Concentration in Teaching English as a Second Language
If you have further questions after reading the following information, please contact the Associate Graduate Coordinator for the TESL Concentration, Prof. Hyon.
- Introduction
- Application and Admission
- Degree Requirements
- Responsibilities of enrolled students
- Along the way towards graduation
- Potential pitfalls
1. Introduction
The TESL Concentration is designed to prepare both domestic and international students for teaching English as a second or foreign language in a variety of settings, including community colleges, adult ESL/EFL centers, high schools, and overseas teaching institutions. The TESL Concentration also prepares students for further study in applied linguistics, linguistics, and TESL at the Ph.D. level.
Our program is firmly grounded in linguistics and applied linguistics, aiming to familiarize students with both theories and teaching practices related to TESL. Courses focus on important areas of linguistics (e.g., syntax, sociolinguistics, discourse analysis, contrastive rhetoric, pragmatics), theories and issues in second language acquisition (e.g., first language transfer, interlanguage, interaction), and approaches to teaching ESL/EFL, including second language composition. The concentration familiarizes students with the structure and use of the English language in a variety of contexts and prepares students to design English curricula and teaching materials for different populations of ESL/EFL learners.
As a concentration in the M.A. in English Composition, our program is different from similar programs in that our students take courses related to the teaching of composition. This emphasis on writing theory and pedagogy can offer students an edge in the community college job market. In pursuing their individual research interests, students are also able to work with faculty in a variety of specializations, including linguistics, literature, creative writing, and rhetoric and composition. In addition, there are opportunities to tutor in the CSUSB Writing Center and to work as a teaching assistant in a multilingual/ESL composition class.
We recognize the uniqueness of each student in our program and appreciate the contribution each brings to us. Our faculty also have diverse cross-cultural experiences and enjoy working with students from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
2. Application and Admission
Please consult the 2008/2009 Bulletin for current admission requirements. The pages for our program are available here in pdf format:
2008/2009 M.A. in English Composition
Application procedures
1. Apply for admission to the University (you must do this even if you are currently a CSUSB undergraduate). You can apply online. Be sure to specify both our program and your desired concentration on your application. You will be required to provide transcripts from all instituions of higher education you have attended to the Admissions Office..2. Print copies of the "Recommendation Waiver Form," (available on this website), complete the forms, and give them to three individuals capable of commenting upon your aptitude for graduate study. Ask those individuals to supply letters of recommendation accompanied by these forms to the coordinator of your desired concentration, or pick them up from your recommenders in sealed, signed envelopes and include them with the materials listed in (3).
3. Submit to the coordinator of your desired concentration the following materials:
a. A writing sample (5-10 pages); and
b. A statement of purpose (1-2 pages) explaining your interest in our program and how our program is appropriate to your future goals.
4. You can check the Admission Status Page to monitor the progress of your application to the University. When your application has been sent to us for our review and we have received your supporting materials (the three letters of recommendation, your writing sample, and your statement of purpose), we will be able to reach an admission decision. You will be informed of this decision by e-mail. If you do not hear from us within one month of our receipt of your completed application and supporting materials, including letters of recommendation, please contact us.
5. Attention international students: There are additional documents required for international student applications. For information about these requiremments and forms, please see the CSUSB International Student Services "Application Assistance" website at: http://iss.csusb.edu/en/index.asp
3. Degree Requirements (48 units)
Please consult the 2008/2009 Bulletin for current degree requirements. The pages for our program are available here in pdf format:
2008/2009 M.A. in English Composition
.
4. Responsibilities of enrolled students
- It is the students' responsibility to monitor their own progress. They should be very aware, at all times, of their GPA, their graduate status, and any other aspects of their graduate studies. It is the students' responsibility to know the regulations regarding all facets of their graduate studies. Keep in mind that the CSUSB Bulletin of the year in which a student enters the program will be the most authoritative source of regulations and policies. In case of a discrepancy between the Bulletin and any other sources of information, including this website, it is always the Bulletin that counts. Since policies and curriculum do change, it is essential that a student have a copy of the Bulletin and be familiar with all information relating to his or her graduate studies.
- Students are required to obtain a copy of A Guide to Graduate Studies from the Office of the Dean of Graduate Studies (Administration Building Room 127, x75058) and a CSUSB Bulletin.
5. Along the way towards graduation
- After you have been admitted, contact the Coordinator for an appointment to set up a course of study.
- If you have prerequisite courses to fulfill, try to take them first. If there is a problem in doing so, contact the Coordinator for advice.
- If you are admitted as "conditionally classified," try to met the conditions noted on the decision form as soon as you can. Once these conditions are met, contact the Coordinator for classification.
- For electives, you do not have to obtain permission for 600-level English classes. Other classes, however, must be preapproved by the Coordinator.
- Keep an accurate record of your course work and remember to bring the record every time you come to see the Coordinator regarding your graduate studies.
- Once you are eligible to advance to candidacy, contact the Coordinator to file the necessary paperwork.
- One quarter before your planned graduation, file a "Grad Check" with the Office of Records and Evaluation.
- Check with the Coordinator regarding the Department's policy on your eligibility to participate at the commencement ceremonies held in June and December.
6. Potential pitfalls
- Keep in mind that you have a maximum of seven (7) years to complete your degree. Failure to do so may result in termination of your graduate work in the program.
- Should you have to be absent from the program, you should file a Leave of Absence petition. Failure to do so will terminate your graduate student status.
- Keep an accurate record of your grades. A GPA that falls below 3.0 will place you on probation. A grade below 2.0 will prevent you from graduating.
- International students: make sure that you are always in valid status. Being out of legal status (in violation of the conditions specified by relevant federal regulations for student visas) may result in complicated legal issues. You are encouraged to keep in close contact with the Office of International Student Services regarding your status and other related matters.
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From A Guide to Graduate Studies: "While the University faculty and staff are available for information and assistance, it is ultimately the student's responsibility to be aware of all academic and administrative deadlines and requirements set by the department and the Office of Graduate Studies." |
