Teaching English as a Second Language - M.A.

The Master of Arts in Teaching English as a Second Language is designed for current ESL educators. This program provides advanced training in pedagogical theory and practice.

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Program Information for Teaching English as a Second Language - M.A.

Program Description

Program Description

On This Page

Full Description

The Master of Arts degree in Teaching English as a Second Language is grounded in linguistic principles, language learning theory and empirical research on language learning and teaching. The program enables students to teach effectively in varied learning contexts. Students gain experience through a supervised practicum and have the opportunity to teach in a variety of English-as-a-second/foreign-language contexts. Graduates are prepared for international teaching and research, adult education, and advanced study in applied linguistics. literacy positions.

The Teaching English as a Second Language major includes the following optional concentration:

  • The TESL Education concentration prepares students for P-12 school educators. Students' practicum takes place in area schools, and students prepare for the state licensure requirements.

Professional Licensure Disclosure

This program is designed to prepare students to sit for applicable licensure or certification in Ohio. If you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Ohio, please review state educational requirements for licensure or certification and contact information for state licensing boards at Kent State's website for professional licensure disclosure.

Admissions for Teaching English as a Second Language - M.A.

Admissions

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
  • Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
  • Official transcript(s)
  • Goal statement (1-2 pages)
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:1
    • Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
    • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
    • Minimum 58 PTE score
    • Minimum 110 DET score

Applicants are assessed holistically, considering academic credentials, academic or professional references, non-academic criteria and other specific program criteria.

1

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores may be considered for conditional admission.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Semester
    • Funding deadline: January 15
      Applications must be submitted by this deadline to be considered for an assistantship or any other funded position.
    • Rolling admissions
  • Spring Semester
    • Rolling admissions

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate understanding of different associated fields within teaching English as a second language, including linguistics, language acquisition, pedagogy and practice.
  2. Demonstrate what knowledge of the field and disciplines making up teaching English as a second language.
  3. Demonstrate skills in teaching.
  4. Demonstrate understanding of different cultural norms and practices and the ability to accommodate teaching practices based on these differences.

Coursework

On This Page

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements
ENG 63001METHODOLOGY OF TEACHING ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE 3
ENG 63033THEORIES IN SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION 3
ENG 63040LINGUISTICS FOR THE LANGUAGE PROFESSIONS 3
ENG 63041DESCRIPTIVE GRAMMAR OF ENGLISH 3
Additional Requirements or Concentration
Choose from the following:24-36
Additional Requirements for Students Not Declaring a Concentration
TESL Education Concentration
Minimum Total Credit Hours:36-48

Additional Requirements for Students Not Declaring a Concentration

ENG 63034SOCIOLINGUISTICS 3
or ENG 63047 HERITAGE LANGUAGES AND SECOND LANGUAGE LEARNING
or ENG 63048 SOCIOCULTURAL THEORY AND FOREIGN AND SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION
ENG 68492PRACTICUM IN TEACHING INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS 3
Major Electives, choose from the following: 118
ENG 63034
SOCIOLINGUISTICS 2
ENG 63038
TEACHING LITERATURE AND CULTURE
ENG 63039
SECOND LANGUAGE CURRICULUM AND ASSESSMENT
ENG 63043
SECOND LANGUAGE WRITING
ENG 63044
SECOND LANGUAGE READING
ENG 63045
ENGLISH FOR SPECIFIC PURPOSES
ENG 63046
SECOND LANGUAGE LISTENING AND SPEAKING
ENG 63047
HERITAGE LANGUAGES AND SECOND LANGUAGE LEARNING 2
ENG 63048
SOCIOCULTURAL THEORY AND FOREIGN AND SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION 2
ENG 63049
SECOND LANGUAGE RESEARCH METHODS
ENG 63391
SEMINAR: LINGUISTICS
ENG 69199
THESIS I
Minimum Total Credit Hours:24
1

Students may use 6 credit hours in appropriate graduate courses in other departments with approval of department advisor toward the 18 credit hour requirement.

2

Students may choose these courses if not chosen above.

