Master of Arts in English Language Teaching and Applied Linguistics

Introduction

Program Advisor: Fatima Esseili
E-mail: fatima.esseili@ucdenver.edu

The English Language Teaching and Applied Linguistics track of the MA program offers a flexible, career-focused curriculum that integrates foundational expertise in language theory, linguistics and global Englishes, teaching English language learners (ELLs), writing and assessment, and technology-enhanced instruction. 

Students further specialize by tailoring the program to their professional goals through 15 credit hours of graduate electives chosen in consultation with an advisor. Options include internships at CU Denver’s ESL Academy, advanced courses in rhetoric and writing, applied linguistics, and writing pedagogy, as well as topics in technical and professional communication. 

The program prepares graduates for diverse careers in TESOL, writing instruction, international education, and related fields.

Pathways

Students may enter our graduate program in one of three ways:

MA Program: Students may apply directly to the MA program.

4+1 Track: Undergraduate students interested in accelerated graduate study may consider our 4+1 Track. This pathway allows students to complete both their BA and MA degrees in five years. See below for detailed eligibility requirements.

Teaching English Language Learners Graduate Certificate (CTELL) to MA Pathway: Students who successfully complete the CTELL Certificate at CU Denver—or who are in the process of completing it—may apply those graduate-level courses toward the English Language Teaching and Applied Linguistics MA. Please consult your advisor for approval.

Program Requirements

1. Students must complete a minimum of 30 ENGL credit hours.
2. Students must complete all courses at the graduate (5000 and above) level.
3. Students must earn a minimum grade of B- (2.7) in all  in all courses that apply to the degree and must achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Courses taken using P+/P/F or S/U grading cannot apply to program requirements. 
4. Students must complete a minimum of 21 ENGL credits with CU Denver faculty,

Program Restrictions, Allowances and Recommendations

1. All courses are three credit hours unless otherwise noted.
2. All courses must be completed in the ENGL subject code.
3. Students must complete all required coursework satisfactorily.
4. Students must demonstrate a commitment to language diversity. Students must demonstrate satisfaction of this requirement to their program advisor, through one of the following ways:
   1. A language other than English is spoken in the home and competency is confirmed by the CU Denver department of Modern Languages or an equivalent body.
   2. Completion of two semesters (or the equivalent) at the college level of any second language, including Old English, American Sign Language, computer coding, translation.
   3. Completing ENGL 5601 Teaching English Language Learners: Theory and Practice, as an elective course.
5. Compliance with all graduate education policies and requirements is required.
6. Graduate students may only count six credit hours of Independent Study toward the English MA degree.
7. Candidate for Degree: Graduate students must be registered for at least one credit hour during the semester that they graduate. Those who have completed all required courses and requirements may register for CAND 5940 Candidate for Degree section 900.
8. Teaching Assistantships: Graduate students who receive a teaching assistantship must take ENGL 5913 Practicum in Language and Rhetoric in the fall during their first semester as a teaching assistant. ENGL 5913 Practicum in Language and Rhetoric may also be counted as an elective.
9. The following will be waived for students who wish to enroll in the 4+1 program:
   1. Application fee
   2. Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores
   3. Letters of Recommendation
   4. One-page statement of purpose 

To learn more about the Student Learning Outcomes for this program, please visit our website.