Program Availability
The Master of Arts in TESL and Linguistics at Indiana State University is offered on campus on the Indiana State University campus in Terre Haute, Indiana. The on-campus program is open to U.S. and international applicants who satisfy admission requirements. The program is also available online to students in the United States and Canada.
Why Earn a Master of Arts in TESL and Linguistics at Indiana State?
The TESL [Teaching English as a Second Language] and Linguistics MA program allows students to meet the learning needs of non-English-speaking individuals. Coursework focuses on computer-assisted language learning, grammar, African American English, research methods, and current issues in linguistics. The program requires a minimum of 33 credits of courses.
Often completed in two academic years, the program is enhanced with close interaction between peers and mentorship from faculty. Students frequently attend and present at national and regional conferences.
Learn from Our Talented Faculty
Instructors in the Department of Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics help students excel academically while learning the best principles for teaching non-English learners in other countries and in the United States. The small class sizes allow students to work one-on-one with their professors and classmates on projects and interactive learning activities.
Enhance Your Language Learning in Our Language Center
Study language and culture in the Center for Language Education and Research. The state-of-the-art language center features specialized software and additional cultural programming for advanced education in all areas of language and linguistics.
What You’ll Learn in the TESL and Linguistics MA Program
The TESL and Linguistics MA degree supports students’ passion for teaching language and linguistics to non-English speaking learners. The program includes 33 total credits of coursework on African American English, computer-assisted language learning, pedagogical grammar for TESL, discourse analysis, research methods, and current issues in languages, literatures, and linguistics. The program also requires at least 27 credit hours in electives in language teaching theories and practices, applied linguistics, language acquisition, sociolinguistics, and related areas.
Students also will complete a culminating experience at the conclusion of the MA program. This can be either a research project, a teaching portfolio, or a comprehensive examination.
Financial Assistance and Scholarships
Most students accepted into the TESL and Linguistics MA program receive some form of financial assistance, which is renewable each year. Students may also apply for graduate assistantships. A limited number of graduate assistantships comprised of a stipend and tuition waivers are available to qualified graduate students. In the past, graduate assistantships have been awarded predominantly to graduate students who are able to teach one of the languages of instruction in the Department of Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics.
Career Possibilities for TESL and Linguistics MA Graduates
The TESL and Linguistics MA program prepares students to teach English to non-English speaking students in the United States and abroad. Graduates also find work as localization experts, user experience researchers, translators, and government jobs, including language analysts in intelligence.
Additionally, the program prepares those wishing to pursue additional graduate work at the Ph.D. level in TESL, second language acquisition, or applied linguistics.
Teaching Spanish and ESL While Influencing the Next Generation
Meet TESL, linguistics, and language studies alumnus Orion Hall (’21 BA, ’23 MA), who developed teaching skills in Spanish and teaching English as a Second Language through coursework at Indiana State and an internship program. Hall learned more about teaching foreign languages and offering support to high school students and non-native English speakers.
Teaching English as a Second Language
Orion Hall is the first Indiana State University student to intern with the Washington School Corporation in Indiana. Hall provides English as a second language (ESL) support to students in the district.
Read Orion Hall’s story.
Admission Requirements and Instructions
Enrollment is accepted for Fall and Spring semesters. To be assured of consideration for fall admission, all materials must be submitted by April 1. To be assured of consideration for spring admission, all materials must be submitted by November 1. Applicants to the TESL and Linguistics MA program are selected for admission on the basis of undergraduate grades, references, and significant accomplishments.
Applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution (for international students, a degree granted by a recognized institution) with the completion of at least two years of a non-native language at the university level as evidenced by academic transcripts with a grade of C or better in the culminating intermediate-level course; results on the Indiana State University placement test beyond the 202 level; or independent testing arranged through the Department of Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics.
The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is not required for this program.
Application should include three names of references that must include the job title, affiliation/school, and contact information. Important: Explain to your references that they will receive an email from Indiana State University requesting that they submit a letter of recommendation. Please ensure that your references expect to receive this request. It will be sent to your references immediately upon completing the application.
Application Instructions
Complete Indiana State University’s online application for admission at apply.indstate.edu/apply/.
Submit official transcripts from all colleges previously attended. International students must submit official transcripts for all undergraduate coursework and credential evaluation at the time of your application. You must submit academic records from every secondary and post-secondary institution you have attended. You might be required to submit additional documentation to ensure full evaluation. To be official, transcripts must be sent directly from the college attended to: Graduate Admissions, Indiana State University, Welcome Center, 318 North Sixth Street, Terre Haute, IN, 47809. E-transcripts should be sent to admissions@indstate.edu.
Visit the Graduate Admissions page for information about application fees.
Submit the following as part of the online application process.
- Submit three names of references that must include the job title, affiliation/school, and contact information.
- Provide proof of at least two years of a non-native language at the university level as evidenced by academic transcripts with a grade of C or better in the culminating intermediate-level course; results on the Indiana State University placement test beyond the 202 level; or independent testing arranged through the Department of Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics.
- International applicants submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or provide equivalent evidence of language proficiency. Submit scores to: Indiana State University, Graduate Admissions, Welcome Center, 318 North Sixth Street, Terre Haute, IN, 47809. For important information, see Instructions for International Students.
Applications for the TESL and Linguistics MA program are accepted year-round for fall and spring semesters. Applications for Fall admission are accepted by April 1, and by November 1 for Spring admission. All materials must be received by the deadlines. Applications and application materials received after the deadlines will not be considered for admission.
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Language Studies (BA)
Bachelor's
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Teaching English as a Second Language/Foreign Language Graduate Certificate
Graduate Certificate / Licensure
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Teaching English as a Second Language/TEFL Certificate
Undergraduate Certificate / Licensure