Master of Teaching English as a Second Language at Pennsylvania State University

The M.A. program in Teaching English as a Second Language is designed to provide professional development for teachers and administrators in English as a second or foreign language. The program is problem focused, integrating theory and practice from the fields of applied linguistics and teaching English as a second language to address issues of second language acquisition/teaching and program development, with special focus on English in a wide range of both domestic and international contexts.

Completion of this degree program does not automatically provide teacher certification in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Further information on teaching certification is available from the College of Education. Students who desire to continue their studies in ESL at Penn State may apply to the Ph.D. program in Applied Linguistics through the Department of Applied Linguistics.

1. Graduates will be able to design and evaluate instructional materials, technology, media, and other resources that meet the specific instructional and language related needs and abilities of students.
2. Graduates will be able to reflect on, critically analyze, and evaluate their teaching practices.
3. Graduates will be able to articulate a philosophy of language teaching grounded in current language and learning theories.
4. Graduates will be able to critically evaluate the complex social, cultural, political, and institutional factors that affect language teaching and students' language learning.
5. Graduates will be able to articulate an understanding of the research and research methods for studying language teaching and learning.
6. Graduates will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the teaching field (English as a Second Language).
7. Graduates will be able to participate effectively in collaborative projects with others.