Applied Linguistics and Teaching English as a Second Language, Master of Arts
This program of study combines a strong theoretical foundation in applied linguistics with practical training in the teaching of English to speakers of other languages. The principal goals of the program are to provide the linguistic foundations for English as a second/foreign language teaching, equip teachers with the practical skills needed for effective language teaching, and prepare students for further study (including doctoral-level studies) in applied linguistics and related fields. This advanced degree offers a core of required courses and options to tailor the program to personal interests through choice of electives.
Requirements Accordion Open
To receive a master’s degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject areas, consisting of at least 30 units of graduate-level courses. Many master’s degree programs require more than 30 units.
You must additionally complete:- All requirements for your specific academic plan(s). This may include a thesis.
- All graduate work with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0.
- All work toward the master's degree must be completed within six consecutive years. The six years begins with the semester and year of admission to the program.
Read the full policy here.
Overview Accordion Closed
In addition to University Requirements:
| Minimum Units for Completion | 38 |
| Additional Admission Requirements | Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required. |
| Fieldwork Experience/Internship | Optional |
| Arizona Endorsement | May prepare student for Arizona Endorsement. |
| Thesis | Thesis may be required by chosen emphasis or offered as an option. |
| Oral Defense | Oral Defense may be required by chosen emphasis or offered as an option. |
| Foreign Language | A foreign language may be required by chosen emphasis or offered as an option. |
| Research | Individualized research may be required by chosen emphasis or offered as an option. |
| Progression Plan Link | View Program of Study |
| Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Plan | Optional |
Purpose Statement
Our TESL degree combines a strong theoretical foundation in applied linguistics with practical training in the teaching of English to people who speak other native languages. The principal goals of the program are to:
- provide the linguistic theory necessary for ESL/EFL teachers
- equip teachers with the practical skills needed for effective language teaching
- prepare students for further study in English language teaching, applied linguistics, and related fields
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completing the Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics and Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL), students will be able to:
- Apply knowledge of
- the social and regional diversity of English,
- the history of the English language,
- the structure and uses of the English language,
- English language discourse processes, and
- genres to English language teaching and learning
- Apply critical and analytical skills to effective English language use and to English language instruction.
- Understand second language learning processes in diverse cultural and educational contexts and the implications for language teaching and assessment.
- Integrate technology into language instruction and materials development.
- Evaluate language program effectiveness.
- Apply knowledge of cross-cultural communication to teacher-student interactions, materials development, lesson plans, course design, community interactions, and assessment instruments.
- Apply knowledge of theoretical and practical issues from applied linguistics and ESL methodology to innovative and effective English language teaching practices.
- Become active professionals in Applied Linguistics and related fields through participation in professional development seminars; local, national, and international conferences; practice teaching; research experience; and/or in doctoral programs.
Details Accordion Closed
Graduate Admission Information
The NAU graduate online application is required for all programs. Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies.
Admission requirements include the following:- Transcripts.
- Undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale ("A" = 4.0), or the equivalent.
Visit the NAU Graduate Admissions website for additional information about graduate school application deadlines, eligibility for study, and admissions policies.
Ready to apply? Begin your application now.International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy.
Additional Admission Requirements
Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
- Personal Letter of Intent (2 - 3 pages in length)
- 2 letters of recommendation required only for those MA TESL applicants applying for Graduate Teaching Assistantships
Master's Requirements
This Master's degree requires 38 units distributed as follows:
- English Common Coursework: 24 units
- Content Coursework Electives: 9 units
- Professional Develoment Seminar: 2 units
- Teaching Practicum Coursework: 3 units
Take the following 38 units:
- Students completing a non-thesis, coursework, project, track, internship, track, or exam option must complete 24 units of formal letter-graded coursework.
- Students completing a thesis are required to complete 18 units of formal letter-graded coursework.
English Common Coursework (24 units)
Content Coursework Electives (9 units)
- In consultation with your advisor, elect additional (AL/TESL) ENG courses (9 units)
- No more than 3 units of 400-level coursework are permitted
- Students interested in conducting research or pursuing a doctorate should take ENG 668 as one of their electives.
- In consultation with your advisor, elect additional (AL/TESL) ENG courses (9 units)
Students who successfully petition for a thesis must enroll in at least 3 units of ENG 699. These 3 units are in addition to the 38 units required for graduation.
You must also:
- Have your writing skills evaluated during your first year of study; and
- Take a comprehensive exam.
Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's Program
This program is available as an Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Plan wherein a student may start a master's degree while simultaneously completing their bachelor's degree.
Students enrolled at the Flagstaff campus for both undergraduate and graduate programs are eligible to complete the Bachelor of Arts in English and start a Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics and Teaching English as a Second Language at NAU.
