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Language Teaching, MA

Language Teaching, MA

Academic programs / Graduate degrees / Language Teaching, MA

Applied Linguistics, Education, French, German, Heritage Language Pedagogy, Language Teaching, Second Language Aquisition, Spanish Applied Linguistics, Spanish Language, foreign language, spanish

Acquire a deep and broad understanding of the field of language pedagogy so that you can teach at the elementary, high school or collegiate level.

Program description
Degree awarded: MA  Language Teaching

The MA program in language teaching prepares both current and aspiring language teachers with the tools they need to effectively teach languages in secondary schools and in higher education. This program provides professional development to practicing language teachers in K-12, community colleges and at the university level.

Teachers in Arizona who are interested in continuing their professional development in both language pedagogy and language proficiency can pursue this degree. Teachers receive training in teaching methodologies, second language acquisition, heritage language pedagogy, computer-assisted language teaching, applied linguistics, and the teaching of literature and culture. This program may also interest individuals who wish to become highly proficient bilinguals.

At a glance
Accelerated program options
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years. It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:

Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Degree requirements

30 credit hours including the required applied project course (SLC 593)

Required Core (3 credit hours)
SLC 596 Second Language Methodologies (3)

Track (9 credit hours)

Other Requirements (12 credit hours)

Electives (3 credit hours)

Culminating Experience (3 credit hours)
SLC 593 Applied Project (3)

Additional Curriculum Information
Students choose from three available tracks: French, German or Spanish. Students should see their academic unit for approved track coursework. Students select coursework in consultation with their committee chair.

Other requirement coursework may be substituted with approval of the academic unit.

Admission requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in a foreign language, applied linguistics, linguistics, literature, education or a related field from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

Applicants are required to submit:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. letter of intent or written statement
  4. two letters of recommendation
  5. proof of target language proficiency
  6. proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

The written statement should be no more than two pages, single-spaced, and should discuss how the educational background and experiences have prepared the applicant for this graduate program. The applicant should also describe why they are interested in pursuing this master's degree and how it fits their career goals.

Proof of target language proficiency is accepted by an audio or video submission of a two-minute self-introduction.

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Application deadlines
SessionModalityDeadlineType
Session A/CIn Person 01/15Final
Career opportunities

Professionals with this degree can confidently move into academic and business fields. Language skills developed through this program are valued for teaching positions, translation work or work in a larger sector such as business, government and public administration.

Career examples include:

  • adult, basic and secondary education teachers
  • foreign language and literature teachers and professors
  • instructional coordinators
  • instructional designers and technologists
  • interpreters and translators
  • literacy teachers
  • middle school and high school teachers
  • reporters and correspondents
Contact information
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is WRGP (Western Regional Graduate Program)?
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.

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