EdM in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages & Applied Linguistics

On-Campus

The program in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) & Applied Linguistics prepares students to teach English and other languages to adults, adolescents, and children in both public and private settings. Students can teach in international K–12 schools, foreign language schools, and postsecondary institutions. Students seeking licensure to teach ESL at the PreK–12 level in the United States should see the licensure track section.

Most of the domestic students who enroll in the program are interested in teaching English in college, community, and other programs in the United States and abroad. Students may also use this training to teach English and other languages to younger learners in primary and secondary schools abroad. International students returning to their home countries teach English as a foreign language at a variety of levels.

International students who decide to remain in the United States use this training to teach their native languages to adults, adolescents, and children in both public and private settings. Our TESOL & Applied Linguistics program also places particular emphasis on the development of research skills. As a result, many of our graduates have published extensively and pursued a PhD in the field of Second Language Studies and Language Education.

Students in the program are required to take courses in second language acquisition, TESOL pedagogy, assessment for language teaching, linguistic theory, applied English grammar, and research methodology, and two approved electives, chosen from options such as intercultural communication, critical applied linguistics, and applied phonology. Candidates are also required to complete a term of supervised practicum in a field setting that matches their particular interests. BU’s program in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages produces innovative teachers well-versed in both theoretical and applied teaching principles.

Learning Outcomes

• Students will be able to connect knowledge of content, teaching practices, student learning, and curriculum.
• Students will be able to develop lesson and unit plans that provide inclusive and affirming classroom experiences for all language learners.
• Students will be able to interpret research in TESOL & Applied Linguistics and apply it to the design of teaching materials, including addressing issues of access, equity, and diversity when teaching all students second languages.

Program Requirements (Total Units: 36–38)

Required Coursework (24 units)

• WED LS 565 Applied Linguistics: Language and Linguistics Survey (4 units)
• WED LS 567 Structure of English (4 units)
• WED LS 658 Second Language Acquisition (4 units)
• WED RS 600 Introduction to Research (4 units)
• WED TL 509 Foundations of TESOL Pedagogy (4 units)
• WED TL 622 Assessment for Language Teaching and Research (4 units)

Electives (8 units)

• WED LS 610 Applied Phonology (4 units)
• WED LS 626 Intercultural Communication (4 units)
• WED LS 640 Critical Applied Linguistics (4 units)
• WED TL 512 Computer-Assisted Language Learning (4 units)
• WED WL 514 Inclusive Principles & Practices in World Language Education (4 units)
• A 4-unit graduate-level course offered by Wheelock or the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences and approved by the faculty advisor.

Practicum (4 units)

• WED TL 613 Student Teaching Practicum and Seminar (4 units)