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Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

The Master of Science (M.S.) degree program in education with a specialization in teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) helps prepare practicing teachers in literacy development for non-native English speakers. This program melds theoretical instruction with hands-on experiences, arming students with research-based methods and best practices for teaching English in both domestic and international settings. Students in this program select from a broad range of courses to develop a customized program of study that best aligns with their professional goals.

Courses are offered on a rotating basis. Students will work closely with their advisor and department faculty to plan a program of study that best fits their needs.

  • Completed admission application packet, including a $50 nonrefundable application fee made payable to Nova Southeastern University;
  • Official transcript indicating conferral of a bachelor’s degree by a regionally accredited institution (2.5 minimum cumulative GPA required);
  • Official transcripts from all previously attended postsecondary institutions.

Required Core Courses (15 credits)

Course Number Course Title and Description Credits
EDU 5000 Orientation to the Graduate Teacher Education Program 0
TSOL 575 Critical Issues in TESOL 3
TEFL 580 Second Language Acquisition and Learning 3
TSOL 567 Applied Linguistics 3
TEFL 530 Technology in TEFL 3
TSOL 699 Applied Professional Experience in TESOL 3

TESOL Electives (select 21 credits)

Course Number Course Title and Description Credits
INED 500 Comparative International Education 3
ESE 610 Speech and Language Development and Disabilities 3
TLDR 653 Teacher as Leader: Collaborative Practices for Promoting Student, Classroom, and School Improvement 3
TSOL 500 Foundations of Bilingual Education 3
TSOL 562 Cultural and Cross-Cultural Studies 3
TSOL 569 Methodology of TESOL 3
TSOL 580 Dual Language Classrooms: Teaching Math, Science, and Social Studies to Speakers of Other Languages 3
TEFL 525 Teaching English to Children 3
TEFL 563 International Englishes: Historical Development and Usage 3
TEFL 562 Sociolinguistics for TEFL Practitioners 3
TEFL 575 Structure of English 3
TSOL 515 Curriculum Development for TESOL 3
TEFL 515 Curriculum and Materials Development 3
TSOL 547 Testing and Evaluation in TESOL 3
TEFL 547 Testing and Evaluation in TEFL 3

TOTAL CREDITS: 36

The applied professional experience is one of many practical applications included in the teaching English to speakers of other languages specialization. It is the final step in the completion of the program. Conducted in an appropriate educational setting, candidates will maintain reflective journals and create files of samples of their students' work and the assessment instruments used to demonstrate achievement of the state professional and content standards. All applied professional experiences are accompanied by portfolios detailing the rationale, process, and evaluation of the project.

Coursework for the master's in TESOL is available online and at many of the NSU Campuses throughout the state of Florida. The online delivery option allows international students and those who don't live near our South Florida campuses to receive and submit coursework and interact with participants and professors via the Internet. The site-based delivery option allows students to take classes in the evenings or on weekends in locations near their homes. The distance education option allows busy professionals the option to complete their degrees without having to leave their jobs or travel long distances.

Faculty members for the master of science in education are scholars and educators from Nova Southeastern University and other major universities and institutions throughout the country. In addition many are also highly respected professional practitioners, who are carefully selected on the basis of their subject expertise, teaching abilities, and professional involvement. Most importantly, they are united in their desire to not only educate, but to inspire students to use what they learn to motivate others.

  • Satisfactory completion of all required coursework;
  • Successful completion of the Applied Professional Experience, including the portfolio, demonstrating competence with the Educator Accomplished Practices;
  • Cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 or higher;
  • Completed application for degree.

Students are advised to contact their state department of education or an Enrollment Services Representative (Academic Advisor) to determine if this program is suitable for certification/licensure and their career goals.

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