TESOL Program Details

Program Structure

Coursework

The academic coursework is designed to develop the knowledge base necessary for effective research and scholarship development.

Project/Thesis

Upon completion of 30 graduate credit hours, the student’s culminating activity is either the presentation/defense of a project/portfolio or the completion of a thesis. Students also have the option to complete a comprehensive exam in place of a project/thesis.

Comprehensive examination

Upon completion of 36 graduate credit hours of coursework, the student’s culminating activity is the comprehensive examination. The exam consists of both a written and oral part and tests the student's knowledge of the coursework; ability to reason, evaluate and draw supportable conclusions; and knowledge of current issues and trends within the field.

Practicum

The practicum provides a supervised teaching experience in a setting appropriate to the goals of the aspiring teacher (elementary, secondary or adult). Particular attention is given to lesson planning, classroom and relationship management, and the development of self-evaluation techniques.

Program Curriculum

Graduate students enrolled in the master of arts degree program will complete coursework in the School of Education and Human Sciences as well as the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and potentially other departments at KU. This provides the student an opportunity to gain advanced knowledge in education as well as TESOL. With only a minimum of 12 credit hours required in curriculum & instruction, students work with their faculty advisors to choose coursework that aligns with their individual professional needs and personal goals.

Course Requirements

Please note: This is only a potential plan of study. Consult with your academic advisor before enrolling.

Additional requirements

Non-C&T elective courses: 15 credit hours

Graduate Admission

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) with at least a 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale from a regionally accredited institution or a foreign university with substantially equivalent bachelor’s degree requirements. International applicants are strongly encouraged to complete the application process well in advance of the application deadlines in order to ensure adequate time for processing of visa-related paperwork. Meeting minimum admission standards does not guarantee admission to the program.

Application deadlines

February 1

Fall semester application deadline

Application Checklist

M.A. in TESOL

Applicants are required to submit the following materials and meet the following requirements before the application deadline:

Admission & Curriculum Resources

The online application is designed to give applicants the ability to submit all supporting documents in one form. We invite you to explore our graduate degree information, review our student resources, and learn more on our knowledgeable faculty and the vibrant community of Lawrence, Kansas.

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