The Graduate School of Language and Educational Linguistics (GSLEL) is internationally recognized for the expertise and professional activities of its faculty and the high-quality language education focus of its curriculum. GSLEL students may pursue one of three master’s degrees:
- MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (MATESOL)
- MA in Teaching Foreign Language (MATFL)
- Peace Corps Master's International TESOL Program (PCMI)
Students in these degree programs are trained to become effective classroom teachers with the necessary skills for designing, implementing, and evaluating a language teaching program. Coursework combines strong academic preparation with practical training in pedagogical theory and practice, including classes such as language pedagogy, curriculum design, language testing, applied linguistic research, sociolinguistics, second language acquisition, and educational research methods.
As every good teacher is both a facilitator of language learning and a classroom researcher, the MATESOL/MATFL degree program provides a sound theoretical foundation and the skills required for conducting pedagogically sound language lessons and for researching ways to further enhance language teaching. Students gain competence in the practical application of theory through activities such as designing curricula and materials, developing language tests, conducting research projects, and teaching classes. The goal of GSLEL is to develop teachers who are self-reliant and informed decision makers, as well as educational leaders in the field.
The MATESOL/MATFL program emphasizes observation and reflection as essential tools for professional development. From the first semester, students observe experienced language teachers at work. Throughout the program, students examine their own educational beliefs and practices in light of what they are learning in the classroom and the insights they gain from their research. This process of self-evaluation and self-reflection culminates in the MATESOL/MATFL program’s exit mechanism, the Program Portfolio.
Consistent with emphasizing the practical, GSLEL faculty involve their students in the types of research, writing, speaking, and interaction that will be required in their careers. Students and recent alumni have published work in ESL Magazine, The Japan Association for Language Teaching Journal, Applied Language Learning, Dialogue on Language Instruction, TESOL Quarterly, Essential Teacher, and in various edited collections. Many have also made presentations and provided leadership at local, state, and national conferences.
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