Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, MEd (CAGS)

The Master of Education (MEd) degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) addresses the need for licensed teachers to be knowledgeable in working with multilingual learners; also known as culturally and linguistically diverse students/English Language Learners (ELLs) and/or ESL/EFL students for whom English is a second or foreign language. This graduate degree meets all the requirements set forth in the rules by the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) for an endorsement in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education. The degree is also aligned with the standards and best practices promoted by the TESOL International Association. This graduate degree is designed to provide professional development for current and aspiring educators and school professionals who are seeking additional skills in teaching English language learners both in Colorado and around the world. The MEd in TESOL is also relevant for those preparing to teach English in other countries,  or in Colorado schools in support of English language learners. Requirements for the TESOL graduate certificate are embedded within the degree curriculum.

Objectives of the Master of Education in TESOL

The Master of Education degree in TESOL provides students with the tools to advance their professional education careers. Successful candidates will demonstrate the content knowledge and professional behaviors necessary for successful performance as TESOL/CLDE teachers within a US school or as English teachers in other countries. 

The overall program goal is to prepare educators with the knowledge and ability to teach English to speakers of other languages in the United States and other countries. Students will be able to:  

• Evaluate how Scripture informs the theories, concepts, principles, and practices of TESOL/CLDE

• Develop instructional strategies to meet English language learner needs

• Incorporate original research into the established body of knowledge in TESOL/CLDE

• Incorporate original research within the established body of knowledge in TESOL/CLDE as part of developing and applying a personal philosophy of education

• Develop lessons focusing on critical linguistic structures in support of second language development

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the relationship between cultural identity, heritage, and English language learning

Admission to the Master of Education in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Degree Program

Admission to the MEd in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages program is selective. Applicants are evaluated on the basis of previous academic performance, personal and professional accomplishments and goals, and strength of professional disposition qualities. Each applicant is carefully evaluated for his or her ability to contribute to the program. A strong desire to complete graduate-level work in a Christ-centered, biblically-based community is important.

Recent undergraduates who have completed a bachelor's degree within the last five years, and have a degree with specializations in linguistics, TESOL, and/or upper-level undergraduate coursework related to TESOL/CLDE, may request consideration for an accelerated option (details below).

Admission Requirements

• A completed application form 

• A SEP-required background check

• Valid state-issued driver’s license or state-issued ID card or passport

• An official transcript that reflects a bachelor’s or master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution

• Interview with a TESOL program administrator

• Resume or Curriculum Vitae

• A minimum undergraduate grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants with an undergraduate grade point average between 2.0 and 2.49 will be admitted on a conditional admit (CAD) basis for the first semester.  CAD students must maintain a 3.0 GPA or better in their first nine (9) credits to remain in the program.

Accelerated Degree Option

For outside applicants, upon submitting an application for acceptance as an accelerated degree candidate, and following review of undergraduate transcripts by the program director, a maximum of four undergraduate-level or higher courses (12 credit hours) may be accepted for satisfaction of MEd in TESOL degree requirements provided the course content is substantially similar to courses in the TESOL program, and provided the courses were passed with at least a B- by the applicant.

For CCU graduates applying for the accelerated degree option, provided at least a B- was obtained, the following upper-level education courses may be transferred for credit into the MEd TESOL program:

• course Foundations of English Language Education will substitute for course Foundations in English Language Education

• course First and Second Language Acquisition will substitute for course Introduction to Culture and Second Language Acquisition

• course Literacy Assessment and course Diverse Reader 2: Reading Clinic will substitute for course Reading Instruction K-12

Academic Requirements

Students who earn a C- or lower in a graduate education course are required to repeat the course. course Capstone must be completed with a B- or higher.

Time Limitation

All work applied toward the MEd in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages degree must be completed within a four-year period from the date of enrollment. After the four-year period, an MEd in TESOL student who has not completed the requirements to graduate will be withdrawn from the program. Students who step out of the program for more than 365 days, or go beyond the four-year period and wish to complete their MEd in TESOL degree will be required to apply for readmission. If readmission is granted, additional coursework may be required. Students will be required to adhere to current academic policies, tuition, and fees.