Full Description

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Teaching English as a Second Language provides students with a broad understanding of both theory and practice in language studies, pedagogy and culture. Students gain mastery in implementing their skills in varied second-language teaching contexts; in addition, they can observe and participate with international learners in a state-of-the-art technology classroom.

Students who complete an optional practicum abroad may earn the Teaching English as a Foreign Language undergraduate certificate. Students can additionally work toward state teacher licensure by completing the Education minor.

Teaching English as a Second Language students may apply early to the M.A. degree in Teaching English as a Second Language and double count 9 credit hours of graduate courses toward both degree programs. See the Combined Bachelor's/Master's Degree Program policy in the University Catalog for more information.

Admission Requirements

The university affirmatively strives to provide educational opportunities and access to students with varied backgrounds, those with special talents and adult students who graduated from high school three or more years ago.

First-Year Students on the Kent Campus: First-year admission policy on the Kent Campus is selective. Admission decisions are based upon cumulative grade point average, strength of high school college preparatory curriculum and grade trends. Students not admissible to the Kent Campus may be administratively referred to one of the seven regional campuses to begin their college coursework. For more information, visit the admissions website for first-year students.

First-Year Students on the Regional Campuses: First-year admission to Kent State’s campuses at Ashtabula, East Liverpool, Geauga, Salem, Stark, Trumbull and Tuscarawas, as well as the Twinsburg Academic Center, is open to anyone with a high school diploma or its equivalent. For more information on admissions, contact the Regional Campuses admissions offices.

International Students: All international students must provide proof of English language proficiency unless they meet specific exceptions. For more information, visit the admissions website for international students.

Transfer Students: Students who have attended any other educational institution after graduating from high school must apply as undergraduate transfer students. For more information, visit the admissions website for transfer students.

Former Students: Former Kent State students or graduates who have not attended another college or university since Kent State may complete the reenrollment or reinstatement form on the University Registrar’s website.

Admission policies for undergraduate students may be found in the University Catalog.

Some programs may require that students meet certain requirements before progressing through the program. For programs with progression requirements, the information is shown on the Coursework tab.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Demonstrate their professional knowledge through projects and writing.
2. Demonstrate learning and effective teaching practices that incorporate distance learning, computer-assisted learning and effective use of software.
3. Engage with diversity by defining and identifying the English language learners they are likely to serve, and by developing effective teaching strategies to teach for diversity.

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

¹

Students declared in the Education minor should take ENG 31005. Students may take ENG 31009 as an elective.

²

Students declared in the Education minor should take ENG 41192. Students should take ENG 41292 towards the requirements for the Teaching English as a Foreign Language certificate.

³

A minimum C grade must be earned to fulfill the writing-intensive requirement.

Graduation Requirements

• Students pursuing a B.A. degree in Teaching English as a Second Language must complete 14-16 credit hours of a foreign language through Intermediate II of the same language. Students should contact the Department of Modern and Classical Language Studies for individualized placement and advising information prior to enrolling in their first foreign language course. Students entering the university with substantial knowledge of a language should consider taking the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP).

Foreign Language College Requirement, B.A.

Students pursuing the Bachelor of Arts degree in the College of Arts and Sciences must complete 14-16 credit hours of foreign language.¹
To complete the requirement, students need the equivalent of Elementary I and II in any language, plus one of the following options²:

1. Intermediate I and II of the same language
2. Elementary I and II of a second language
3. Any combination of two courses from the following list:

• Intermediate I of the same language
• ARAB 21401
• ASL 19401
• CHIN 25421
• MCLS 10001
• MCLS 20001
• MCLS 20091
• MCLS 21417
• MCLS 21420
• MCLS 22217
• MCLS 28403
• MCLS 28404

¹

All students with prior foreign language experience should take the foreign language placement test to determine the appropriate level at which to start. Some students may start beyond the Elementary I level and will complete the requirement with fewer credit hours and fewer courses. This may be accomplished by (1) passing a course beyond Elementary I through Intermediate II level; (2) receiving credit through one of the alternative credit programs offered by Kent State University; or (3) demonstrating language proficiency comparable to Elementary II of a foreign language. When students complete the requirement with fewer than 14 credit hours and four courses, they will complete remaining credit hours with general electives.

