Our MA in Teaching English as a Second Language/Applied Linguistics (TESL/Applied Linguistics) is a two-year advanced degree covering teaching methods and research in English language teaching.
TESL/Applied Linguistics: M.A.
Coursework and outcomes
| Area of Coursework | Courses | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PRE-/CO-REQUISITES (or their equivalents) These courses do not count towards degree requirement credits. Student who have not completed prerequisites upon entry into the program must complete them as soon as possible after admission. Previous coursework that meets pre-/co-requisites must be documented by submitting the appropriate form. | ENGL/LING 2200 or passing the 2200 test-out ENGL/LING 2190 | |
| LINGUISTIC ANALYSIS AND APPLIED ASPECTS OF SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION | 15 | |
| ENGL/LING 5120 | ||
| ENGL/LING 5190 | ||
ENGL/LING 5240 or ENGL/LING 5250 | ||
| ENGL/LING 5370 | ||
| Choose one of the following: ENGL/LING 5880 or ENGL 5000 or SPCM 5130 | ||
| ELECTIVES | Courses totaling 12 credits | 12 |
| INDEPENDENT RESEARCH | ENGL 6990: Thesis Research or ENGL 5990: Creative Component | 3 |
| TOTAL | 30 minimum |
- Demonstrate independence, reflective practices and professionalism in teaching and assessment of English as a second language.
- Demonstrate knowledge of and confidence with the use of computer applications relevant to teaching English language teaching.
- Formulate important research questions to for guiding investigations that contribute to theory and practice in one or more areas of applied linguistics.
- Carry out research in one area of applied linguistics that will increase understanding of English language teaching.
- Evaluate research in the field to identify its contribution to theory, research and practice in applied linguistics.
- Communicate ideas, discoveries, and findings to others in a professional and creative manner.
- Collaborate with other professionals to create and investigate new knowledge, practices and products for English language teaching.
Important information
Language Requirement
Satisfying the MA TESL/AL Language Requirement may require additional coursework. The spirit of this requirement is that students, before they graduate, will have had a language-learning experience either in the recent past or concurrent with working toward their degree. All students are required to submit a Language Requirement Form indicating how this requirement is to be met signed by your assigned program advisor or major professor prior to emailing to the Graduate Program Office (englgrad@iastate.edu) for approval by the DOGE..
Native speakers of English
- have completed one year (or its equivalent) of college-level study in a single foreign language with a grade of B or higher, as shown on a transcript, no more than ten (10) years before beginning graduate work in the TESL/Applied Linguistics program; students who finished at least one year of college-level language study more than ten (10) years before beginning graduate work in TESL/Applied Linguistics must complete one semester of college-level study of any foreign language with a grade of B or higher, concurrent with working toward the degree OR
- complete one year or its equivalent of college-level study in a single foreign language, with a grade of B or higher in the second semester, concurrent with working toward the degree OR
- demonstrate proficiency in a single foreign language by means of a CLEP exam available through the College Board equivalent to one year of college-level study OR
- provide clear evidence of a bilingual background
Nonnative speakers of English
- Nonnative Speakers of English must pass the English Placement Test (as a graduate student) unless the student is exempt. if students fail the EPT, they will be required to take English classes.
- All graduate in the TESL/Applied Linguistics MA program whose first language is not English are required to pass the OECT as part of their program requirements. To pass the OECT, students must receive a Level 1 pass and be fully certified or may be exempted from taking one or both of the OECT components. Check the OECT website for further information.
Program requirements
- M.A. applicants must have completed a Bachelor’s degree prior to their first semester in the program.
- Nonnative speakers of English: required minimum scores are 4.5 IBT new scale (5.0 preferred); 95 IBT* (100 preferred); 587 PBT (600 preferred); 7.0 IELTS; 68 PTE. Applicants who have earned a bachelor’s (or higher) degree from a country where English is the only official language are exempt from this requirement.
*Applicants scoring below the above minimum score requirements may need to take English support courses.
**Minimum score of 5.0 IBT new scale, 25 IBT Writing or 7.0 IELTS Writing required for teaching assistantship consideration.
See our How to Apply page for more information. It is recommended that you read the detailed information on the MA in TESL/Applied Linguistics section of the English Department Graduate Program of Study Manual prior to applying.
Application Deadline: January 5 (fall entry only) with applications accepted and evaluated beginning October 15. Early applications are encouraged.
Financial aid
Iowa State and the English department offer a variety of financial aid for graduate students. The majority of our students are funded through graduate assistantships, which provide a full tuition waiver (PhD) or half tuition waiver (MA), a monthly stipend for teaching courses or for conducting research, and health insurance benefits. Applications for assistantships are part of the process for applying for admission.