Language Teaching, MA


At a Glance: program details



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.

Program Description

Degree Awarded: MA Language Teaching

The MA program in language teaching prepares both current and aspiring language teachers with the tools they need to effectively teach languages in 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 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.

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.

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 requirementsCredit hours
Core course3
Track courses9
Other required courses12
Elective course3
Applied project3
Total credit hours30 


35%

Under-represented minorities

61%

International students


Degree Requirements

Curriculum Plan Options

  • 30 credit hours including the required applied project course (SLC 593)

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
Students choose from three available tracks: 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 a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

Applicants are required to submit:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. letter of intent or written statement
  4. two letters of recommendation
  5. proof of target language proficiency
  6. 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.


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 - German

Translate the world from a new perspective by studying German literature, customs, cuisine and more. From its profound history at the center of the Holocaust to its present-day influence on business, film, sustainability and more, Germany and German language and culture provide globally informed perspectives for diverse career paths.

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

BA - French

Did you know that French is the fifth most spoken language in the world? An understanding of the French language and its renowned foods, cultures, communities and customs prepares you for a career of adventure and creativity as a globally informed citizen.

Website | Locations: TEMPE


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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Application Deadlines

Fall

Session
Modality
Deadline
Type

Session A/C
In Person
January 15th
Final


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.

Career examples include:

  • adult, basic and secondary education teachers
  • foreign language and literature teachers and professors
  • instructional coordinators
  • instructional designers and technologists
  • interpreters and translators
  • literacy teachers
  • middle school and high school teachers
  • reporters and correspondents

Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.



Application fee waiver

Applicants facing financial hardship may request a waiver for their application fee. Please complete the online application up to the fee payment page. Please send both Ashley Lawless (Ashley.Lawless@asu.edu) and Xiaoqiao Ling (Xiaoqiao.Ling@asu.edu) a brief essay (about 150 words) describing why paying the application fee is difficult in your situation, along with your application ID number. If your request is accepted, we will let you know that you can submit your application without paying the fee. The School of International Letters and Cultures has established a limited budget for these waivers. Requests will be considered as they are received until the budget is spent.