²

Certain majors, concentrations and minors may require specific languages, limit the languages from which a student may choose or require coursework through Intermediate II. Students who plan to pursue graduate study may need particular language coursework.

Roadmap

This roadmap is a recommended semester-by-semester plan of study for this major. However, courses designated as critical (!) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation.

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

Full Description

The non-degree program in Teaching English as Second Language Endorsement Preparation allows students to concurrently seek an undergraduate degree program leading to state licensure at KSU while also working toward meeting TESL Endorsement requirements of the Ohio Department of Education. The program increases student knowledge of language and second language learning in the P-12 context while it prepares them as teachers of English Learners.

Successful completion of this program serves as recommendation to the Ohio Department of Education for Endorsement in TESL, but it is not a degree program. Student must complete their degree program and be qualified for Licensure in another area of study. The Endorsement serves as an add-on to a state teaching license in Ohio.

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.

Admission Requirements

The university affirmatively strives to provide educational opportunities and access to students with varied backgrounds, those with special talents and adult students who graduated from high school three or more years ago.

First-Year Students on the Kent Campus: First-year admission policy on the Kent Campus is selective. Admission decisions are based upon cumulative grade point average, strength of high school college preparatory curriculum and grade trends. Students not admissible to the Kent Campus may be administratively referred to one of the seven regional campuses to begin their college coursework. For more information, visit the admissions website for first-year students.

First-Year Students on the Regional Campuses: First-year admission to Kent State’s campuses at Ashtabula, East Liverpool, Geauga, Salem, Stark, Trumbull and Tuscarawas, as well as the Twinsburg Academic Center, is open to anyone with a high school diploma or its equivalent. For more information on admissions, contact the Regional Campuses admissions offices.

International Students: All international students must provide proof of English language proficiency unless they meet specific exceptions. For more information, visit the admissions website for international students.

Transfer Students: Students who have attended any other educational institution after graduating from high school must apply as undergraduate transfer students. For more information, visit the admissions website for transfer students.

Former Students: Former Kent State students or graduates who have not attended another college or university since Kent State may complete the reenrollment or reinstatement form on the University Registrar’s website.

Admission policies for undergraduate students may be found in the University Catalog.

Some programs may require that students meet certain requirements before progressing through the program. For programs with progression requirements, the information is shown on the Coursework tab.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the program will be able to:

1. Demonstrate understanding of different fields within teaching English as a second language, including linguistics, language acquisition, pedagogy and practice.
2. Demonstrate understanding of different cultural norms and practices within effective instruction.
3. Demonstrates effective language and literacy instruction for English language learners.

Program Requirements

¹

An assessment of professional dispositions occurs in this course demonstrating Endorsement students' understanding of codes of ethics and professional standards appropriate to TESL and work with English Language Learners.

²

Data literacy and analysis, use of research and assessment data, leadership and collaboration, utilizing and supporting appropriate technology for the discipline, and an understanding of laws related to English Language Learners as assessed in this course.

³

Seventy hours of field placements as teacher assistants in area schools enable students to gain collaborative clinical experience as P-12 teachers.

Graduation Requirements

• Minimum GPA: 3.000

LICENSURE INFORMATION

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

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

Ohio Department of Education (CAEP)

Program Requirements

Certificate Requirements

Graduation Requirements

Admission Requirements

The university affirmatively strives to provide educational opportunities and access to students with varied backgrounds, those with special talents and adult students who graduated from high school three or more years ago.

First-Year Students on the Kent Campus: First-year admission policy on the Kent Campus is selective. Admission decisions are based upon cumulative grade point average, strength of high school college preparatory curriculum and grade trends. Students not admissible to the Kent Campus may be administratively referred to one of the seven regional campuses to begin their college coursework. For more information, visit the admissions website for first-year students.

