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

The Masters of Arts in TESOL/Applied Linguistics Program prepares highly trained linguistic and pedagogic professionals for careers in linguistics, linguistic education and multicultural/cross cultural communication, as well as for the pursuit of advanced degrees in linguistics and related fields.​​​​​


​​​The Master of Arts in TESOL and Applied Linguistic requires 36 semester hours of course work. Twenty-four credits are required courses.


​​Students in the Master of Arts in TESOL and Applied Linguistics Program may not use more than one course with a grade of "C+", "C" or "C-"  to meet graduation requirements.

​Required Courses


​​Introduction to Linguistics | BLMC 510

This foundational course introduces linguistic terminology and surveys the study of linguistics concepts to provide a foundation in the fields of phonology, phonemics, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics and sociolinguistics. Special emphasis will be placed on the application of linguistic terminology and concepts to native and non-native production.


Multi-Age Speaking and Listening Methods | BLMC 516

This course introduces students to various theories, methodologies and practices of second language (L2) speaking and listening pedagogy for implementation in the teaching of learners of all ages.


Multi-Age Reading and Writing Methods | BLMC 518

This course introduces students to various theories, methodologies and practices of second language reading and writing pedagogy for implementation in the teaching of learners of all ages.


​Language Acquisition | BLMC 520

This course presents the theoretical foundations of first and second language acquisition and the variables that effect acquisition outcomes.


​Language Assessment | BLMC 535

This course presents formal and informal evaluation techniques, methods, design and interpretation/reporting for the assessment of language learners.


​Advanced Linguistics | BLMC 545

This advanced linguistics course examines the interplay of syntactic, morphologic, semantic and pragmatic theory in the creation of grammar in order to develop skills in linguistic analysis and the teaching of grammar.


​Research Methods in Linguistics | BLMC 593

Through an exploration of current topics in TESOL/Applied Linguistics this course introduces research methods, techniques, analytical tools, writing genres and the ethical issues of using human subjects in research within linguistic- and education-related fields.


​TESOL/Applied Linguistics Thesis Advisement | BLMC 600

This culminating course involves the completion of service to the community logs, a master’s thesis and an oral review as defined in the MA TESOL/Applied Linguistics Graduate Thesis Manual. This course is repeatable up to six semester hours.


​Certified teachers can obtain a K-12 TESOL endorsement by taking 15 hours of course work with this master’s program. The TESOL program is NCATE-approved.​


Endorsement Required Courses


​​Designing ESL Instruction for P-12 Programs | BLMC 500

This course examines instructional methods, materials and assessment used in instructional design for the development of reading, writing, speaking and listening skills in the education of P-12 English language learners.


Introduction to Linguistics | BLMC 510

This foundational course introduces linguistic terminology and surveys the study of linguistics concepts to provide a foundation in the fields of phonology, phonemics, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics and sociolinguistics. Special emphasis will be placed on the application of linguistic terminology and concepts to native and non-native production.


Language Acquisition | BLMC 520

This course presents the theoretical foundations of first and second language acquisition and the variables that effect acquisition outcomes.​


ESL Education History, Policy and Assessment | BLMC 522

This course examines the historical development of policies and practices for the education and assessment of non-native English speakers in US public P-12 settings. Special attention will be given to practices that apply to Ohio schools.


​ESL Teaching Practicum | BLMC 599

This course, an elective for MA TESOL/Applied Linguistics and required by endorsement candidates, involves a student-teaching practicum and the completion of a teaching portfolio.



​​​Elective Courses (12 hours required)


​Methods/Materials for the Adult ESL Learner | BLMC 501

This course involves oral and written analysis of adult ESL instructional materials and adult programming options for English for specific purposes. Second language and bilingual methodologies that target the development of the five language skills areas (reading, writing, speaking, listening and comprehension) will be presented and discussed. Methods and materials, as well as planning and implementation of lessons which meet international TESOL standards, are required.


​Curriculum/Program Design and Evaluation | BLMC 502

This course will introduce students to the foundations of curriculum/program design and evaluation used in auditing or reviewing programs and designing curriculum for culturally and linguistically diverse populations.


​Foundations of Multicultural Education | BLMC 505

This course focuses on various aspects of diversity in the classroom such as age, ethnicity, race, exceptionality, class, culture, language and religion. These topics are covered from both a national and international perspective. Students examine and contrast different cross-cultural perspectives and their impact on classroom language teaching. Heavy emphasis is placed on taking insights from discussions on these topics and integrating these into class activities and lesson planning, which promote a multicultural approach and tolerance for diverse opinions and student populations.


​​Foundations of ELL/Bilingual Education: Theory, Politics and Practices in Schools | BLMC 515

This foundational course includes an examination of bilingual/English language learner (ELL) educational theory and the historical development of bilingual/TESOL education in the United States and abroad. Particular emphasis is placed on bilingual cognition, bilingual/bi-literate language development and domestic and international policy trends for the education of bilingual/English language learners (ELLs) in diverse settings.


​ESL Educational History, Policy and Assessment Practices in P-12 Schools | BLMC 522

This course examines the historical development of policies and practices for the education and assessment of non-native English speakers in US public P-12 settings. Special attention will be given to practices that apply to Ohio schools.


​Application of Discourse Analysis | BLMC 540

This course examines the application of discourse analysis to both oral and written communication for use within the fields of linguistics and linguistic education.


​Reading in a Second Language | BLMC 555

This course examines the linguistic, cognitive, socio-cultural and developmental dimensions of literacy for first and second language learners of all age groups. Attention will be given to literacy theories and practices for emergent literacy, bi-literacy, literacy transfer and adult second language literacy development.


​Sociolinguistics | BLMC 560

This course involves intensive study of linguistic and social variables that determine how language functions and is used in society.


​ELL Writing Methods | BLMC 565

This course introduces students to various theories, methodologies, and practices of second language writing pedagogy with particular focus on addressing global concerns, teaching grammar in the context of writing, and teaching students how to apply rhetorical concepts when composing and designing multimodal compositions.


​Experiential Learning in TESOL/Applied Linguistics | BLMC 585

This course is a one-semester experiential learning opportunity within the fields of TESOL or Applied Linguistics supervised by the TESOL and Applied Linguistics faculty. Details available from the program director. This course may be repeated with a maximum of 6 semester hours applying toward a degree.


​Special Topics in Bilingual/ESL Education | BLMC 590

Topics will address current or emerging issues and areas of interest in TESOL/bilingual education. This course is repeatable for up to six semester hours of credit provided the topics are different.


​TESOL Conferences | BLMC 591

This course content is linked with appropriate TESOL conferences. Students selecting this course for one credit are expected to attend at least one full day (nine hours) of a conference; and those selecting this course for two credits are expected to attend two full days (18 hours). Students at each credit level will be held to different course assignment requirements which may include, but are not limited to, writing summaries of presentations and workshops attended, interviews with conference participants, review of new teaching materials and a research paper tied to a conference-related topic.


​Integrating Technology and Language Skills into the ESL Classroom | BLMC​ 592

As a result of the widespread effects of technology throughout the world, it is no surprise that educators are being challenged to rethink and revise their approaches and goals in teaching in order to effectively prepare students for what will be expected of them in the "real world." The Internet also allows the educator to network with other ESL professionals and to share in lesson plans that are being created and posted for the ESL field. This workshop will allow participants to become familiar with the World Wide Web as an instructional tool for the ESL classroom.​

To view the curriculum in the University of Findlay's online catalog, please click here​