The applied linguistics program at Northern Arizona University offers two graduate degrees, the MA in teaching English as a second language (MA-TESL) and PhD in applied linguistics, in addition to a TESL certificate.
The MA-TESL degree program combines a strong theoretical foundation in applied linguistics with practical training in the teaching of English to speakers of other languages. The principal goals of the program are to provide the linguistic theory necessary for ESL/EFL teachers, equip teachers with the practical skills needed for effective language teaching, and prepare students for further study in English language teaching, applied linguistics, and related fields.
The PhD program in applied linguistics is designed to prepare researchers and teacher trainers to work independently and in leadership positions with the learning and teaching of second languages, the analysis of language, and the design of language-related research. We define the field of applied linguistics broadly. Students may pursue a diverse range of issues, including corpus linguistics, computer-assisted language learning (CALL), discourse analysis, language planning and policy, language testing and program evaluation, second language acquisition, literacy, register analyses, and second language teaching and learning.
The TESL certificate provides foundational coursework and a coherent educational experience for people wishing to teach in a range of settings with ESL or EFL students, or wanting to work toward an Arizona ESL endorsement.
Note: The Arizona ESL endorsement is distinct from the TESL certificate, though there is some overlap in requirements.
