| |  | | English as a Second Language | Link to a list of faculty for this program.
Contact Information—Director of Graduate Studies, English as a
Second Language, University of Minnesota, 215 Nolte Center, 315 Pillsbury Drive
S.E., Minneapolis, MN 55455 (612-624-3331; fax 612-624-4579; iles@umn.edu; www.iles.umn.edu/esl).
Along with the program-specific requirements listed below, please read the General Information section of this catalog for Graduate School requirements that apply to all major fields.
Curriculum—The program in English as a second language (ESL) offers a course of study leading to an M.A. Degree holders are qualified to teach ESL to adults at the college or university level. The program emphasizes research in language analysis, language acquisition, teaching methodology, materials development, and uses of technology in language teaching. Students are expected to do independent and creative work in one or two of these areas with the aim of developing a more complete understanding of the issues facing professionals in the field of ESL today.
Prerequisites for Admission—A bachelor's degree in the liberal arts or sciences with a strong academic record is required.
Special Application Requirements—Scores from the General (Aptitude) Test of the GRE and three letters of reference, are required. Nonnative speakers of English must submit either TOEFL scores (preferred 600 [paper], 250 [computer], or 100 [Internet]), or IELTS scores (preferred 7). Students may begin the program fall semester or first summer session. Applications for both admission dates are due on February 1.
Key to test abbreviations (GRE, TOEFL, GMAT, MELAB).
 For an online application or for more information about Graduate School admissions, see the General Information section in this catalog, or visit the Graduate School Web site.
Courses—Refer to Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) in University Courses for courses pertaining to the program.
Use of 4xxx Courses—Inclusion of 4xxx courses on degree program forms is subject to adviser and director of graduate studies approval. |
M.A. Degree Requirements | | The M.A. program in ESL normally takes at least two years to complete. The Plan A option requires a thesis demonstrating original work in areas related to the field, familiarity with research methodology, and knowledge of the effective presentation of investigative study results. The Plan B option requires two qualifying papers, usually consisting of course papers which have been rewritten under the supervision of a faculty member.
Plan A and Plan B students must complete 28 credits in required coursework and 6 credits of elective coursework in related fields. Plan A students must complete an additional 10 thesis credits for a total of 44 credits and Plan B students must complete an additional 3 credits in elective coursework for a total of 37 credits. Elective and related field courses must be chosen with the help of an adviser to ensure the relevance of courses to students' goals.
Language Requirements—Proficiency, demonstrated by exam or coursework, in one language not native to the student is required upon completion of the program. Nonnative speakers of English who are admitted to the program are considered to have fulfilled the language requirement.
Final Exam—The final exam is oral.
Minor Requirements for Students Majoring in Other Fields—For a minor in ESL, students must take TESL 5721, 5401, and 5402, for a total of 11 credits. | Faculty | | For latest graduate faculty listings, see <www.grad.umn.edu/faculty_rosters/faculty.html>. Key to membership categories (abbreviations after faculty names).
Professor
Andrew D. Cohen, M2
Carol Klee, AM
Elaine E. Tarone, M2
Associate Professor
Martha Bigelow, AM
Kathryn Kohnert, AM
Anne Lazaraton, M2
Other
Jenise Rowekamp, AM | | | | | |
