Coursework
Master of Education in TESOL, Literacy, and Culture
Department of Learning and Teaching
Program of Study
Overview
The M.Ed. in TESOL, Literacy and Culture Program is a 30 unit program designed to develop a scholarly and practical approach to literacy and second language instruction. We strive to prepare reflective practitioners who can successfully engage and ensure the academic success of students from diverse cultural, linguistic and socioeconomic backgrounds. The program's common goals are to:
- Create critical understanding of theory and practice,
- Develop research-based and culturally responsive teaching practices that can create progress toward closing the achievement gap and systems that perpetuate educational inequity
- Provide opportunities for development as change agents and teacher-scholars at local, national and/or international levels
International Experience
At SOLES, all masters and doctoral students participate in an international experience designed to support the growth of cultural competency. Our goal is to inform best practices in working with culturally diverse populations locally, nationally and globally.
For many students, this experience will include a one- to two-week, faculty-led course abroad. For students who prefer to stay in southern California, this experience may be fulfilled through research or coursework on international issues. Service trips and site visits across the border in Tijuana are offered regularly.
Learning and Teaching courses with an international component include:
- Educational Leadership for Peace and Sustainability in Costa Rica (Summer 2013)
- Cognition and Learning in Japan (Summer 2013)
- Research Design and Methodology in Japan (Summer 2012)
- Exploring the Underground Railroad (Summer 2012)
Curriculum
Foundations: Research (6 units)
| COURSE NUMBER | COURSE TITLE | GRADUATE UNITS |
|---|---|---|
| EDUC 500 | Research Design and Methodology | 3 |
| EDUC 580 | Master's Captone Seminar | 3 |
| Or | ||
| EDUC 595 | Thesis | 3 |
Foundations: Psychological Foundations (3 units)
Choose one course of these two:
| COURSE NUMBER | COURSE TITLE | GRADUATE UNITS |
|---|---|---|
| EDUC 510 | Cognition and Learning | 3 |
| EDUC 513 | Human Development | 3 |
Foundations: Social Foundations (3 units)
| COURSE NUMBER | COURSE TITLE | GRADUATE UNITS |
|---|---|---|
| EDUC 529* | Language, Literacy and Culture | 3 |
Core Courses (15 units)
| COURSE NUMBER | COURSE TITLE | GRADUATE UNITS |
|---|---|---|
| EDUC 540* | Introduction to Language & Linguistic Analysis | 3 |
| EDUC 541* | Second Language Acquisition & Development | 3 |
| EDUC 543* | Methods for Teaching Literacy in ESL | 3 |
| EDUC 549F | TESOL Capstone Seminar | 3 |
Choose one additional course of these three:
| COURSE NUMBER | COURSE TITLE | GRADUATE UNITS |
|---|---|---|
| EDUC 517 | Multiple Literacies | 3 |
| EDUC 518 | Writing Across the Curriculum | 3 |
| EDUC 519 | Literature for Children and Adolescents | 3 |
Electives (3 units)
Choose one course from the list below.
Electives other than those listed above may be accepted with the approval of the student's faculty advisor.
*Courses marked with an asterisk are the 12 units necessary to earn the TESOL certificate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will the program take me?
Typically students complete this program in 1.5 to 2 years, sometimes while working. The time to completion depends on the students' pace.
How many units are included?
The M.Ed. consists of 30 graduate units.
When are classes scheduled?
SOLES classes typically meet once per week during afternoon or evening hours for 2 hours and 50 minutes at a time. Practicum typically takes place during evening hours.
Can I work while completing this program?
It is possible to work full-time while completing this program since the practicum and much of the coursework take place in the late afternoon and evening. However, some required courses are offered on a daytime schedule which may require a flexible work schedule.
Will this program prepare me to teach in an elementary school, middle school, or high school classroom?
This program is primarily oriented toward preparing graduates to teach in adult education settings, such as community colleges or English language academies, in the United States and in the Kindergarten through adult sector in international contexts. It is important to note that this program does not include coursework required to earn a California teaching credential or CTEL certification, qualifications necessary to teach English learners in the K-12 sector in California. Candidates who plan to teach in K-12 public schools in the United States must earn a preliminary teaching credential through a separate program. Each state has its own credential requirements.
If candidates in the M.Ed. program are interested in learning about English teaching in the K-12 sector in California, they may take elective coursework as part of the program, but this will be for experiential purposes only, and will not result in a teaching credential for California public school systems.
SOLES does offer Preliminary Single Subject, Multiple Subject and Education Specialist teaching credentials through separate programs.
SOLES does not offer a separate CTEL/CLAD certification program. Qualifications for the CTEL/CLAD can be received through a state exam or through coursework in an approved CTEL/CLAD authorizing institution.
