Admissions

Each fall, the MA TESOL program enrolls approximately 15 new students who come from around the United States and other parts of the world. Spring applicants are only rarely accepted.

Requirements

Applicants should have a strong undergraduate record, particularly in courses taken during the last two years of study. It is advisable for students to have taken an introductory course in linguistics as an undergraduate. However, it is possible to take this course (LIN 401) once enrolled at Michigan State University. This course will not count towards meeting the 30 credits required for the MA TESOL.

All students whose first language is not English, even those who have a degree from an English-language institution, are required to take the TOEFL exam. A minimum of 250 on the computer-based test and 600 on the paper test is required. There is currently no minimum score on the internet-based test. Provisional admission is not an option.

Native speakers of English must submit scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test and three letters of recommendation with the program application. Although the GRE is not required for non-native English speakers, it is helpful.

Procedures

1. Go to http://admissions.msu.edu/Admissions.asp to apply online or request a paper copy of the application. Submit the application and fee to the Office of Admissions and Scholarships by January 10 for Fall Semester admission. Please contact Professor Polio if you have any questions at polio@msu.edu or if you are concerned about applying late.
2. Submit three letters of recommendation to the Department of LGSAAL (A-614 Wells Hall, MSU E. Lansing, MI 48824). These letters should be from people who are able to assess your qualifications to undertake graduate level work. Most helpful are letters from individuals who are well acquainted with your previous academic work. Least helpful are letters from personal acquaintances. If your recommenders prefer to submit an electronic copy, they should email the letter from their email address on letterhead to Julie Delgado (delgadof@msu.edu) and put "letter of recommendation" in the subject line.
3. Have the registrar from all institutions of higher education that you have attended submit two official transcripts directly to the Department of LGSAAL.
4. Submit to the Department of LGSAAL a statement of purpose that includes a summary of your academic background, why you want to study TESOL, and what your future plans are. Limit your statements to 500-700 words. Most helpful are statements about your academic background and your particular interest in the subject matter. Least helpful are statements about your family situation (unless they relate directly to TESOL).
5. Take the Graduate Record Examination general test and have your score sent to the Department of LGSAAL.MSU's institution code is 1465, and the department code is 2903.(This is optional, but highly recommended, for international students.)
6. If your first language is not English, take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and have your score sent to the Department of LGSAAL. MSU's institution code is 1465, and the department code is 04.