- Students must apply to the master's program by the graduate program's application deadline, meet all admissions requirements listed in the policy Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's Programs, as well as the admissions requirements for the specified master's plan to be considered for admission. Admission to programs is competitive and qualified applicants may be denied because of limits on the number of students admitted each year.
Be sure to speak with the Master's Program Director/Coordinator regarding your interest in the accelerated plan.
- Students must apply to the master's program by the graduate program's application deadline, meet all admissions requirements listed in the policy Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's Programs, as well as the admissions requirements for the specified master's plan to be considered for admission. Admission to programs is competitive and qualified applicants may be denied because of limits on the number of students admitted each year.
Students accepted into the Accelerated Program should complete the following requirements:
Master's Requirements
This Master's degree requires 38 units distributed as follows:- English Common Coursework: 27 units
- Content Coursework Electives: 6 units
- Professional Development Seminar: 2 units
- Teaching Practicum Coursework: 3 units
Take the following 38 units:
- Students completing a non-thesis, coursework, project, track, internship, track, or exam option must complete 24 units of formal letter-graded coursework.
- Students completing a thesis are required to complete 18 units of formal letter-graded coursework.
Content Coursework Electives (6 units)
- In consultation with your advisor, elect additional (AL/TESL) ENG courses (6 units)
- No more than 3 units of 400-level coursework are permitted
- Students interested in conducting research or pursuing a doctorate should take ENG 668 as one of their electives.
- In consultation with your advisor, elect additional (AL/TESL) ENG courses (6 units)
Students who successfully petition for a thesis must enroll in at least 3 units of ENG 699. These 3 units are in addition to the 38 units required for graduation.
You must also:
- Have your writing skills evaluated during your first year of study; and
- Take a comprehensive exam.
Additional Information
Some courses may have prerequisites. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.
Our Applied Linguistics and Teaching English as a Second Language degree combines a strong theoretical foundation in applied linguistics with practical training in the teaching of English to people who speak other native languages.The principal goals of the program are to:
- provide the linguistic theory necessary for ESL/EFL teachers
- equip teachers with the practical skills needed for effective language teaching
- prepare students for further study in English language teaching, applied linguistics, and related fields
Length of program
The MA in Applied Linguistics and Teaching English as a Second Language program is a two-year course of study. If you have a teaching assistantship, you should plan on a two-year commitment.General information
MA in Applied Linguistics and Teaching English as a Second Language and PhD in Applied Linguistics Handbook (for students starting in Fall of 2019)MA in Applied Linguistics and Teaching English as a Second Language Comprehensive Exam Information Sheet
Comprehensive Exams from previous years: 2023 (August), 2022 (January), 2021 (January), 2020 (January, August), 2019 (January, August), 2018 (January, August), 2017 (January, August), 2016 (January, August), 2015 (January, August), 2014 (January, August), 2013 (January, August)
MA in Applied Linguistics and Teaching English as a Second Language Writing Requirement Form.
Funding and tuition
MA Applied Linguistics and Teaching English as a Second Language students are eligible to teach English composition courses in the English Department. Furthermore, a limited number of tuition waivers are available to out-of-state or in-state students who can demonstrate financial need. More information on graduate teaching assistantships and tuition waivers is available on our "Graduate Assistantships" page under "Resources."Non-academic graduate assistantships are available through many university-wide offices. They are awarded with stipends that vary by office, job duties, and degree-level. The NAU Office of Graduate and Professional Studies provides more information about "at-large" graduate assistantships.
NAU's MA in Applied Linguistics and Teaching English as a Second Language program is part of the Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP), which allows residents of certain Western states and territories to pay in-state tuition. The eligible states and territories are: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. Find out more about NAU's residency requirements for tuition purposes here. If you believe you meet these residency requirements, you may wish to consider petitioning to be recognized as an in-state student (more information here).
Accelerated BA-MA program
The Accelerated BA English-MA Applied Linguistics and Teaching English as a Second Language (Teaching Track) allows students to get both a BA in English and an MA in Applied Linguistics and Teaching English as a Second Language degree in as few as five years. Please see the academic catalog for the most recent information regarding courses and academic plans.Employment after Graduation
Teaching abroad: Over 90 percent of our MA in Applied Linguistics and Teaching English as a Second Language graduates have obtained ESL/EFL teaching positions. Graduates have taught in many countries, including Argentina, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Egypt, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Korea, Laos, Macao, Morocco, Namibia, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Uzbekistan.Our graduates have also been employed in:
- adult education
- community colleges
- K-12 public schools
- intensive English programs
- programs for refugees
- US Defense Language Institute
Other EFL positionsOur graduates have worked with the US Peace Corps, US State Department English Language Fellow (ELF) Program.
Other ESL-related positionsOur graduates have worked as curriculum specialists, test-item developers, or lexicographers with Cambridge University Press, Educational Testing Service (ETS), Longman, and Second Language Testing, Inc.