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, language acquisition, and language varities as related to personal, social, and contextual factors; understand and support the role of technology in language acquisition.
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.
5. Develop a commitment toward professional engagement, including establishing a relationship with the TESOL professional community; demonstrate a commitment to sustained professional development; competence in scholarly dispositions required of TESOL professionals. 

Credit Units

Total Credit Units: 51

Total Core Credit Units: 48

Total Elective Credit Units: 3

Total Concentration Credit Units: N/A

Degree Requirements

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

Elective Requirements

The elective requirement may be satisfied with any graduate level course offered at Alliant subject to TESOL Program Director approval.

Curriculum Plan