First-Year Students on the Regional Campuses: First-year admission to Kent State’s campuses at Ashtabula, East Liverpool, Geauga, Salem, Stark, Trumbull and Tuscarawas, as well as the Twinsburg Academic Center, is open to anyone with a high school diploma or its equivalent. For more information on admissions, contact the Regional Campuses admissions offices.

International Students: All international students must provide proof of English language proficiency unless they meet specific exceptions. For more information, visit the admissions website for international students.

Transfer Students: Students who have attended any other educational institution after graduating from high school must apply as undergraduate transfer students. For more information, visit the admissions website for transfer students.

Former Students: Former Kent State students or graduates who have not attended another college or university since Kent State may complete the reenrollment or reinstatement form on the University Registrar’s website.

Admission policies for undergraduate students may be found in the University Catalog.

Some programs may require that students meet certain requirements before progressing through the program. For programs with progression requirements, the information is shown on the Coursework tab.

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

Program Requirements

Minor Requirements

¹

The course not selected (ENG 30074 or ENG 40072) may be taken to fulfill a minor elective.

²

In selecting electives, students are encouraged to combine choices into an area of emphasis, such as digital/web writing; technical and scientific writing; editing and publishing; or public advocacy writing. Students may apply to the chair of the Department of English for permission to use special topics courses and other appropriate courses not listed in the curriculum to fulfill the minor electives. Students in the College of Communication and Information may request that specific courses in communication studies and media and journalism be accepted to fulfill minor electives.

³

Though offered for variable credit, students pursuing the minor should take 3 credit hours of ENG 42092.

Graduation Requirements

• Students who wish to complete a longer project or prepare a portfolio for graduate school or for a job application, may request to be enrolled in ENG 40099 for two additional credit hours of individualized work.

• Minimum 6 credit hours in the minor must be upper-division coursework (30000 and 40000 level).
• Minimum 6 credit hours in the minor must be outside of the course requirements for any major or other minor the student is pursuing.
• Minimum 50 percent of the total credit hours for the minor must be taken at Kent State (in residence).

Admission Requirements

Admission to a minor is open to students declared in a bachelor’s degree, the A.A.B. or A.A.S. degree or the A.T.S. degree (not Individualized Program major). Students declared only in the A.A. or A.S. degree or the A.T.S. degree in Individualized Program may not declare a minor. Students may not pursue a minor and a major in the same discipline.

• Delivery:
  • In person
• Location:
  • Ashtabula Campus
  • East Liverpool Campus
  • Geauga Campus
  • Kent Campus
  • Salem Campus
  • Stark Campus
  • Trumbull Campus
  • Tuscarawas Campus
  • Twinsburg Academic Center

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Demonstrate specialized knowledge and skills in literary studies.
2. Employ research tools and methods appropriate for the academic study of literature.
3. Produce academic writing with attention to appropriate genre conventions, format and citation guidelines, stylistic expectations and grammatical rules.

Admission Requirements

Admission to a minor is open to students declared in a bachelor’s degree, the A.A.B. or A.A.S. degree or the A.T.S. degree (not Individualized Program major). Students declared only in the A.A. or A.S. degree or the A.T.S. degree in Individualized Program may not declare a minor. Students may not pursue a minor and a major in the same discipline.

Program Requirements

Minor Requirements

¹

Students may not use any of the following to fulfill the English Electives: any 10000-level ENG courses, ENG 21011, ENG 41092, ENG 41192, ENG 41292 and ENG 41392.

Graduation Requirements

• Minimum 9 of the 21 total credit hours must be upper-division coursework (30000 and 40000 level).
• Minimum 6 credit hours in the minor must be outside of the course requirements for any major or other minor the student is pursuing.
• Minimum 50 percent of the total credit hours for the minor must be taken at Kent State (in residence).

