M.Ed. in TESOL, Literacy and Culture
Program Information
The Basics
Degree: Master of Education in TESOL, Literacy and Culture
Units: 30 Graduate Units
Approximate Time to Completion
This program is typically completed in 1.5 - 2 years. Estimated time to completion includes summer and intersession coursework, which is not required. This program may be completed on a full-time or part-time basis. Typically, full-time coursework is 9 units per semester and part-time coursework is 6 units per semester.
Class Schedule
Classes typically meet once per week during the late afternoon or evening hours. Practicum may be completed during the evening hours for students who work full-time while completing the program.
Enrollment
This program enrolls approximately 15 new students each year.
Application Deadline
This program admits students for the fall, spring and summer semesters. Click
here for application deadline information.
Financial Aid
Financial Aid is available in the form of scholarships, grants, and student loans. Click here for financial aid information.
What can I do with this degree?
This program offers candidates the theoretical basis, as well as practical knowledge and field experiences, in teaching English as a Second and Foreign Language. It prepares candidates to work effectively in grades PK-16 and adult education settings. Many of our alumni teach in community colleges, universities, adult education centers, and language academies, both in the United States and overseas.
For more program information, visit the department website.
Application Checklist
- The University of San Diego Graduate School Admission Application. This application can be completed online at: www.sandiego.edu/admissions/graduate/apply/application.php
- The application fee of $45. Checks should be made out to the University of San Diego.
- One official sealed transcript from all colleges and universities attended.
- Three professional letters of recommendation from a current supervisor or a professor attesting to both academic and personal skills, and if possible, to teaching abilities.
- The Statement of Purpose. Address each of the following three questions. You do not need to write the 500-word general Statement of Purpose listed on the Graduate Application; please address this prompt instead. Each response has a maximum length of 250 words, for a total maximum length of 750 words for the Statement of Purpose. When writing your response please remember that this is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your writing skills and academic readiness.
- There is much concern about issues of access and equity in education. What do these concepts mean to you? What do you think might be some of the causes of inequity? What should be the role of a teacher relative to access and equity in schools?
- Describe your ideal classroom. How will the teaching and learning in this classroom help to prepare today’s students for an interconnected, global society?
- To become effective educators, teachers need to be willing to persevere through challenges and learn from their experiences. Describe a time when you encountered a significant challenge. How did you respond to the challenge? What did you learn from the experience?
- There is much concern about issues of access and equity in education. What do these concepts mean to you? What do you think might be some of the causes of inequity? What should be the role of a teacher relative to access and equity in schools?
- A current resume.
- Copies (not originals) of any present or previous teaching credentials from any state.
- Required documents for international students (if applicable).
- Official score reports for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
- Transcript Evaluation Report.
- Certification of Finances Form and required documentation.
Requirements for Admission
Standardized Testing Requirements
- No standardized testing is required for admission to this program.
Education Requirements
- Applicants must complete a bachelor’s degree prior to beginning the program.
- The minimum cumulative Grade Point Average is 2.75 (on a 4.00 scale) in all undergraduate coursework.
Credential and Experience Requirements
- Applicants must have a preliminary teaching credential and/or significant teaching experience if pursuing the Literacy specialization. The program is open to candidates without teaching experience and credentials if they are pursuing the TESOL specialization.
Interview Requirements
- The most qualified applicants will be invited to an interview.
Requirements for International Applicants
Please note that international applicants must submit additional materials in order to be considered for admission. More information on these requirements is available here.
- A Course-by-Course Transcript Evaluation Report from World Education Services (WES) or Education Credential Evaluators (ECE). Transcripts issued directly in English by the academic institution are preferred. Otherwise, all transcripts that are not issued in English must be officially translated by an approved agency.
- The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is required and may only be waived if English is the applicant’s primary language or if he or she obtained a bachelor’s degree in the U.S., Great Britain, Canada or Australia.
- TOEFL minimum scores:
- Internet-based test: 83
- Computer-based test: 237
- Paper-based test: 580
- IELTS minimum score:
- Band score 7
- TOEFL minimum scores:
- Certification of Finances Form and required documentation.
Deadline to Apply
All application materials, including transcripts, test score reports and letters of recommendation, must be received by the Office of Graduate Admissions by the deadline in order for your application to be considered. The current deadlines for admission to this program can be found here.
Application Status and Decisions
To confirm that application materials have been received or to check the status of your application, please log in to the MySanDiego portal with your applicant log-in or contact the Office of Graduate Admissions at 619-260-4524. Admissions decision letters are sent via US Mail.
| Send all application materials to: | For questions about this program or the admissions requirements contact: |
Office of Graduate Admissions Phone: (619) 260-4524 |
Office of Admissions and Outreach Phone: (619) 260-7988 |
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