Teaching English as a Second Language Specialization, M.A.T.

Graduate Coordinator: Dr. Eleni Pappamihiel

The English as a Second Language Specialization of the Master of Arts (MAT) degree is designed to prepare individuals who currently hold a bachelor’s degree for North Carolina teacher certification in the area of ESOL (English to Speakers of Other Languages). Successful completion of the coursework and field experiences associated with this program will prepare candidates to take the Praxis II ESOL and apply for North Carolina K-12 certification in this area.

Program Objectives:

Upon completion of the graduate MAT in English as a Second Language Specialization, the candidate should be able to:

Have knowledge and understanding of English as a language.
understand the impact of linguistic and cultural differences on learning.
Have knowledge of the instructional cycle, including the design, implementation, and assessment of instruction for multilingual learners.
Have knowledge of the policies and regulations related to teaching English learners.
Demonstrate advanced capabilities in the previous SLOs.

Admission Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university completed before graduate study begins
Official copies of transcripts of all college, university or community college work (undergraduate and graduate). Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better is recommended.
3 letters of recommendation
This program prepares individuals for North Carolina teacher certification in the area of English as a Second Language. A letter of interest (no more than 2 pages) describing any past experiences that might prepare you for your studies and your future goals in this area is required.
Application and supplemental documents must be submitted by the published deadline.

Degree Requirements (33 total credit hours)

Professional Core (6 credit hours):

EDN 500 - Human Development and Learning Credit Hours: 3
EDN 520 - Instructional Development Credit Hours: 3

Electives (3 credit hours):

One elective (as approved by the Program Coordinator) from EDN, EDL, TSL or MIT 500-599

Core Courses (18 credit hours):

TSL 511 - ESL Issues: Culture, Policy and Advocacy Credit Hours: 3
TSL 516 - Second Language Acquisition Research and Theory Credit Hours: 3
TSL 517 - Methods for Second Language Learners Credit Hours: 3
TSL 518 - English as a Second Language Assessment Credit Hours: 3
TSL 519 - Pedagogical Grammar for Teachers Credit Hours: 3
TSL 537 - Linguistics for Teachers Credit Hours: 3

Internship (6 credit hours):

EDN 590 - Student Teaching in Education Credit Hours: 3 To 12 (6 credit hours required)

Exit Requirements:

Required to complete a teaching portfolio as part of TSL 517 - Methods for Second Language Learners Credit Hours: 3
Required to earn a grade of A or B in EDN 590 - Student Teaching in Education Credit Hours: 3 To 12

Additional Information:

Applicants who live outside the UNCW Professional Development System must contact the program coordinator prior to submission. The program coordinator will assist the applicant in arranging a provisional agreement for field experience placement in their county of residence.