• Delivery:
  • In person
• Location:
  • Ashtabula Campus
  • East Liverpool Campus
  • Geauga Campus
  • Kent Campus
  • Salem Campus
  • Stark Campus
  • Trumbull Campus
  • Tuscarawas Campus

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Demonstrate specialized knowledge and skills in creative writing.
2. Articulate the similarities and differences among the genres of creative writing, such as poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction and drama.
3. Produce creative writing with attention to appropriate genre conventions, format and citation guidelines, stylistic expectations and grammatical rules.
4. Participate in creative writing workshops.
5. Revise and refine written work in light of critiques.

Admission Requirements

Admission to a minor is open to students declared in a bachelor’s degree, the A.A.B. or A.A.S. degree or the A.T.S. degree (not Individualized Program major). Students declared only in the A.A. or A.S. degree or the A.T.S. degree in Individualized Program may not declare a minor. Students may not pursue a minor and a major in the same discipline.

Program Requirements

Minor Requirements

¹

The course not selected (ENG 30067 or ENG 30069) may be taken to fulfill a writing elective.

²

Students may apply to the chair of the Department of English for permission to use special topics courses and other appropriate courses not listed in the curriculum to satisfy the cognate requirements. In addition, students in the College of the Arts may request that specific courses in art, art history, music and theater be accepted as meeting the cognate area requirements. Students in the College of Communication and Information may request that specific courses in communication studies and journalism and mass communication be accepted as meeting the cognate area requirements.

³

Though offered for variable credit, students pursuing the minor should take 3 credit hours of ENG 42092.

Graduation Requirements

• Students who wish to complete a longer project or prepare a portfolio for graduate school or for a job application may request to be enrolled in ENG 40099 for two additional credit hours of individualized work.

• Minimum 6 credit hours in the minor must be upper-division coursework (30000 and 40000 level).
• Minimum 6 credit hours in the minor must be outside of the course requirements for any major or other minor the student is pursuing.
• Minimum 50 percent of the total credit hours for the minor must be taken at Kent State (in residence).

• Delivery:
  • In person
• Location:
  • Ashtabula Campus
  • East Liverpool Campus
  • Geauga Campus
  • Kent Campus
  • Salem Campus
  • Stark Campus
  • Trumbull Campus
  • Tuscarawas Campus
  • Twinsburg Academic Center

Full Description

The Bachelor of Arts degree in English prepares students to be insightful readers and innovative writers. Students are introduced to literary traditions and critical methods through core courses and encouraged to pursue personal interests in the selection of a concentration and elective courses. English classes challenge students to develop reading, research and writing skills that will equip them for a wide range of careers.

The English major comprises the following concentrations:

• The General concentration allows students to combine elective choices in creative writing, professional writing, rhetoric, historical literature, genre studies and literary theory based on personal interest.
• The Literature concentration emphasizes the interpretation of literary texts drawn from a variety of historical and cultural contexts. Students develop an understanding of genre conventions and different theoretical and critical methods of analysis.
• The Professional Writing concentration offers courses in professional writing, editing and rhetoric. The concentration requires a professional experience elective fulfilled by an internship, service-learning placement or an advanced course in editing.

Students have opportunities in extracurricular organizations, including the English Club, Sigma Tau Delta and the Writer’s Workshops; as well as such student publications as the literary arts magazine Luna Negra. Students are encouraged to study abroad, engage in undergraduate research, commit to service-learning and complete a writing internship.

English students may apply early to the M.A. degree in English and double count 9 credit hours of graduate courses toward both degree programs. See the Combined Bachelor's/Master's Degree Program policy in the University Catalog for more information.

Admission Requirements

The university affirmatively strives to provide educational opportunities and access to students with varied backgrounds, those with special talents and adult students who graduated from high school three or more years ago.

First-Year Students on the Kent Campus: First-year admission policy on the Kent Campus is selective. Admission decisions are based upon cumulative grade point average, strength of high school college preparatory curriculum and grade trends. Students not admissible to the Kent Campus may be administratively referred to one of the seven regional campuses to begin their college coursework. For more information, visit the admissions website for first-year students.

