Graduate Programs

• English as a Second Language Specialization of the Master of Arts (MAT)
• Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Teaching English as a Second Language
• TESL Add-on Licensure

Admissions Requirements

• Potential UNCW students applying to a degree program should follow the instructions on the Graduate School website.

Master of Arts (M.A.T.) in English as a Second Language Specialization

The English as a Second Language Specialization of the Master of Arts (MAT) degree is designed to prepare individuals who currently hold a bachelor's degree and would like to be eligible for North Carolina teacher certification in the area of ESOL (English to Speakers of Other Languages). Successful completion of the coursework and field experiences associated with this program will prepare candidates to take the Praxis II ESOL and apply for North Carolina K-12 certification in this area.

Program Objectives:

Upon completion of the graduate MAT in English as a Second Language Specialization, the candidate should be able to:

1. Demonstrate a depth and breadth of general knowledge in the field of ESL.
2. Demonstrate well‐articulated knowledge of K‐12 communities and issues affecting the English language learner population.
3. Demonstrate effective communication skills that can be utilized when interacting with colleagues, administrators, and families
4. Demonstrate advanced content knowledge.
5. Design, implement, and assess effective instruction.
6. Establish a classroom environment sensitive to the cultural and linguistic needs of all students.
7. Demonstrate effective knowledge of state and federal policies and regulations with regard to the ESL population.
8. Use technology to enhance the academic achievement of English language learners.
9. Demonstrate effective leadership within the school environment.

UNCW Graduate Catalog

Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) Focus Area

The Master of Education in Teaching English as a Second Language, is designed as a 33‐hour intensive program for students who already hold a bachelor's degree and teacher certification. Successful completion of the program will prepare candidates to take the Praxis II in English as a Second Language and/or expand their current knowledge of the field at the graduate level. The target audiences are certified teachers who wish to add a graduate-level TESL certification to their current licensure area and current TESL teachers who wish to improve their knowledge of and expertise in the field of TESL.

Note* Students may complete this program in an online format. Please contact the Program Coordinator for more information.

Specialization Objectives

Upon completion of the graduate MEd in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) focus area, the student should be able to:

1. Demonstrate a depth and breadth of general knowledge in the field of TESL.
2. Demonstrate well‐articulated knowledge of K‐12 communities and issues affecting the English language learner population.
3. Demonstrate effective communication skills that can be utilized when interacting with colleagues, administrators, and families.
4. Design, implement, and assess effective instruction.
5. Establish a classroom environment sensitive to the cultural and linguistic needs of all students.
6. Demonstrate effective knowledge of state and federal policies and regulations with regard to the ESL population.
7. Use technology to enhance the academic achievement of English language learners.
8. Demonstrate effective leadership within the school environment.

UNCW Graduate Catalog

TESL Add-On Licensure Courses

Graduate Course Descriptions

How Many Classes Will I Take?

† This course requires field experience,  * Prerequisite course required