Doctor of Education in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

Program Description/Overview

This program is designed to meet the ever-increasing demand for specialists in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) in schools, universities, government, independent agencies and other organizations throughout the world. The program prepares respected practitioner-scholars with a focus on TESOL theory and methodology, research, curriculum, technology, and teacher education.

Program Learning Outcomes/Goals

Students in the program will develop competencies in areas related to leadership positions in the field of second language education. Students will advance their knowledge in the areas of language acquisition, applied research, teacher training, and language program operation. Throughout the program, students will demonstrate a commitment to professional development and community engagement.

1. Develop a knowledge base in the structural analysis of language, language development, and language acquisition as related to personal, social, and contextual factors.
2. Apply knowledge of language learning and language use and their connections to biological, psychological, social and cultural factors, and explore how this language learning and use is reflected in language policy and planning.
3. Demonstrate competence in second language pedagogy, curriculum design and development, program administration, and language assessment, and apply this knowledge as they develop training and leadership skills as educators.
4. Engage with the body of TESOL professional literature and conduct field-specific research in furtherance of advancing the knowledge base of the profession.

Program-Specific Admission Requirements

1. Master’s degree in TESOL, English, Education, Applied Linguistics or a related field; applicants with a master’s degree outside of this area are required to fulfill their elective requirement with courses in the TESOL program
2. A minimum of two years of teaching experience, preferably in ESL/EFL
3. Interview with TESOL faculty
4. Two letters of recommendation from supervisors, academic instructors, volunteer coordinators or other professional and/or academic relationships
5. Five to seven page personal essay including autobiographical statement, professional aspirations, accomplishments and any relevant experience

Credit Units

Total Credit Units: 60

Total Core Credit Units: 48

Total Elective Credit Units: 12

Total Concentration Credit Units: N/A

Degree Requirements

A comprehensive exam is required in the student’s final semester of course work.

Elective Requirements

Select four graduate courses with permission of the TESOL program director. Applicants with a master’s degree outside of TESOL, Applied Linguistics, or related field are required to fulfill their elective requirement with the following courses:

• TES7410 - Theory and Method of Second Language Teaching (3 units)
• TES7430 - Techniques of Teaching Reading and Writing to Second Language Learners (3 units)
• TES7440 - Techniques of Teaching Listening and Speaking to Second Language Learners (3 units)
• TES7460 - English Grammar for ESL and EFL Teachers (3 units)

Curriculum Plan

Gainful Employment

For important information about the educational debt, earnings, and completion rates of students who attended this program, please visit https://www.alliant.edu/media/gainful-employment-disclosure/Doctor_Education_Teaching_English_Speakers_Other_Languages.html.