College/Adult
Boston University’s TESOL graduate program produces innovative teachers who are well versed in theoretical and applied teaching principles. Our program prepares you to work in college and adult language programs in the United States or to work for college, adult, primary, or secondary school programs abroad.
Graduates of our program teach in a variety of settings, and particular emphasis is placed on the development and evaluation of materials appropriate to the students at all levels of proficiency. As a result, many of our students and graduates have published extensively, developing new approaches and materials for a rapidly expanding field in education. Several of our TESOL graduates have also published their syllabus projects as textbooks.
In the TESOL program at Boston University, the course of study includes linguistic theory, applied English grammar, language acquisition, methodology of teaching English to speakers of other languages, computer assisted language learning, and cross-cultural communication. You will also complete a semester of supervised teaching in a field setting that matches your particular interests.
Admission to our program is competitive, and international students must submit a TOEFL score for admission. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is administered and co-sponsored by the Educational Testing Service and the College Entrance Examination Board.
Detailed test information
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) College/Adult Program
Courses
| SED TL 509 |
|
Methods of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) |
| CAS EN 518 |
|
Linguistic Problems in TESOL |
| SED LS 565 |
|
Introduction to Language and Linguistics |
| SED LS 626 |
|
Intercultural Education OR |
| SED TL 512 |
|
Computer Assisted Language Learning |
| SED LS 658 |
|
Second Language Acquisition |
| SED RS 600 |
|
Perspectives on Inquiry |
| SED TL 835 |
|
Seminar in TESOL |
| |
|
|
| Students select from the following field experiences: |
| SED TL 612 |
|
Student-Teaching TESOL: College and Adult OR |
| SED TL 614 |
|
Field Observation for International Students |
Course descriptions
 Download a description of this program
 Download more Frequently Asked Questions about the TESOL College/Adult program
Certificate in the Teaching of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
The TESOL program offers a four-course, 16-credit graduate certificate that prepares future teachers of English to speakers of other languages. Students are exposed to a theoretical introduction to the nature and structure of language, key factors affecting second language acquistion, and communicative approaches to the teaching of English as a second or foreign language. This certificate is most appropriate for those who already hold advanced degrees, individuals making mid-career changes, and those who are already volunteering or working in this field.
The certificate consists of the following courses:
| SED TL 509 A1 |
|
Methods of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
Current theories of second-language teaching, analysis of materials, and practice in adapting and expanding textbook lessons. Focuses on adult, college, and international teaching. |
| CAS EN 518 B1 |
|
Linguistic Problems in TESOL
Application of linguistic concepts to the teaching of English as a second/ foreign language. Includes description of contemporary English grammatical structures that pose problems for learners and teachers. |
| SED LS 565 A1 |
|
Introduction to Language and Linguistics
An introduction to contemporary linguistics, including phonological and syntactic theory, sociolinguistics, first- and second-language acquisition, and discourse theory. Also covers applications of various branches of linguistics to education, including issues of different cultures in the classroom, the role of language in education, and the development of literacy. |
| SED LS 658 A1 |
|
Second Language Acquisition
Research and theories of second language acquisition. Includes the research on naturalistic and classroom second-language learning. |
Download a description of this program
Licensure
Students in the licensure-track program prepare to become teachers of English as a second language at the PreK-6 or 5-12 level. Coursework includes the study of current research and practice in second language acquisition and assessment and instruction of oral language, reading and writing. The program of study also includes coursework in linguistics, sheltered teaching methodologies, and policy issues that influence assessment and instruction of second language learners in U.S. public schools. Student complete a pre-practicum in the fall semester in a public-school classroom and a full-time practicum (student-teaching) in the spring semester. Interested candidates who already possess an initial teaching licensure in another field, and who would like to earn the Master's degree and the the ESL license also are encouraged to apply and meet with the Program Coordinator to plan a program of study.
English as a Second Language (ESL) Licensure Program, PreK-6
Graduate students seeking to become licensed as a Teacher of English as a Second Language in grades PreK-6 must meet all licensure requirements and must successfully complete the following courses:
| SED LS 565 |
|
Introduction to Linguistics |
| SED BI 620 |
|
Educational Issues in Bilingualism |
| SED BI 621 |
|
Bilingualism and Biliteracy |
| SED BI 535 |
|
Literacy Development for Bilingual Students: Instruction and Assessment |
| SED BI 515 |
|
Methods in Bilingual Education and English as a Second Language* |
| SED ME 545 |
|
Methods of Teaching Mathematics: Elementary |
| SED ED 500/501 |
|
Foundations of Educational Practices* |
| SED SE 510 |
|
Special Education: Curriculum and Instruction |
| SED BI 504 |
|
Seminar: The Student Teaching Experience |
| SED TL 580-581 |
|
Student-Teaching Practicum I and II* |
| SED RS 600 |
|
Perspectives on Inquiry |
| * These courses include field-based requirements. |
Course descriptions
Download a description of this program
English as a Second Language (ESL) Licensure Program, 5-12
Graduate students seeking to become licensed as a Teacher of English as a Second Language in grades 5-12 must meet all licensure requirements and must successfully complete the following courses:
| SED LS 565 |
|
Introduction to Linguistics |
| SED BI 620 |
|
Educational Issues in Bilingualism |
| SED LS 658 |
|
Second Language Acquisition |
| SED BI 535 |
|
Literacy Development for Bilingual Students: Instruction and Assessment |
| SED TL 508 |
|
Methods of Teaching English as a Second Language* |
| SED ED 500/501 |
|
Foundations of Educational Practices* |
| SED SE 510 |
|
Special Education: Curriculum and Instruction |
| SED DS 502 |
|
Introduction to Adolescent Development |
| SED BI 504 |
|
Seminar: The Student Teaching Experience |
| SED TL 582-583 |
|
Student-Teaching Practicum I and II* |
| SED RS 600 |
|
Perspectives on Inquiry |
| *These courses include field-based requirements. |
Course descriptions
Download a description of this program
|