TESL Education Concentration Requirements

Concentration Requirements
CI 67105IMPROVING CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION 3
CI 67310THEORY AND PRACTICE IN THE TEACHING OF READING 3
or CI 67330 READING IN CONTENT AREAS
ENG 63044SECOND LANGUAGE READING 3
ENG 68592PRACTICUM IN TEACHING P-12 ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS 1,23
Concentration Electives, choose from the following:15
CI 60169
UNDERSTANDING EMERGENT BILINGUAL AND IMMIGRANT STUDENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES
CI 60171
TEACHING EMERGENT BILINGUAL AND IMMIGRANT STUDENTS
CI 61130
MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION: STRATEGIES
ENG 63034
SOCIOLINGUISTICS
ENG 63038
TEACHING LITERATURE AND CULTURE
ENG 63039
SECOND LANGUAGE CURRICULUM AND ASSESSMENT
ENG 63043
SECOND LANGUAGE WRITING
ENG 63045
ENGLISH FOR SPECIFIC PURPOSES
ENG 63046
SECOND LANGUAGE LISTENING AND SPEAKING
ENG 63047
HERITAGE LANGUAGES AND SECOND LANGUAGE LEARNING
ENG 63048
SOCIOCULTURAL THEORY AND FOREIGN AND SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION
ENG 63049
SECOND LANGUAGE RESEARCH METHODS
EPSY 65524
LEARNING THEORIES
Culminating Requirement
ENG 51525INQUIRY INTO PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE 33
ENG 53392STUDENT TEACHING 2,3,46
Minimum Total Credit Hours:36
1

Students complete 100 hours of field work as teacher assistants in area schools, which enable them to gain collaborative clinical experience as P-12 teachers.

2

Prior to enrollment in ENG 53392 and ENG 68592, students must be evaluated satisfactorily on non-academic  dimensions, including completing background checks and modules. Further information is available in the Office of Graduate Student Services.

3

ENG 51525 and ENG 53392 must be taken concurrently.

4

During students' full-time student teaching assignment, they are assessed on professional dispositions, understanding of codes of ethics and professional standards appropriate to TESL and work with English language learners. In the school context, students are assessed data literacy and analysis; use of research and assessment data; leadership and collaboration; utilization and support of appropriate technology for the discipline; and understanding of laws related to English language learners.

Graduation Requirements
Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
- 3.000
  • All students in the M.A. degree complete a capstone project with options of a thesis or portfolio or exams.
  • All students in the M.A. degree cannot be concurrently enrolled in the Teaching English as a Second/Foreign Language certificate. Students who hold either certificate may be permitted to apply 12 graduate credit hours earned in the certificate toward the M.A. degree.
  • No more than one-half of a graduate student’s coursework may be taken in 50000-level courses.
  • Grades below C are not counted toward completion of requirements for the degree.

Licensure Information

Candidates seeking Ohio licensure are required to pass specific assessments in order to apply for licensure. Students should consult their advisors for specific program requirements and refer the Ohio Department of Education-Educator Preparation website for more information on assessments specific to licensure type.

Program Delivery

Program Delivery

  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries for Teaching English as a Second Language - M.A.

Adult basic education, adult secondary education, and English as a Second Language instructors

-10.4%

decline

59,300

number of jobs

$55,350

potential earnings

Elementary school teachers, except special education

3.5%

about as fast as the average

1,452,100

number of jobs

$60,940

potential earnings

Kindergarten teachers, except special education

3.7%

about as fast as the average

127,700

number of jobs

$57,860

potential earnings

Middle school teachers, except special and career/technical education

3.6%

about as fast as the average

627,100

number of jobs

$60,810

potential earnings

Preschool teachers, except special education

2.5%

slower than the average

540,400

number of jobs

$31,930

potential earnings

Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education

3.8%

about as fast as the average

1,050,800

number of jobs

$62,870

potential earnings

English language and literature teachers, postsecondary

2.1%

slower than the average

81,300

number of jobs

$69,000

potential earnings

Tutors and teachers and instructors, all other

7.4%

faster than the average

406,200

number of jobs

$40,590

potential earnings

English language and literature teachers, postsecondary

2.1%

slower than the average

81,300

number of jobs

$69,000

potential earnings

Additional Careers
  • Academic advisor
  • Community college ESL instructor
  • Curriculum designer
  • Educational consultant
  • Educational materials writer/editor
  • Language assessment writer/editor
  • Language program director
  • Language school instructor (in the U.S. or abroad)
  • Teacher educator
  • Teacher of English as a foreign language
  • Teacher supervisor
  • University ESL instructor
Notice: Career Information Source
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.