First-Year Students on the Regional Campuses: First-year admission to Kent State’s campuses at Ashtabula, East Liverpool, Geauga, Salem, Stark, Trumbull and Tuscarawas, as well as the Twinsburg Academic Center, is open to anyone with a high school diploma or its equivalent. For more information on admissions, contact the Regional Campuses admissions offices.

International Students: All international students must provide proof of English language proficiency unless they meet specific exceptions. For more information, visit the admissions website for international students.

Transfer Students: Students who have attended any other educational institution after graduating from high school must apply as undergraduate transfer students. For more information, visit the admissions website for transfer students.

Former Students: Former Kent State students or graduates who have not attended another college or university since Kent State may complete the reenrollment or reinstatement form on the University Registrar’s website.

Admission policies for undergraduate students may be found in the University Catalog.

Some programs may require that students meet certain requirements before progressing through the program. For programs with progression requirements, the information is shown on the Coursework tab.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Exhibit specialized knowledge and skills in literary studies or professional writing.
2. Employ research tools and methods appropriate for the academic study of literature, rhetoric or writing.
3. Describe and apply a variety of critical theories to the study of literature, rhetoric or writing.
4. Produce academic, creative or professional writing with attention to appropriate genre conventions, format and citation guidelines, stylistic expectations and grammatical rules.
5. Complete a long written project with the application of appropriate critical, creative or professional approaches; mastery of research methods and resources; and awareness of audience, rhetorical context and discourse functions.

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

¹

Maximum 15 credit hours of English (ENG) lower-division (10000 or 20000 level) courses will count toward the major. They may include the following Kent Core courses: ENG 21002, ENG 21003, ENG 21054, ENG 22071, ENG 22072, ENG 22073 (or ENG 21001).

²

A minimum C grade must be earned to fulfill the writing-intensive requirement.

³

The following courses will not fulfill the English Elective: ENG 21011, ENG 41092, ENG 41192, ENG 41292, ENG 41392 and any ENG 10000-level course.

General Concentration Requirements

Literature Concentration Requirements

Professional Writing Concentration Requirements

Graduation Requirements

Foreign Language College Requirement, B.A.

Students pursuing the Bachelor of Arts degree in the College of Arts and Sciences must complete 14-16 credit hours of foreign language.¹
To complete the requirement, students need the equivalent of Elementary I and II in any language, plus one of the following options²:

1. Intermediate I and II of the same language
2. Elementary I and II of a second language
3. Any combination of two courses from the following list:

• Intermediate I of the same language
• ARAB 21401
• ASL 19401
• CHIN 25421
• MCLS 10001
• MCLS 20001
• MCLS 20091
• MCLS 21417
• MCLS 21420
• MCLS 22217
• MCLS 28403
• MCLS 28404

¹

All students with prior foreign language experience should take the foreign language placement test to determine the appropriate level at which to start. Some students may start beyond the Elementary I level and will complete the requirement with fewer credit hours and fewer courses. This may be accomplished by (1) passing a course beyond Elementary I through Intermediate II level; (2) receiving credit through one of the alternative credit programs offered by Kent State University; or (3) demonstrating language proficiency comparable to Elementary II of a foreign language. When students complete the requirement with fewer than 14 credit hours and four courses, they will complete remaining credit hours with general electives.

²

Certain majors, concentrations and minors may require specific languages, limit the languages from which a student may choose or require coursework through Intermediate II. Students who plan to pursue graduate study may need particular language coursework.

Roadmap

This roadmap is a recommended semester-by-semester plan of study for this major. However, courses designated as critical (!) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation.

• Delivery:
  • In person
• Location:
  • Ashtabula Campus
  • East Liverpool Campus
  • Geauga Campus
  • Kent Campus
  • Salem Campus
  • Stark Campus
  • Trumbull Campus
  • Tuscarawas Campus