Teaching of Languages (TESOL) MATL

Program-at-a-Glance (Graduate)

Credit Hours:

Total Hours: 33

Cost per Credit Hour:

$519.12

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Completion Time:

6 semesters

University Accreditation:

SACSCOC

Special Requirements:

Non-native speakers require an undergraduate degree in the language or equivalent of 30 hours of experience.

Learn more about this program:

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Our online TESOL degree program is offered fully online and is one of the largest programs of its kind in the United States addressing language teachers’ needs. The focus of the MATL is on developing and enhancing knowledge, skills, and theories in language, language acquisition, and language instruction, factors essential for effective teaching and successful learning.

This convenient and affordable online degree brings together world language teachers and teachers-to-be from all parts of the United States and abroad. The University of Southern Mississippi’s large variety of courses are aimed to meet the multi-faceted needs of today’s language teachers. Looking for more? Our enrollment coaches are here to help. Click here for more info! This is your life, plus college!

A number of scholarship opportunities are available for online students! Our Online Student Scholarship gives first time, fully online students an opportunity for $500 towards their first semester. To get started with our Online Student Scholarship, or to view our list of available scholarships for which you may qualify, visit our Student Scholarship page now!

The Graduate School will be authorizing standardized test waivers to applicants to this program! There is currently no GRE requirement for this degree!

Course Requirements (33 hours)

Course	Credits
Teaching Second Languages: Theory into Practice	3 hrs.
Applied Linguistics in Second and Foreign Languages	3 hrs.
Second Language Acquisition Theory and Practice	3 hrs.
Sociocultural and Sociolinguistic Perspectives in Language	3 hrs.
Practicum in Second of Foreign Language	3 hrs.

Four (4) additional TSL courses (12 hours)
Electives 6 hrs.

Additional Note

Please note that the above information is meant to be a guide and is not official. For further information regarding courses for this degree, see the University Bulletin. Please be aware that not all course choices listed in the University Bulletin are available online. However, sufficient online options are available to complete this degree.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this program lead to initial licensure or an upgraded license in Mississippi or any other state?

Licensure requirements and approval are determined by each state’s licensing board. For additional information about professional licensure, please review the Professional Licensure Disclosures web page.

Are there additional fees?

Additional course fees may apply to the online MATL degree. Fees range between $20 – $60.

Can I complete the program online, and if so how long does it take?

Yes, you can complete the online TESOL degree program entirely online. It will take approximately 5-6 semesters to do so. We offer courses in the fall, spring, and summer online. There are in-class options as well.

What are the costs?

Students are charged in-state tuition for online enrollment and for summer enrollment. To find pricing information, visit our pricing page. For financial aid information, view our financial aid page. For detailed tuition information, visit our business services page.

Are there scholarships available for grad students?

Yes! To view all the funding resources available to graduate students, please visit the Graduate Admissions Funding Resources page.

How many classes can I take every semester?

The online MATL degree program is designed for students who work and want to go to school part-time. We offer at least two courses a semester (fall, spring, and summer).

Can I take courses as a non-degree student?

Students may take up to 9 hours of non-degree work with the school director’s approval. Students will be approved for this option if there are strong indications the student can do well in the courses. Taking courses as a non-degree student does not guarantee admission to the program.

Do I have to take the GRE to get into the MATL program?

Yes, all students who apply to the MATL program must take the Graduate Record Examination and submit the general section scores in verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing. We do not accept GRE scores that are more than 5 years old. In general, your grade point average from your undergraduate studies, along with letters of recommendation and your statement of purpose, serve as the best indicators of success in our program.

What are the application deadlines?

Fall – August 1st
Spring – November 1st
Summer – April 1st

Can I transfer coursework from another program into the MATL?

Yes, it is possible transfer up to 33% of the total credit-hours of appropriate graduate level course work needed to graduate into our online TESOL degree program. Coursework from a completed degree cannot be transferred, however.

How do I apply to the program?

The prospective student must complete the Graduate School admission application online and pay the application fee at http://apps.usm.edu/graduate-school/grad-school-apps/.

What can I expect when I start taking classes?

The graduate online TESOL degree program is different from traditional face-to-face course work. There will be required chats and discussion groups that will allow you to be part of an online community. But this type of participation also requires more self-discipline and personal motivation. You may have to make more effort to connect with instructors and fellow graduate students. Keep in mind that graduate school requires a lot more reading and writing, and this is especially true in an online environment. Students should expect to spend a significant amount of time weekly studying, attending online class meetings, and completing projects.

What kind of technology do I need to complete this degree online?

It is recommended that you have a fairly new computer and a high-speed Internet connection. For chat group sessions you will need a headset with a built-in microphone.

Can I obtain a degree with a dual emphasis in French and Spanish or in Spanish and TESOL, for example?

Yes, as long as you qualify for the languages in which you would like the dual emphases. A dual-emphasis degree is 45 hours. Please see the Graduate Student Handbook available on request from the program coordinator.

What do international students need to do to apply to the program?

All international students must follow the same application procedures as everyone else. In addition they must take the IELTS or TOEFL to qualify for the program. Please see more the bulletin for details.

Do I have to participate in online chat groups at a specific time?

Yes, most courses have a chat component in the fall and spring semesters. You would need to be available to chat during those times. Times are listed on SOAR. Teachers can work with you to make up missed chats, if necessary, but keep in mind that chat is included as part of your grade and is considered important for increasing interaction with your classmates and professors. Chat usually occurs once a week and lasts an hour. It occurs either in late afternoon or early evening, making it convenient to working teachers.

Who should I ask to write my letters of recommendation?

Ask professionals (e.g., professors, supervisors) who know your academic and/or professional work to write letters of recommendation for you. Letters of recommendation from former professors and other credentialed academics carry more weight.

What other online degrees are offered by Online at Southern Miss?

Please visit our programs page here: https://online.usm.edu/programs/

How can Southern Miss meet my needs as a military veteran or service member?

Visit online.usm.edu/military for more information on how Southern Miss can serve you and your needs. We will help you with funding and scholarship information, admissions, and course enrollment.

What if I still have questions?

If you still have questions, please visit our FAQ page, or take a moment to fill out our form at the bottom of the screen, and we will reach out to you!

Admission Requirements

The Graduate School is now offering standardized test waivers to applicants of this program for this program. There is currently no GRE requirement for this degree!

Admission Requirements
In addition to meeting the Admission Requirements and Procedures, the master’s program applicant in the Teaching of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) emphasis must present the following items:

Official scores for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
A current resumé.
A statement of purpose written in English (300-500 words) that explains your professional goals and why you want to pursue graduate study in language teaching. The statement can include particular interests, academic accomplishments, travel abroad, teaching experience, or other relevant preparation.
For international students whose native language is not English, official scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) are required. Successful applicants should have a score of 83 on the Internet-based test, with no section lower than 19. Information on the TOEFL is available at http://www.toefl.org. The school will also accept an IELTS score of a 6.5 with no sub-test score below a 6.
Three Letters of Recommendation

Program Requirements and Academic Policies
Students in the TESOL emphasis whose first language is English must meet a foreign language requirement by completing nine hours of undergraduate foreign language study or the equivalent, with an average of “B” or better. The comprehensive examination consists of a successful defense of a portfolio. For other requirements and expectations, see General Degree Requirements and General Academic Information.

The University of Southern Mississippi is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools of Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). That means you can expect a program with the highest standards and quality.

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