The 31-credit hour Master of Arts degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) is a professional degree that prepares graduate students to become effective teachers of English to adult learners who speak other native languages, both in the U.S. and abroad. The M.A. in TESOL provides both a strong theoretical foundation as well as hands-on practical experiences. Download a brochure here.
For information about the application process and requirements, contact:
Thomas Gonyea
Graduate Program Assistant
Cavanaugh Hall, Room 513
425 University Boulevard
Indianapolis, IN 46202
(317)274-2258
tgonyea@iupui.edu
For information about program administration, contact:
Ulla Connor, Ph.D.
Director of the M.A. in TESOL
Cavanaugh Hall, Room 134
425 University Boulevard
Indianapolis, Indiana 46202
(317) 278-2441
uconnor@iupui.edu
To contact the Graduate Office:
IUPUI Graduate Office
University Library, Room 1170
755 W. Michigan Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202
(317) 274-1577
gradoff@iupui.edu
Applications for the M.A. in TESOL degree are accepted on a rolling-basis and should meet all applicable requirements as described below. Final admission is based upon the approval of the admissions committee, which is comprised of the English Department’s Director of Graduate Studies, the Director of the M.A. in TESOL, program faculty members, and departmental administrative staff.
Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale), or the equivalent, in the student’s undergraduate major, documented by an official transcript.
Official transcripts must be sent directly from the registrar of your undergraduate institution to our Graduate Programs Assistant (see main page). Official transcripts can be sent either via ground mail as a sealed copy or via email with a link to download an electronic copy. We cannot accept scans of transcripts or unsealed transcripts from applicants.
GRE General Test official scores are required and must be reported directly to IUPUI by ETS (no Subject Test required). Register to take the exam or request score reports at ETS.org.
Please have ETS submit your scores directly to IUPUI, as we cannot accept self-reported scores. The IUPUI Institution Code for ETS is #1325.
TOEFL or IELTS official scores are required for nonnative speaking applicants only and must be reported directly to IUPUI. Test scores are not required if the applicant has earned (or will earn) a bachelor’s or master’s degree from a country where English is the official language (please refer to the Office of International Affairs website.) The department will only consider applications once the required minimum score is met and does not offer admission to applicants not meeting the required minimum scores.
Additional information about international admissions can be obtained from the Office of International Affairs.
Applicants must request three letters of recommendation using the electronic letter of recommendation option in the online application system. These letters should be from persons qualified to comment on your preparation for graduate study in TESOL. All recommendations must come directly from the recommenders. We cannot accept scanned or otherwise unofficial recommendations from applicants.
Applicants must submit a 500-750 word personal statement in the following format:
Describe your reasons for applying to graduate school in general and our program in particular. What aspects of our program do you see as being a good fit for you and your objectives?
What has prepared and/or motivated you to do graduate work in TESOL? These might include academic, work or other experiences, study or travel abroad, research or writing projects, etc.
Beyond the core coursework of 16 credit hours, is there a specific area of TESOL in which you want to gain experience? Do you plan to study full or part-time? Do you see yourself writing a thesis, and if so, on what topic?
What are your long-term career and/or personal goals, and how do you see your M.A. in TESOL degree helping you to achieve those goals?
Describe any specific opportunities you want to be considered for, including fellowships, assistantships, study abroad opportunities, etc.
Follow the IUPUI application process as defined by the IUPUI Graduate Office. More information may be found here.
The on-line graduate school application can be found at “Apply Now”.
There is an application fee required by the IUPUI Graduate Office to be paid when the application is submitted, unless a previous application has been submitted (see below). The fee is $60 for domestic USA students and $65 for international students.
Even if you have already submitted an application for a graduate or certificate program in English at IUPUI, you will need to create a new pin and password. If this is the case, please contact the IUPUI Graduate Office so that your application fee can be waived.
Applications for fall semester financial aid (including university fellowships) are due January 29 of the same year.
Applications for the fall semester are due April 15 of the same year.
Applications for the spring semester are due October 15 of the preceding year.
Applications for any summer session are due February 15 of the same year.
Departmental support and professional development opportunities are available on a competitive basis. These include teaching, tutoring, or research in the English for Academic Purposes (EAP), the Program for Intensive English (PIE), ESL Tutoring Center, International Center for Intercultural Communication (ICIC), the University Writing Center, or writing and literature courses in the English Department.
IUPUI is part of the Midwest Student Exchange Program, which was established to increase interstate educational opportunities for students in Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and Wisconsin to enroll at IUPUI at a reduced cost.
Information about other sources of financial aid available to most graduate students can be found at the Office of Student Financial Services.
The 31-credit hour M.A. in TESOL is comprised of core courses, elective courses, and the completion of either a thesis or internship. Please click on the tabs above for more information. Course descriptions may be found here.
Elective courses (At least 15 credit hours/5 courses)
Students should select one of two program options:
Required Courses: Students must take the five core courses for a total of 16 credit hours, as well as ENG-Z 690 Advanced Reading in TESOL (1-4 credits) and ENG-Z 699 M.A. Thesis (3 credits)
Required Courses: Students must take the five core courses for a total of 16 credit hours, as well as ENG-Z 598 TESOL Internship (3 credits)
M.A. students must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (B average).
No courses with a grade of C or lower will count toward graduation requirements.
The English for Academic Purposes Program is designed to provide the language support and assistance needed to undergraduate and graduate students who are not native speakers of English so that they can fully participate and succeed in their respective fields. More information about the EAP Program can be found on their website.
The International Center for Intercultural Communication (ICIC) studies English language and intercultural communication through the use of linguistic science; implements practical and customizable education and training in English language and culture for specific purposes; and applies its research to benefit the local and global community. More information about the ICIC can be found on this website.
The Program for Intensive English offers English language instruction to students who have not yet been admitted into degree programs. The PIE has seven levels ranging from beginning to advanced academic English, offering courses on listening & speaking skills, reading & writing skills, and ‘structure in use’ (grammar). More information about the PIE can be found on their website.