Creative Writing - M.F.A.

The Creative Writing M.F.A. program is designed for aspiring writers who want to hone their craft and take their skills to the next level. With a focus on individual attention and mentorship from experienced faculty, you will have the opportunity to refine your writing skills in a supportive and inspiring environment. Whether you are interested in fiction, poetry or nonfiction, our program provides you with the tools needed to achieve your writing goals.

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Program Information for Creative Writing - M.F.A.

Program Description

Program Description

Full Description

The Master of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing is a consortium program between Kent State, the University of Akron, Cleveland State University and Youngstown State University (NEOMFA consortium).

The degree allows students to take advantage of collaboration with an award-winning 15-member faculty and to concentrate in the writing of plays, poetry, fiction and creative non-fiction. The number and variety of the faculty guarantee consistent individual attention to student work. The range of study gives students opportunities to take classes with other writers from different backgrounds and in different genres. An annual series of readings and visiting writers in all genres supports the regular curricular offerings.

Selected students attend special summer programs, such as the Juniper Institute in Massachusetts and the Imagination Writers Conference in Cleveland; many students attend the annual Association of Writers and Writing Programs (AWP) Conference representing the consortium, or publish in journals and presses associated with the program.

Admissions for Creative Writing - M.F.A.

Admissions

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must apply to both the NEOMFA consortium and Kent State University. For more information on admission to the consortium, visit the NEOMFA website.

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
  • Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
  • Official transcript(s)
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:1
    • Minimum 94 TOEFL iBT score
    • Minimum 7.0 IELTS score
    • Minimum 65 PTE score
    • Minimum 120 DET score
1

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores may be considered for conditional admission.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Semester
    • Funding deadline: January 15
      Applications must be submitted by this deadline to be considered for an assistantship or any other funded position.
  • Spring Semester
    • Rolling admissions

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Critique creative literary works in a workshop environment.
  2. Critique and revise their own material.
  3. Create a high quality publishable work of poetry, fiction, creative non-fiction, drama or literary translation.
  4. Demonstrate knowledge of a wide range of theories and practices of creative writing and the creative process.
  5. Develop skills in creative writing in real world job situations.

Coursework

On This Page

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements
Writing Workshops15
Craft and Theory courses9
Literature courses6
Internship 13
Electives9
Culminating Requirement
ENG 69199THESIS I 26
Minimum Total Credit Hours:48
1

The internship must be in a teaching, editing or arts administration setting.

2

The thesis must be submitted according to the general requirements established by Graduate College. The student is required to defend the thesis in an oral presentation before a committee of graduate faculty from a minimum of two consortium schools.

Graduation Requirements
Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
- 3.000
  • No more than one-half of a graduate student’s coursework may be taken in 50000-level courses.
  • Grades below C are not counted toward completion of requirements for the degree.
Program Delivery

Program Delivery

  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries for Creative Writing - M.F.A.

Editors

-7.3%

decline

118,700

number of jobs

$63,400

potential earnings

English language and literature teachers, postsecondary

2.1%

slower than the average

81,300

number of jobs

$69,000

potential earnings

Postsecondary teachers, all other

2.0%

slower than the average

245,900

number of jobs

$71,950

potential earnings

Writers and authors

-2.3%

decline

131,200

number of jobs

$67,120

potential earnings

Additional Careers
  • Content development
  • Copywriting
  • Marketing and promotion
  • Publishing
  • Arts administration
Notice: Career Information Source
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.

English - M.A.

The English M.A. program offers advanced study in literature, writing and critical thinking. With a focus on small class sizes and mentorship from experienced faculty, you will hone your analytical and creative skills and advance your career opportunities.

