M.Ed. in Teaching English as a Second Language

Teaching English as a Second Language at RIC A Program for Language Specialists with International Concerns

Admission Requirements

Admission to graduate study at Rhode Island College's Feinstein School of Education and Human Development is dependent on several factors. Primary consideration is given to a candidate's academic record, standardized test scores, a statement of professional goals as included in an application essay and a performance-based evaluation. A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university is required for admission to all graduate programs. Final acceptance is based on the combined decision of the appropriate academic department and the associate dean for graduate programs and assessment. Application deadlines are April 1st for fall admission and November 1st for spring admission.

• Application and $50.00 nonrefundable fee.
• One copy of all official transcripts of each undergraduate and graduate record.
• A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of B (3.00 on a 4.00 scale) in all undergraduate course work. Applicants with undergraduate GPAs less than 3.00 may be admitted to degree candidacy upon submission of other evidence of academic potential.
• Teaching certificate.
• Official standardized test scores (Graduate Record Examination or the Miller Analogies Test).
• Three candidate reference forms WITH 3 accompanying letters of recommendation.
• Professional goals essay.
• Performance-based evaluation.
• Other program specific requirements noted on corresponding program pages.
• For those seeking the ESL endorsement in Rhode Island to teach in K-12 settings, completion of college-level study of a second language as follows: elementary and intermediate grammar and conversation, and culture and civilization.
• An interview.

Note: If you plan to teach ESL to adults or you plan to teach internationally, a teaching certificate is not required for entry into this program. However, a suitable undergraduate minor (e.g. languages and linguistics; English; international studies) is required to take graduate courses in this program.

International Applicants must also submit:

• Official translated copies of all academic credentials.
• Score of Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or certification of English proficiency.
• Statement of financial ability (i.e. how the tuition will be paid).
• A copy, if applicable, of current visa.

With the assistance of the graduate TESL advisor, prior to beginning graduate coursework the student develops a proposed program of study outlined on the Plan of Study Form. The student’s advisor, the chair of the Department, and the graduate Dean for the Feinstein School of Education and Human Development, must approve this form. Any time a student's program changes, the student must submit an approved Change in Plan of Study Form.

Course Requirements

Note: All courses needed for the ESL endorsements are offered through this program and can be taken separately, under advisement.

*Candidates seeking ESL endorsement in the state of Rhode Island must complete some or all of these courses (TESL 539, TESL 549, TESL 507, TESL 541, TESL 546, TESL 551), depending on their teaching certificate. All endorsement-only participants must meet with an advisor to plan their course of study.

The M.Ed. in TESL Program is fully aligned with the TESOL/NCATE P-12 ESL Teacher Education Program Standards.

Special Features of the Program

The newly designed, 30-credit M.Ed. in TESL Program infuses access to national, regional and local experts in TESOL as a part of its coursework through multimedia and in-person educational experiences.

The M.Ed. in TESL Program offers a dynamic mix of summer institutes and on-campus offerings to promote best practices in schools.