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

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The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) English to Speakers of Other Languages program is a dynamic interdisciplinary program jointly administered by the English and Education Departments. The program offers two pathways: licensure track and general track. The licensure track prepares teachers of English as a second language to apply for ESL licensure to teach in public schools in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. A general track is offered for those who wish to pursue other career options available in ESL including those in colleges, community organizations, adult education, or overseas. The core curriculum emphasizes linguistics, language acquisition, lesson planning, teacher theories and methods, assessment, and research. The MAT ESOL also prepares students to pursue doctoral studies in the field.

Admission Requirements

Program Requirements

Upon acceptance, you will complete a tentative Plan of Study in consultation with the program coordinator. You must request that any transfer credits be considered at this time. Please note that no more than three courses taken before admission to the program can be counted towards the degree. You should meet regularly with the coordinator to discuss your progress and revise your plan of study, as needed.

All candidates for the MAT in ESOL (both licensure and general tracks) must demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language by one of the following options: a) proof of satisfactory completion of six hours of undergraduate credit in a foreign language; b) a passing evaluation on the departmental language examination administered by the World Languages and Cultures Department; c) a passing score on a foreign language MTEL or valid license to teach a foreign language; or d) approval of program coordinator.

Students in the licensure track are required to complete two pre-practicum courses (EDS 768 and EDS 769) as co-requisites of the two methods courses (EDS/ENG 792 & EDS/ENG 728), respectively. Pre-practicum I requires students to be in the field for at least 3 hours per week while Pre-practicum II requires at least 6 hours per week in the field. Licensure track students will also complete three Programmatic Assessments (EDA 901, EDA 904, & EDA 905) during the program.

Licensure Track

Licensure Preparation Phase I: TESOL Core (Introduce: 18 credits)

Licensure Preparation Phase II: TESOL Methods (Practice: 8 credits)

Licensure Preparation Phase III: Practicum (Demonstrate: 4.5 - 6 credits)

Electives (3 credits)

Choose one in consultation with program coordinator.

Total Credits for Licensure: 33.5 - 35

*The half practicum may be completed in lieu of the full practicum for those students who are already licensed in another field.

Additional Information and Notes

Candidates for educational licensure must also pass the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure.

General Track

Core Courses (18 credits)

Methods (6 credits)

Field Experience (3 credits)

EDS 796F - Field Experience in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages in Varied Contexts (for students who have not completed a practicum in K-12 public schools)

Electives (6 credits)

Choose two in consultation with program coordinator.