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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) for prospective students

How long does the program take to complete?
If you attend full time, it will take you two years to complete the program.  It is also possible to attend as a part-time student, but you must finish within five years.

Can I take MA TESOL classes through Lifelong Education?
Yes, with permission of the instructor, Lifelong Ed students can take MA TESOL classes. You can transfer up to 10 credits from Lifelong Education if you are eventually accepted into the MA TESOL program, although taking courses through Lifelong Education does not imply acceptance to the program. We usually recommend that you begin by taking either LLT 807 or Lin 401. For further information, contact Lifelong Education .

Is it possible to start the MA TESOL in the Spring semester?
In general, this is not advised because you will be out of sequence in terms of the required courses. For example, LLT 807 is a prerequisite for LLT 808 and it is only offered in the Fall semester. In some circumstances admission is possible; your completed application must be received by Nov 1st.

Can I transfer credit from other institutions?
If you have taken graduate courses at another university that you would like to count toward your MA degree, you must speak with the Director of the TESOL Program and provide her with a copy of the course syllabi. If she approves, you may transfer up to 9 credits. If you have credits in a course for which we do not have an equivalent, but is clearly related to TESOL, you may be able to count such a course as an elective.

In some cases, students have taken courses that they cannot or do not wish to transfer, yet are equivalent to an MA TESOL course requirement. In this case, a course will be waived without transfer credit and may be replaced with an additional elective.

Can I get the practicum requirement waived?
The practicum requirement can be waived if you have the equivalent of two years full-time supervised teaching experience.

Can I get LIN 401 waived?
In certain cases this may be possible with permission of the MA TESOL Director.

I am an MSU undergraduate who is planning to apply to the MA TESOL program. Should I take 307 or 807?
If you are a senior you should take 807 because it is a required course in the MA TESOL program.

I have no time to take the MA TESOL but I am going abroad to teach English shortly. What books do you recommend?
There is no substitute for a degree in TESOL. However, one book that you may want to consult is More than a Native Speaker by Don Snow, 1996, Alexandria, VA: TESOL. In addition, a bibliography of books on teaching techniques can be found here.

After graduating from the MA TESOL program, what sort of a job will I be able to get?
Most of our graduates who wish to work abroad have found full-time positions teaching overseas. Many of our exceptional graduates have gone on to teach overseas, direct programs, coordinate EFL education or work full-time in U.S. institutions. Full-time positions in Michigan, as in the rest of the U.S. , are highly competitive. As with most things, the ability to find a good position often depends on how much you put into your education and whether you are prepared to go that extra mile, for example giving conference presentations, working on teacher-education research projects, designing curricula and materials etc. There are many opportunities for such extra curricular CV-enhancing activities in the MA TESOL program.

What is the background of the students in the MA TESOL program?
The MA TESOL has a balance of about half international students and about half domestic students. In terms of undergraduate work, some students have backgrounds in linguistics, psychology or education. Other students have backgrounds in unrelated topics such as chemistry. It is generally helpful to demonstrate at least some experience or interest in teaching in your application, for example tutoring migrants, if you have an unrelated undergraduate major.

Where can I get information about funding?
Funding through a TAship at the English Language Center can be found here. MSU's financial information can be found here.

I saw an interesting summer course offered by another institution, can I take it and get credit for the MA TESOL?
See answer to "Can I transfer credit from other institutions?"

How much does the program cost?
Information will be available at the Office of the Controller - Student Accounts and Cashier Services.

How do I register for a course?
Contact the Office of the Registrar.

Can I take a short course or get a certificate in TESOL?
No, we only offer an MA in TESOL. Students may take individual courses through Lifelong Education with the permission of the instructor but this will not result in any kind of certificate.

Where can I find information about housing?
Contact University Housing.

Can I complete the program by taking courses only in the evenings?
No, it is not possible to complete the program by taking evening courses. Nearly all MA TESOL courses are offered during the day.

What institution and department code should I give to ETS to have my scores reported?
MSU’s institution code is 1465, and the department code is 04.

 

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