The MA- TESOL prepares students to assess and systematically build the listening, speaking, reading and writing skills of students from other language backgrounds who wish to learn English or to improve their skills in English. The department strikes a balance between theory and practice. Graduates from the MA- TESOL program staff many of the area’s English as a Second Language programs at the community college, adult school and private program level. In addition, a number of TESOL graduates have chosen careers in international settings, teaching English as a Foreign Language in universities, schools and companies in Taiwan, Korea, Japan, Hungary, Mexico and other countries. MA- TESOL graduates are also eligible to teach abroad through the U.S. government sponsored Fulbright and English Teaching Fellow programs. Any undergraduate major is appropriate preparation for this degree.

Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement

At SJSU, students must pass the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR). For information on the GWAR, please see http://info.sjsu.edu/gcw.html.

Culminating Experience

Plan A (with Thesis)

Completion of 30 units; approved thesis proposal and thesis. The thesis option allows a student to pursue research in an area of common interest to the student and a faculty member. A thesis proposal may grow out of a course or be developed in LLD 298 , and must be approved by the student’s advisor and thesis committee members. For Master’s Thesis requirements please visit http://www.sjsu.edu/cgs/current-students/thesis-and-dissertation-information/index.html.

Plan B (without Thesis)

Students are required to complete a total of 30 units (27 required; 3 electives); in addition, students must pass a comprehensive examination.