Language Teaching, MA
If you wish to acquire a deep and broad understanding of the field of language pedagogy so that you can teach at the elementary, high school or collegiate level, this master's degree program is right for you.
Program Description
Degree Awarded: Language Teaching, MA
The MA program in language teaching prepares both current and aspiring language teachers with the tools they need to effectively teach languages in the secondary schools and in higher education. This program provides professional development to practicing language teachers in K-12, community colleges and at the university level.
Teachers in Arizona who are interested in continuing their professional development in both language pedagogy and language proficiency can pursue this degree. Teachers receive training in teaching methodologies, second language acquisition, heritage language pedagogy, computer-assisted language teaching, applied linguistics, and the teaching of literature and culture. This program may also interest other individuals who wish to become highly proficient bilinguals.
Degree overview
The School of International Letters and Cultures' Master of Arts in language teaching offers advanced interdisciplinary training in language acquisition with teaching, applied linguistics, heritage language research and pedagogy, sociolinguistics and bilingualism. The program consists of 30 hours including a core course and an applied project.
Tracks
Students enrolled in the Master of Arts in language teaching must choose to focus their studies on one of three track options: French, German or Spanish.
Curriculum
The School of International Letters and Cultures' Master of Arts in language teaching offers advanced interdisciplinary training in language acquisition with a focus in teaching, applied linguistics, heritage language research and pedagogy, sociolinguistics and bilingualism. The program consists of 30 hours including a core course and an applied project.
| Degree requirements | Credit hours |
| Core course | 3 |
| Track courses | 9 |
| Other required courses | 12 |
| Elective course | 3 |
| Applied project | 3 |
| Total credit hours | 30 |
Courses and electives
The coursework for each student is individualized and based upon the student's previous training, research goals and mentor and committee consensus.
At a Glance: program details
- Location: Tempe campus
- Second Language Requirement: No
Degree Requirements
Required Core (3 credit hours)
SLC 596 Second Language Methodologies (3)
Track (9 credit hours)
Other Requirements (12 credit hours)
Electives (3 credit hours)
Culminating Experience (3 credit hours)
SLC 593 Applied Project (3)
Additional Curriculum Information
Tracks available for students to select from are French, German or Spanish. Students should see their academic unit for approved track coursework. Students select coursework in consultation with their committee chair.
Other requirement coursework may be substituted with approval of the academic unit.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in a foreign language, applied linguistics, linguistics, literature, education or a related field from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
Applicants are required to submit:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- letter of intent or written statement
- two letters of recommendation
- proof of target language proficiency
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
The written statement should be no more than two pages, single-spaced, and should discuss how the educational background and experiences have prepared the applicant for this graduate program. The applicant should also describe why they are interested in pursuing this master's degree and how it fits their career goals.
Proof of target language proficiency is accepted by an audio or video submission of a two-minute self-introduction.
Career Opportunities
Professionals with this degree can confidently move into academic and business fields. Language skills developed through this program are valued for teaching positions, translation work or work in a larger sector such as business, government and public administration careers.
Career examples include:
- adult basic and secondary education and literacy teachers and instructors
- foreign language and literature teachers and professors
- high school teachers
- instructional coordinators
- instructional designers and technologists
- interpreters and translators
- middle school teachers
- reporters and correspondents
Career opportunities
Professionals with this degree can confidently move into academic and business fields. Language skills developed through this program are valued for teaching positions, translation work or work in a larger sector such as business, government and public administration careers.
Career examples include:
- Adult basic and secondary education and literacy teachers and instructors
- Foreign language and literature teachers and professors
- High school teachers
- Instructional coordinators
- Instructional designers and technologists
- Interpreters and translators
- Middle school teachers
- Reporters and correspondents
Contact information
School of International Letters and Cultures | DH318
silc@asu.edu | 480-965-6281
Flexible Degree Options
Accelerated program options
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years.
It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's and master's degree with:
BA - French
Learn one of the most widely spoken and important languages in the world. Study abroad in fascinating places and encounter many different cultures. Your experiences as a French major prepare you for a variety of creative and international professions.
Website | Locations: TEMPE
BA - German
Whether you are intrigued by Germans' success in the business world; want to learn how environmental and social justice movements are approached in Germany; or are imagining a career in the natural sciences, performing arts, sustainability or the humanities, a major in German helps you translate the world from a new perspective.
Website | Locations: TEMPE
BA - Spanish
Fluency in Spanish coupled with critical-thinking and analytical skills affords you an unparalleled competitive edge in today's job market and our increasingly diverse society. Traveling, living and working in Spanish-speaking communities around the world provides a wide array of personal and professional opportunities for embracing life in a globalized world.
Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE
Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. During their junior year, eligible students will be advised by their academic departments to apply.
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Program Contact Information
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