability in a variety of settings.

The MA/TESOL knowledge base examines these areas:

• Knowledge about language, language use, and culture and their interrelationship; understanding of how the target language is taught.
• Knowledge of both the theoretical and practical bases for language teaching and learning in schools and communities.
• Knowledge of the process of language acquisition as it concerns first and subsequent language learning and an understanding of the principles of language pedagogy.

Courses integrate theory and practice to build students’ knowledge regarding language, the interrelationships of cultures, teaching methods, and language acquisition. Students work collaboratively with faculty and classmates to explore new ideas on learning and teaching. Hands-on projects and other field-based learning opportunities prepare students to plan, teach, reflect, conduct research, and lead in schools and the community. In consultation with a faculty advisor and peers, students select experiences and courses that will meet their own goals, the stated goals of the MA/TESOL program, and the University requirements for a master’s degree.

It is important to note that the MA/TESOL degree is not the same as K-12 teacher certification. Students interested in becoming K-12 teachers are encouraged to consider the Gonzaga Master’s in Teaching (MIT) program. The MIT program leads to certification as an elementary or secondary teacher.

Admission Requirements

1. Students applying to Gonzaga University must submit Gonzaga’s Graduate Application, which can be accessed online at https://www.gonzaga.edu/gradapply
2. Along with the application for graduate study, each program at Gonzaga has distinct admission requirements. Please refer to the table below to view that detailed information.

How to Apply

Program Name	How to Apply Link
M.A. in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages	https://www.gonzaga.edu/school-of-education/graduate/teaching-english-to-speakers-of-other-languages/m-a-teaching-english-to-speakers-of-other-languages/apply

Program Requirements

Program Outline

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Required Courses
MTSL 501 & MTSL 580	Theory & Prac of Lang Teaching and TESOL Field Experience	4
MTSL 502	Pedagogical Grammar	3
MTSL 504	Intro to Sociolinguistics	3
MTSL 508	Prin Sec Lang Acquisition	3
MTSL 510	Design, Evaluation and Assessment in English Language Learners	3
MTSL 514/EDTE 566	Literacy & Engl Lang Learner	3
MTSL 517	Phonology	1
MTSL 600	Research Perspective in Second Language Education	3
MTSL 610	Practicum in Teaching English to Speakers Other Languages	3
MTSL 680	Professional Seminar	1
MTSL 602	Thesis	3
or MTSL 604	Master's Portfolio
Electives
Students are required to take six credits of elective courses and can choose from the following or other by arrangement with the MATESL Director.		6
MTSL 503	Immigrant & Refugee Perspect
MTSL 505	Intercultural Competence Development
MTSL 509	Academic Writing Grad Students
MTSL 516	Technology in Second Language Education
MTSL 570	History of the English Language
Total Hours		36

ELL K-12 Endorsement

The MA/TESOL Program also offers a 14-credit English Language Learner (ELL) endorsement which consists of a combination of the courses listed below. This is not a stand-alone endorsement.

Any student interested in pursuing this endorsement must be:

1. Already certified as a teacher in the State of Washington.
2. Pursuing certification in conjunction with Gonzaga University’s Teacher Certification program. For more information regarding this endorsement please contact the MA/TESOL program director.

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
MTSL 501 & MTSL 580	Theory & Prac of Lang Teaching and TESOL Field Experience	4
MTSL 503	Immigrant & Refugee Perspect	3
MTSL 508	Prin Sec Lang Acquisition	3
MTSL 514	Literacy & Engl Lang Learner	3
or EDTE 566	Literacy and English Language Learners
MTSL 550	Language Awareness	1
Total Hours		14

TESOL Summer Institute

In conjunction with the public schools, Gonzaga MA/TESOL also offers a three-week intensive Summer Institute each year. The institute consists of coursework (MTSL 501 Theory & Prac of Lang Teaching) and a Field Experience for ESL students (MTSL 580 TESOL Field Experience). Students receive a 120-hour TESOL Certificate upon successful completion of this institute.