Apr 20, 2024  
2009-2010 Graduate Catalog 
    
2009-2010 Graduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages


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MATESOL Degree Requirements


The MATESOL degree may be earned over three or four semesters, although many students require an additional semester or two.  The degree may also be earned in part-time study or in three or more summer semesters.  Students may enter the program in June, September, or January.  However, if students wish to complete their program of studies within the three or four semester time frame, it is strongly recommended that they enter the program in the fall or summer semester in order to take the required courses in the sequence in which they are offered.  International students must apply at least ninety days prior to the first class meeting of the term in which they wish to enter.

No more than fourteen credits may be taken during any given semester without written approval from the program director.

Students must file an admission to candidacy form after 6-9 credit hours have been completed. Guidelines are provided in the “Handbook for Students in the TESOL Graduate Programs,” which is given to students during their first semester of study.

Students must successfully complete thirty-six credits from the following:

Capstone Project


All students will complete a Capstone Paper.

Capstone Paper
The Capstone Paper, which has replaced the Oral Exit Exam, recognizes the teaching profession as one of lifelong learning and professional development.  The paper gives you the opportunity to formally articulate your teaching philosophy.  Your paper will be written in the first person and follow the usual conventions for an academic paper.  Include references and citations according to APA guidelines.  Your courses will provide opportunities and guidance in writing reflectively about your growth, particularly in Practicum I and II, and we have additional web resources to assist you.

Thesis Option


Students who desire the MATESOL degree with a Thesis must include GSL 690 Thesis Research Seminar, and GSL 691 Thesis in their coursework.

A thesis is a work of original research on a topic pertinent to the field of TESOL/Applied Linguistics and must be written under the direct supervision of an MATESOL faculty member. In addition to the thesis advisor, a committee of at least one additional member, selected by the student in consultation with the advisor, must approve the thesis. The additional committee member must be a MATESOL faculty member. Additional members may be nominated either from Saint Michael’s faculty or from other institutions.

Thesis-option students will be required to defend the results of their research before their committee.

A grade of “XT” (Extended for Thesis Work) is given at the end of the semester to a student enrolled in the thesis course when work will continue into the following semester, and will be charged one credit for each XT” semester. In addition to the semester following enrollment in the course, the student may petition for continuance of the “XT” to the program director.

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