Master of Education in Literacy, Culture, and TESOL

Program Overview

The University of San Diego’s School of Leadership and Education Sciences offers a Literacy, Culture, and TESOL Program to assist professionals in the field of education 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 Literacy, Culture, and TESOL Program has two specialization options; Literacy and TESOL, which share three common goals: 1. critical understanding of theory and practice, 2. development and implementation of research-based and culturally responsive teaching practices, including closing the achievement gap and systems that perpetuate educational inequity, and 3. opportunities for development as change agents and teacher-scholars at local, national and/or international levels. 

Specialization Options

• Literacy

The literacy specialization prepares K-12 teachers to apply a socio-cultural/cognitive perspective and contemporary understandings about language and literacy to meet the needs of diverse students. Candidates are expected to make connections between research, theory, policy, and practice promoting continuous professional, intellectual, and social growth about how teaching and learning can be improved. This specialization provides a solid base about literacy and language theories, applications to practice, literature and writing across the curriculum, multiple literacies and exemplary teaching practices.

• TESOL (USD Certificate)
• California Teachers of English Learners (CTEL) - Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) Certificate***

***Candidates may be eligible to apply to the CTC for a CTEL Certificate upon completion of CTEL  courses.  Students who hold a CLAD, SB 2042 or EL credential authorization are not eligible.  See Credential Analyst for CTEL requirements.  CTEL Program pending USD and CTC approval.

The TESOL specialization and CTEL courses offer candidates the theoretical basis and practical knowledge/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, such as community colleges, universities, adult education centers, and language academies. The program focuses on culture, linguistics, second language acquisition, and methodology of teaching ESL, including alignment with required standards and a sound understanding of the complexities of working with linguistically and culturally diverse populations.

Scholarships and financial aid are available through the School of Leadership and Education Sciences. For more information, please visit www.sandiego.edu/soles/financialaid.

Admission Requirements

While applicants are evaluated based on a holistic method, the successful candidate for the program must demonstrate his or her competence in the following manner:

• Submit the Graduate School Admission Application and Statement of Purpose online at www.sandiego.edu/admissions/graduate/application.php. The Statement of Purpose should explain reasons for seeking the degree and other information that would assist the admissions committee in its decision, including information on an applicant’s experience in working with students in school or non-school settings.
• Submit all college/university transcripts. Applicants must submit one official sealed transcript from every college or university attended. A minimum grade point average of 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale) is required in all undergraduate coursework. 
• For international students only: 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.  In addition, applicants are required to have their foreign transcripts evaluated by an independent credential evaluation service.  Applicants may contact The International Education Research Foundation, Inc. and request a Detail Report, or World Education Services and request a Course-by-Course Report.
• Submit three professional letters of recommendations from a current supervisor or a professor attesting to both academic and personal skills and, if possible, to teaching abilities. Please do not submit personal recommendations.
• Submit a resume.
• Additional requirements for international students:
• Submit the official results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Minimum requirements are 83 (Internet-based), 237 (computer-based), or 580 (paper-based). 
• Submit Certification of Finances Form and supporting documents.  Please visit www.sandiego.edu/admissions/graduate/international.php for form and additional information. 

Application Deadlines:

The Department of Learning and Teaching accepts applications on a rolling admissions basis.  Please visit www.sandiego.edu/soles/admissions for the most current deadlines.

Contact Information

For more information, go to www.sandiego.edu/soles/admissions.