Contact Us

Apply Now
Request Information
Schedule a Visit
Find All Majors

Program Information for English - M.A.

Program Description

Program Description

Full Description

The Master of Arts degree in English offers students broad learning in the areas of literature, rhetoric and composition, writing studies and beyond, with a distinctive focus on narrative. The program provides a deep and nuanced understanding of the ways narratives not only represent the world but also make it and change it, for both good and ill.

Narrative is defined very broadly as a fundamental and ubiquitous mode of thought that guides perception, constructs feelings and directs actions, operating at varying scales, in all domains and through multiple media and modes of perception. Students acquire advanced skills in critiquing, revising and creating narratives in the service of more effective and socially responsible problem solving, decision making, innovation and action planning. These skills are useful in a range of professions both in and outside the university, including law, teaching and library and information science. The M.A. degree is also strong preparation for doctoral study.

Admissions for English - M.A.

Admissions

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
  • Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
  • Official transcript(s)
  • Writing sample (8-15 pages) relevant to the field of study
  • Goal statement
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:1
    • Minimum 94 TOEFL iBT score
    • Minimum 7.0 IELTS score
    • Minimum 65 PTE score
    • Minimum 120 DET score
1

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores may be considered for conditional admission.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Semester
    • Funding deadline: January 15
      All application materials (including applicable fee, transcripts, recommendation letters, etc.) must be submitted by this deadline to be considered for an assistantship or any other funded position.
  • Spring Semester
    • Rolling admissions

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate the ability to think critically about the literary texts they read and interpret.
  2. Demonstrate how to write coherently and clearly about research topics and other topics.
  3. Demonstrate an understanding on how disciplines are interconnected.
  4. Apply appropriate research methods to objects of study.
  5. Demonstrate effective teaching skills and knowledge of appropriate teaching theories, if on appointment.

Coursework

On This Page

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements
ENG 66705NARRATIVE FUNCTIONS AND CONSEQUENCES 3
ENG 66706UNDERSTANDING RESEARCH METHODS AND DESIGN IN LITERATURE AND WRITING STUDIES 3
ENG 66707PRACTICING NARRATIVE RESEARCH METHODS AND DESIGN 3
Advisor-Approved Electives 124
Minimum Total Credit Hours:33
1

Students who will serve as graduate assistants are required to take ENG 61094, which will count toward electives.

Graduation Requirements
Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
- 3.000
  • Students are required to complete 33 credit hours of graded coursework to earn the M.A. degree.
  • No more than one-half of a graduate student’s coursework may be taken in 50000-level courses.
  • Grades below C are not counted toward completion of requirements for the degree.
Program Delivery

Program Delivery

  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries for English - M.A.

English language and literature teachers, postsecondary

2.1%

slower than the average

81,300

number of jobs

$69,000

potential earnings

Proofreaders and copy markers

-2.7%

decline

10,300

number of jobs

$41,140

potential earnings

Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education

3.8%

about as fast as the average

1,050,800

number of jobs

$62,870

potential earnings

Notice: Career Information Source
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.
This Giving Tuesday Season, Continue Our Most Generous Annual Tradition

Students carry out research in a laboratory at Kent State.

When we come together, Golden Flashes create a legacy of brilliance that makes the world Forever Brighter. At Kent State University, we are continuing the proud tradition of giving back during the Giving Tuesday campaign this November. This monthlong celebration of giving brings the Kent State community together to support student success and build a brighter future for the blue and gold. From Oct. 31 through Nov. 28, Kent State’s most generous annual tradition offers our alumni and friends the opportunity to give with a purpose by supporting what matters most to them. With a record 58 G...

English - M.A.

The English M.A. program offers advanced study in literature, writing and critical thinking. With a focus on small class sizes and mentorship from experienced faculty, you will hone your analytical and creative skills and advance your career opportunities.

Contact Us

Apply Now
Request Information
Schedule a Visit
Find All Majors

Program Information for English - M.A.

