Graduate Catalog 2025-2026

Teaching of English as a Second Language (MA)

The of Master of Arts in Teaching English as Second Language, also known as TESOL, aims to prepare professionals in applied linguistics and literature in English as a second or other language. The objectives of the program are:

  1. Prepare educators at the preschool, elementary, secondary and postsecondary levels to be able to apply techniques and strategies consistent with the latest trends in the teaching of linguistics, literature and education in TESL to the teaching-learning process of English As a second or other language.
  2. Provide students of this master’s degree the academic preparation to continue doctoral studies and to continue innovating research projects in the field of teaching English as a second or other language and in related disciplines.
  3. Prepare individuals interested in their continuous professional development and lifelong learning.

The Metropolitan and San Germán campuses are authorized to offer this Program.

The San Germán campus is authorized to offer this Program in distance education modality.

Competencies Profile of Graduates

The Program is designed to develop the skills that allow the student:

Knowledge

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

  1. The fundamental concepts and descriptive techniques of the core areas of linguistics.
  2. Application processes in teaching English as a second or other language in light of the most recent findings about the nature of language, learning and language teaching.
  3. The tools used to prepare, apply, adapt, and evaluate materials based on the techniques used to develop language skills in elementary, secondary, postsecondary or adult students who are learning English as a foreign language or as a second language.
  4. Current theories on the measurement of language skills, linguistic measurement and the effect of the exam format on the teaching-learning process.

Skills

  1. Integrate the phonological, structural and functional aspects of the use of English.
  2. Recognize the concepts of reading and writing applied to English for speakers of other languages.
  3. Apply advanced writing and composition skills for the preparation of professional and research projects.
  4. Analyze the theories and methods related to the teaching of writing and its practical applications in the study of English for speakers of other languages.
  5. Establish the necessary factors for reading comprehension in a second or other language by studying the vernacular.
  6. Develop strategies on how to teach literature as part of teaching English.
  7. Design research papers on topics related to teaching English.
  8. Present the results of your research orally and in writing.

Attitudes

  1. Value the importance of applying logical and critical thinking in the teaching, evaluation and supervision of English programs for speakers of other languages.
  2. Show commitment to learning and continue to develop professionally.
  3. Respect and accept cultural and linguistic differences by studying English.
  4. Demonstrate openness and acceptance of the new technologies used in the field of teaching English.
  5. Demonstrate a positive and empathetic attitude towards students who demonstrate greater difficulty during the process of acquiring English.
  6. Value the importance of English as a means of global communication and as a tool in the world of work.

Admission Requirements

Candidates for admission to the Master in TESOL must meet all admission requirements for entering master’s degree programs established in the section “Admission Requirements for Master’s Programs” of the Graduate Catalog, except requirement 3: Demonstrate, through an examination… In addition, candidates must have a phonological and structural mastery of English that they will demonstrate by writing an essay and by an interview with the Department Director or his representative.

Requirements for the Master of Arts in Teaching of English as a Second Language

Specialization Requirements 30 credits
Prescribed Distributive Requirements 6 credits
Total *36-39 credits

Specialization Requirements - 30 credits

ENGL 5040English Phonology

3

ENGL 5050Syntax and Morphology of English

3

ENGL 5220Academic Writing

3

ENGL 5240Teaching Writing in the Classroom to Students of English (ELLs)

3

ENGL 6090Reading in a Second Language

3

ENGL 6100Theories and Principles of TESOL

3

ENGL 6113Materials and Techniques for Teaching English to Students (ELLs)

3

ENGL 6170Assessment and Evaluation of Linguistic Abilities

3

ENGL 6530TESOL Research

3

ENGL ____English - Students must choose a course in the area of literature in accord with their interests.

3

ENGL ____: Students must choose a course in the area of literature in accord with their interests.

Prescribed Distributive Requirements - 6 credits

Students will select six (6) credits from the following courses:

ENGL 5030Principles of Linguistics

3

ENGL 5110Teaching of Literature in ELLs Class

3

ENGL 5210Dramatic Literature

3

ENGL 5230Literature for Young Readers

3

ENGL 5320Sociolinguistics

3

ENGL 5330Acquisition and Learning of a First and a Second Language

3

ENGL 6180Use of Technology in TESOL

3

ENGL 6310Contemporary Literature

3

ENGL 6350Representative Works of English Literature

3

ENGL 6600Supervision in TESOL

3

ENGL 6610Curriculum Development in TESOL

3

ENGL _____Special Topics

3

*Students who take the ENGL 6970 course (Integrative Seminar CAPSTONE) or the ENGL 6992_ course (Research Project in MA-TESOL) to meet the Graduation Requirements established in this Graduate Catalog, will complete the Program with 39 credits.

Students who take compression tests to meet the Graduation Requirements set forth in this Graduate Catalog will complete the Program with 36 credits. The MA-TESOL Program does not offer the Creative Work modality as an option to meet the Graduation Requirements.