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MA in English with TESOL concentration

California Baptist University’s Master of Arts in English now offers a concentration in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).

What makes this degree unique?

Built on the foundation of our existing Master of Arts in English program, this academically rigorous degree uniquely provides a pedagogically practical literary emphasis as the foundation for our TESOL concentration. While other TESOL programs’ curricula often focus mainly on oral communication skills, our TESOL concentration program is centered in the pedagogy of second language literacy. In addition to our required MA in English courses, the TESOL concentration offers seminars in TESOL theory and methods, second language acquisition, teaching second language writing, and second language curriculum development and assessment. Because of the program’s excellent student-to-teacher ratio, our MA students receive personalized attention from accomplished professors who integrate a faith-based approach to language-learning, pedagogy, and literature.

Who might be interested in this degree?

Our early evening classes are suited to working professionals, such as teachers, who are interested in working with a multilingual or multicultural or international population, whether in the U.S. or abroad. Prospective students must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university and meet other admissions requirements for CBU’s MA in English program.

What can you do with this degree?

Our MA in English, a terminal degree program recognized by academic and educational institutions alike, opens doors to a variety of professional and ministerial opportunities. CBU’s MA in English with TESOL concentration provides strong academic preparation for

  • English teaching at the secondary or higher education levels
  • Adult education and international language teaching
  • Future academic work or scholarship in the field of TESOL, linguistics, and English
  • Tent-making mission work through obtaining good employment opportunities & a teaching visa to almost any nation you are called
  • Careers involving teacher training, program administration, & curriculum design

Take the Next Step

To learn more about the MA in English program, you may contact the program director, Dr. Jennifer Newton, at jnewton@calbaptist.edu. For information about admission requirements and the application process, please contact Graduate Admissions at 951.343.4249 or graduateadmissions@calbaptist.edu. If you’re ready to advance your knowledge, skills, and career, start by applying online. We look forward to helping you reach your professional and personal goals.

Graduate Admission Requirements

Admission to the graduate program in English requires:

  • Completion of the application for admission with a non-refundable application processing fee.
  • Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution (or the evaluated equivalency of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution) with a minimum GPA of 3.0 for unconditional admission and 2.75 for conditional admission.  Select programs in education have a higher GPA requirement. Applicants with a GPA below 2.75 may be considered for admission with the presentation of a minimum combined score of 1000 on the verbal and quantitative sections of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or a passing score on the California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET).
  • Official sealed transcripts from all colleges and universities attended sent: Attention Graduate Admissions
  • Comprehensive essay that includes:

•   Reasons for pursuing graduate study in English
•   Long-term professional goals
•   Reasons for choosing to study at CBU

  • Prerequisites:
    • Minimum of 18 semester (27 quarter) units of study in English beyond the level of freshman composition with a grade of “C” or better
  • Writing competence demonstrated by a major research paper or a literary analysis.
  • An applicant whose first language is not English and/or does not have a degree from an institution where English is the primary language of instruction is be required to demonstrate English language proficiency by submitting a recent test score from Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The minimum score required to to display English language proficiency for admission to a graduate program is 89 IBT. If the score is lower than 89, applicant may be admitted to the INtensive English Program (IEP) and a graduate program while taking required language courses to meet the minimum TOEFL requirement.
  • Successful interview with the Director of the Graduate Program in English.

In compliance with both state and federal law, California Baptist University does not illegally discriminate on the basis of any protected category, except to the extent it is necessary to fulfill its religious purposes, so as to be in compliance with the 2000 version of the Baptist Faith and Message.

Course Requirements

Master of Arts in English (36 units)

The primary focus of the Master of Arts in English is the study of literature and language. However, students may wish to enroll in complementary education courses, depending on career goals. Students wishing to pursue careers in education should consult the School of Education for information on state requirements.

Competency

ENG 500 Research and Writing in Literature and Language*

ENG 501 Critical Theories and Traditions*

ENG 563 Introduction to Linguistics**

*Competency requirements can be met with equivalent coursework

** Required for TESOL concentration 

Core Requirements (9 units)

ENG 510 Comparative Mythology

ENG 520 Narrative Literature and Theory* OR ENG 523 Theory and Methods**

ENG 530 Multicultural Theory and Pedagogy

*Required for Literature and Pedagogy concentrations

**Required for TESOL Concentration

Breadth and Perspective Courses (12 units)

ENG 525 Non-Western Literature Seminar

Choose TWO of the following options:

ENG 550 British Literature Seminar

ENG 555 Shakespeare Seminar

ENG 560 American Literature Seminar

ENG 570 World Literature Seminar

Choose ONE of the following options:

ENG 580 Film Theory

ENG 581 Topics in Film Studies

ENG 582 Literature and Film

Research Courses (3 units)

ENG 596 Research Seminar (2 units)

Choose ONE of the following options:

ENG 594 Comprehensive Exam

ENG 597 Project

ENG 598 Thesis

Concentration Requirements (12 units)

Students must complete at least twelve (12) additional units in one of the following concentrations:

Literature; English Pedagogy; TESOL 

English Pedagogy

EDU 514 Secondary Methods

EDU 515 Reading and writing in the Content Areas

EDU 519 Subject Area Specialization

EDU 545 Multi-ethnic Literature for Children and Young Adults

EDU 551 Language Acquisition

ENG 540 Contextual Approaches to Grammar

ENG 563 Introduction to Linguistics

ENG 599 Special Topics

RDG 540 Models and Process of Teaching Reading

Breadth and Perspective courses not previously applied to the degree may fulfill concentration requirements.

Literature

ENG 540 Contextual Approaches to Grammar

ENG 545 Teaching College Writing

ENG 548 Tutorial Methods in Writing

ENG 549 Law and Literature

ENG 565 Creative Writing Workshop

ENG 599 Special Topics

Breadth and Perspective courses not previously applied to the degree may fulfill concentration requirements.

TESOL (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages)

EDU 525 Research Methods

ENG 540 Contextual Approaches to Grammar

ENG 543 Teaching Second Language Writing

ENG 553 Second Language Curriculum Development and Assessment

ENG 573 Second Language Acquisition

ENG 599 Special Topics

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