Program Description

Program Description

Full Description

The Master of Arts degree in English offers students broad learning in the areas of literature, rhetoric and composition, writing studies and beyond, with a distinctive focus on narrative. The program provides a deep and nuanced understanding of the ways narratives not only represent the world but also make it and change it, for both good and ill.

Narrative is defined very broadly as a fundamental and ubiquitous mode of thought that guides perception, constructs feelings and directs actions, operating at varying scales, in all domains and through multiple media and modes of perception. Students acquire advanced skills in critiquing, revising and creating narratives in the service of more effective and socially responsible problem solving, decision making, innovation and action planning. These skills are useful in a range of professions both in and outside the university, including law, teaching and library and information science. The M.A. degree is also strong preparation for doctoral study.

Admissions for English - M.A.

Admissions

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
  • Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
  • Official transcript(s)
  • Writing sample (8-15 pages) relevant to the field of study
  • Goal statement
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:1
    • Minimum 94 TOEFL iBT score
    • Minimum 7.0 IELTS score
    • Minimum 65 PTE score
    • Minimum 120 DET score
1

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores may be considered for conditional admission.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Semester
    • Funding deadline: January 15
      All application materials (including applicable fee, transcripts, recommendation letters, etc.) must be submitted by this deadline to be considered for an assistantship or any other funded position.
  • Spring Semester
    • Rolling admissions

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate the ability to think critically about the literary texts they read and interpret.
  2. Demonstrate how to write coherently and clearly about research topics and other topics.
  3. Demonstrate an understanding on how disciplines are interconnected.
  4. Apply appropriate research methods to objects of study.
  5. Demonstrate effective teaching skills and knowledge of appropriate teaching theories, if on appointment.

Coursework

On This Page

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements
ENG 66705NARRATIVE FUNCTIONS AND CONSEQUENCES 3
ENG 66706UNDERSTANDING RESEARCH METHODS AND DESIGN IN LITERATURE AND WRITING STUDIES 3
ENG 66707PRACTICING NARRATIVE RESEARCH METHODS AND DESIGN 3
Advisor-Approved Electives 124
Minimum Total Credit Hours:33
1

Students who will serve as graduate assistants are required to take ENG 61094, which will count toward electives.

Graduation Requirements
Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
- 3.000
  • Students are required to complete 33 credit hours of graded coursework to earn the M.A. degree.
  • No more than one-half of a graduate student’s coursework may be taken in 50000-level courses.
  • Grades below C are not counted toward completion of requirements for the degree.
Program Delivery

Program Delivery

  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries for English - M.A.

English language and literature teachers, postsecondary

2.1%

slower than the average

81,300

number of jobs

$69,000

potential earnings

Proofreaders and copy markers

-2.7%

decline

10,300

number of jobs

$41,140

potential earnings

Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education

3.8%

about as fast as the average

1,050,800

number of jobs

$62,870

potential earnings

Notice: Career Information Source
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.
$75,000 Susan Harwood Grant Awarded to Kent State Geauga to Provide Occupational Safety & Health Training to Protect Women in Geauga County

NOTE: Kent State Geauga’s workplace safety training program, at the time of initial publication of this document (10/2023), is funded by a grant of $75,000 in federal funds, which constitutes 100 percent of the program budget. Zero percent, or $0 of the program budget, is financed through nongovernmental sources. Workforce training—in both English and Spanish—is coming soon to small businesses in Geauga County, focusing on safety and health hazards that disproportionately affect women workers. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is part of the United States Departmen...

Long Legacy: Dressler Family Spans 75 Years at Kent State

Virginia "Ginnie" Dressler, digital projects librarian, shows a photo of her grandfather, mathematics professor Byron Dressler from 1970.

A member of the Dressler family has been working at Kent State University continuously for the past 75 years.  It was the fall of 1948 when Byron Dressler first came to Kent State, working for 30 years as a mathematics professor and serving as director of the university’s first computer center, which was established in the early 1960s in Merrill Hall.   Fast forward to today, when his granddaughter, Virginia “Ginnie” Dressler, is employed as digital projects librarian and associate professor for University Libraries. In the years in between, Ginnie Dres...

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