​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Master of Arts in TESOL & Applied Linguistics

The University provides students with a solid foundation in the field of linguistics and education.​ Teach English and see the world!





The Master of Arts in TESOL and Applied Linguistics (MATAL) is ideal for students who want to further develop their knowledge of linguistics while applying the theories they learn. Throughout the program, students study linguistic research methods, learn analysis techniques,  develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills, and learn inter/intra and cross-cultural communication strategies in both oral and written forms, as well as pedagogic principles and teaching methodology. Our courses provide a firm foundation in: 

  • Linguistics

  • Language education 

  • Bilingualism

  • Second language acquisition

  • Curriculum evaluation and design

  • Assessment

  • Multilingual/multicultural pedagogy

 

Graduates of our program are well-positioned to pursue careers in international business, law, communications, civil service professions, community outreach programs, and second language teaching.


About the Program

 

MATAL is a two-year master's program, consisting of live courses that take place Monday-Thursday evenings from 5 to 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 to 3 p.m., making this an ideal program for working professionals pursuing a master's degree while still maintaining employment. Our program offers students the flexibility to take classes full or part-time and applications to our program are accepted year-round.

 

The program is affordable, too. At just $495 a credit hour, the total tuition cost of the program is $17,820. Students may qualify for assistantships within our ELL Support Center, graduate MATAL Program, or other assistantship opportunities across campus. Our selection process begins in the spring of each year.  

 

The MATAL program offers the following options:

  • MATAL is a 36-credit hour program that consists of eight required courses (including a thesis course) and 12 elective hours.

  • TESOL endorsement for certified teachers is a 15-credit hour for certified teachers (CAEP-approved).

  • TESOL primary licensure (post-baccalaureate), total credit hours ​depends on evaluation of BA transcripts, (CAEP-approved)

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Why study within our MATAL Program?

 

TESOL and Applied Linguistics graduates are trained in a variety of skills desirable to the current job market such as research, analysis, presentation, critical thinking, and cross-cultural communication. 

 

Each course is designed to develop student's content, pedagogic, and research knowledge within our field, linking to one or more of our four program goals:

 

  1. Pedagogic/Practitioner Knowledge - to prepare specialists on sound pedagogic practices that will qualify candidates for validation in TESL, TESOL, TEFL, and Bilingual Ed.

  2. Curricular/Assessment Knowledge - to prepare curriculum developers, assessment specialists, and program designers to critically analyze, evaluate and implement programs designed for language learners and for culturally and linguistically diverse populations.​

  3. Linguistic/Cultural Knowledge - to equip candidates with the historical and professional knowledge regarding language as a system and the acquisition and development of language users; to build an understanding and appreciation for the nature of language, culture and literacy.

  4. Professional/Scholastic Advancement - to equip candidates with the historical and professional knowledge that will enable them to be leaders and advocates for culturally and linguistically diverse populations and; to prepare scholars for advanced degrees and active membership in regional, national and international Applied Linguistics/TESOL/Bilingual organizations.


 

Our program offers diverse learning opportunities for a variety of career paths.

 

The Master of Arts in TESOL and Applied Linguistics emphasizes experiential learning and provides ample opportunities for students to participate in service-learning, networking, and traveling that strengthens your resume before graduation.

 

 

MATAL graduates have found jobs in the following careers:

  • Bilingual (PK-12) teacher

  • ESL (English as a second language) and EFL (English as foreign language) teacher

  • Curriculum designer

  • Dialect coach

  • Refugee outreach coordinator

  • Research assistant

  • Corporate diversity trainer

  • Interpreter/translator

  • Copy editor for foreign newspapers

 

Other graduates have used their Masters in TESOL and Applied Linguistics as a stepping stone for pursue higher education in fields such as:

  • Education

  • Linguistics​

  • Anthropology

  • ​Sociology

  • Speech Pathology​

  • Law

  • Medicine

  • Business 

​​Tuition​​


Financial Aid and Loan Options

In addition, there are other financial aid and loan options available to graduate students at the University of Findlay


As a graduate student at UF, you are eligible to apply for loans through the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program. Through the federal program, you can obtain federal funds directly from the U.S. Department of Education. See below to learn more about Federal and private loan programs.

Federal Loan Programs

Stafford Loan Program - If you file a FAFSA and are enrolled at least half-time, you may qualify for a Stafford Loan, which is a long-term, low-interest loan.
As a graduate student, you may borrow up to $20,500 in Federal Direct Loans each year.  The FAFSA and your cost of education will determine how much you can borrow. Your enrollment level also plays a role in your loan eligibility, but you must be enrolled at least half-time, which is at least four and one-half (4.5) hours of credit in a term.

Graduate PLUS Loans - You may also have the option of applying for a Graduate PLUS loan if your unsubsidized loan does not cover all of your educational costs.

Check on current interest rates for Federal Unsubsidized and Graduate PLUS loan funds. You can complete the Master Promissory Note and entrance counseling for the Federal Unsubsidized loans and apply for a Graduate PLUS loan at Student Loans

Private Loan Options

You may wish to consider one of the alternative loans that are available to graduate students in lieu of the Direct GradPLUS Loan. As the borrower, you must initiate the loan, which must subsequently be certified by the Office of Financial Aid. Generally, you must be creditworthy, and a cosigner must be creditworthy as well. While you may be able to borrow without a cosigner, having a cosigner may reduce the fees and/or the interest rate on the loan. A careful review of interest rates and their trends may be of value as you decide whether the Direct Grad PLUS or the alternative loan is the right choice for you. Please visit FASTChoice to explore some private loan options.

Employer Reimbursement

For many graduate students, employer reimbursement is a good option to help cover the cost of your education. If your company offers employer reimbursement, you must contact the University's Business Office to complete the University's Company Reimbursement Form prior to each session you enroll in.​​

If you have a question about financial aid, please contact us at [email protected].