Coursework
Course Requirements
| Total | 36 units | |
|---|---|---|
| Term I | ||
| TESL 509 | Special Topics in TESOL** | 1-3 |
| TESL 545 | Second-Language Pedagogy I* | 3 |
| TESL 557 | Reflective Teaching* | 3 |
| Term II | ||
| TESL 501 | Language Learning through Technology | 3 |
| TESL 505 | Second-Language Acquisition | 3 |
| TESL 530 | Intercultural Communication and Language Teaching | 3 |
| Term III | ||
| TESL 515 | Teaching English Grammar | 3 |
| TESL 537 | Critical Perspectives on Christianity and English Language Teaching*** | 3 |
| TESL 550 | Second-Language Pedagogy II | 3 |
| Term IV | ||
| TESL 525 | Teaching English Pronunciation | 3 |
| TESL 560 | Language Program Design | 3 |
| TESL 570 | Second-Language Assessment | 3 |
| Electronic Protfolio Review Evaluation | ||
*Required courses for the six-unit TEFL certificate
**TESL 509 is offered in March or April to coincide with the TESOL Convention, so the term in which it is offered varies.
***TESL 537 is an electiveand may be replaced with an approved course transferred from an accredited M.A. program.
Additional Requirements
Online Portfolio
- Students must complete an online portfolio prior to graduation.
- Native English speakers must verify completion within the last 10 years of a minimum of six semester units of college-level foreign language coursework with at least a B average, or submit proof of an equivalent level of experience in language learning. Non-native English speakers satisfy this requirement by meeting the English proficiency prerequisite for admission to the program.
TESOL Convention
All students are expected to meet at the international TESOL convention in March as a requirement for TESL 509. This face-to-face encounter early in the program provides the opportunity for deeper relationships to form among the students and faculty members. The venue allows students to learn first-hand from the hundreds of presentations, which will help them identify an area of focus to explore further.
All of the costs related to attending the TESOL convention are covered by the students and not the university. Costs students will need to cover include, flights, hotel (four nights), food, and registration. Read more about the next annual TESOL convention.
Students who find it impossible to attend the TESOL convention as part of TESL 509 must gain approval from the Online TESOL director to replace TESL 509 with TESL 599 Readings in TESOL (3 units). Students must articulate a compelling reason that prohibits them from attending the convention and provide an individualized study plan with readings (800-1000 pages) on a topic of their choice. The course will require a focused 20-page paper. In addition, before graduation, students will need to provide documentation that they have attended a language teaching conference.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of computer and Internet connection do I need?
In order to make the most of your online learning experience, your computer and Internet connection should fulfill APU's online course technical requirements.
How often do I need to be online for the online program?
You must be online sufficiently throughout each week to participate in threaded discussions and to complete all
assignments by their designated deadlines. However, there is no prescribed amount of time that you will be required to
be online because assignments and their deadlines will vary with each course.
How soon can I finish this program?
Depending on the number of breaks taken between the six-week courses, the online Master of Arts in TESOL can be completed in as little as 18 months.
