Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, Master of Science

Admission

Please refer to The Graduate Admissions Process section of the catalog for general graduate admission information. For consideration and admission to the Master of Science in Teaching English Speakers of Other Languages program, all applicants must submit or complete the following:

1. A Graduate Application

A US$35 non-refundable application fee is required.

2. One recent color photograph (digital is okay)

3. Official transcripts

• Applicants must provide official undergraduate transcripts from an institution with accreditation recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and/or CHEA, or by the government of the country in which the degree was awarded. Transcripts must be received in the original, sealed envelope from the awarding institution.
  
  (Note: If the university does not issue transcripts in English, the transcripts must be submitted with official English translations issued by a professional translating service. Translations must be exact and complete versions of the original records.)

• If educated outside the U.S., applicants must provide an Official Transcript Evaluation confirming education equivalent to a U.S. Bachelor’s degree. Evaluations must be original and from an agency that is a member of www.NACES.org or www.NAFSA.org.  Evaluations must contain a general report for high school and a detailed or course-by-course report with GPA for college or university transcripts.
• Transcripts may be sent electronically or sent directly from the school of attendance in a sealed envelope to:

Wilmington University 

31 Read's Way 
New Castle, DE 19720-6491

Note: In order to receive financial aid, official transcripts must be on file.

4. Non-native English speakers and English proficiency

• Non-native English speakers must demonstrate college-level proficiency in one of the following ways:
  • Degree from an accredited institution where English is the primary language of instruction; or
  • Transcript from an U.S accredited institution indicating a “B” or higher in a college English composition class (equivalent to ENG 121 and 122); or
  • TOEFL minimum overall score of 80 with no individual score below 20; or
  • IELTS minimum overall score of 6.5 with no individual score below 6.5

5. Meet with the Program Chair for a program planning conference

• Note: It is recommended that students have copies of their undergraduate transcripts at the time of their application submission.
• Graduate Transfer Credits
  • Up to six credit hours of graduate study in TESOL from a fully accredited graduate school may be accepted. Students seeking credit for course work completed at other accredited institutions must submit an official transcript sent directly from the institution to Wilmington University and a catalog course description from that institution. Courses graded below a "B" will not be considered. Transfer students need to have all transcripts from other accredited institutions in the possession of the Admissions Office. Credit will not be granted for course duplication.
  • Professional Certification Option
    • Wilmington University will consider awarding graduate-level credit for certain professional certifications in TESOL. The credit for these professional certifications will be applied to a like course or courses in the curriculum.  Students who wish to be considered for graduate-level credit should apply to the TESOL Program Chair.

6. Register for TEL 6000 as your first course

Program Purpose

The Master of Science degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) prepares graduates for careers as instructors, professors, curriculum developers, and tutors of English language.  It is a practical, career-oriented degree that provides the necessary education for graduates to pursue careers in a variety of contexts, both in the United States and abroad.  The comprehensive nature of the courses offered make it possible for students with some language teaching experience, as well as those new to the field, to develop the content knowledge and instructional skills to be successful in TESOL. The degree is offered fully online to allow students from around the world to use their local contexts for teaching experience and to accommodate a variety of demands on students’ time.

Please note: This degree does not provide the necessary credential to teach in public elementary and secondary schools in the United States.  Applicants interested in those teaching positions should visit Wilmington University’s ESOL Literacy website.

Program Competencies

In addition to the University’s graduate graduation competencies, students will demonstrate knowledge, skills, and abilities in the following areas:

1. Research and theory of second language acquisition and how both apply to classroom instruction in a variety of ESL/EFL contexts
2. Current principles, practices, and methodologies for teaching and assessing ESL/EFL in a variety of contexts
3. Linguistic features of the English language and their application to the ESL/EFL classroom, including phonology, syntax, and pragmatics
4. How culture impacts the ESL/EFL classroom and how to foster culturally responsive learning environments
5. Advanced ESL/EFL teaching methodology focusing on the acquisition of English for academic purposes
6. Language policy and practice in the United States and other major regions of the world

Degree Requirements

Core Courses

The following courses are required in the Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Master of Science degree program.