The Master of Arts in Language Teaching prepares students for diverse careers in second and foreign language education, including teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL). The program emphasizes meaning-oriented language instruction with a focus on intercultural communicative competence, technology in language learning, teaching second language writing, and teaching heritage speakers. Students gain a broad and multifaceted understanding of second language learning processes in their cognitive and social contexts and learn how theories and research in second language acquisition (SLA) inform current approaches to language teaching and the design of pedagogical materials and innovative curricula. 

The program prepares students for careers in language education in varied instructional and cultural settings in the United States or abroad or for further graduate study or research in related fields.

Requirements for the MA in Language Teaching

Completion of all requirements established by the program's Advisory Board, the student's graduate advisory committee, and Graduate Studies, to include:

1. Completion of an approved program consisting of 36 units of 400/500/600-level courses.
   1. The required core courses (24 units), one of the two language studies emphasis (9 units), and the culminating activity (3 units).
   2. At least 60 percent of the units required for the degree in 600-level courses.
   3. Not more than 15 units taken before admission to classified status.
   4. Not more than a total of 10 units of Independent Study (697) and Master's Thesis (699T) or Master's Project (699P); not more than 6 units of Master's Thesis (699T) or Master's Project (699P).

¹

Taking a beginning-level course in a foreign language is strongly recommended for all students in EDSL 610.

²

EDSL 689 is required for the Graduate TESOL Certificate.

³

Must be taken for three units.

Students entering the program without teaching experience must demonstrate experience prior to graduation through one or more of several options: internship courses offered by the Languages and Cultures Department (e.g., SPAN 689); as an instructor in University departments (e.g., English or Languages and Cultures) or at the community college level (e.g., Butte College, Shasta College, Yuba College); teaching experience overseas; or by other appropriate means.

The language studies component of the program consists of nine units of electives within one of two areas of emphasis: English as a Second/Foreign Language or Foreign Language. In consultation with a graduate advisor, students will choose an area of emphasis consistent with the target language they teach.

English as a Second/Foreign Language

¹

ENGL 375, a foundation course, is strongly recommended for all students in this emphasis.

Foreign Language

For the Foreign Language emphasis, students select nine units of 400/500/600-level coursework in linguistics, language, literature and/or culture taught in the target language. Selections should consist primarily of courses taught in the target language (e.g., French, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish). Candidates are expected to hold an appropriate degree or credential, or to possess comparable proficiency in the target language as assessed by the Languages and Cultures Department. In consultation with the graduate advisor, candidates may also select one course from the English Department offerings in linguistics, as appropriate.

Culminating Activity

The culminating activity consists of a thesis, project, or comprehensive examination. Students enroll in Master's Project or Master's Thesis units from the home department of their graduate advisory committee chair (e.g., ENGL 699P or ENGL 699T, SPAN 699P or SPAN 699T). Any 699 course normally must be taken for three units. Students who choose the comprehensive examination enroll in EDSL 696 for three units.

1. Thesis or Project Plan. Requires completion and final approval of a thesis or project for 3 units (699T or 699P), plus at least 33 units of approved coursework (44 units for Single Subject Credential [Spanish] option).
   1. A proposal for the thesis or project must be submitted to and approved by the graduate advisory committee before the student may enroll in the thesis or project units. When human subjects approval is required, clearance must be secured before the proposal is filed.
   2. An oral defense shall be conducted by the candidate's graduate advisory committee.
   3. Approval by the graduate advisory committee, the Graduate Coordinator, and the Office of Graduate Studies is required.
2. Comprehensive Examination Plan. Requires completion of 3 units of Comprehensive Examination (EDSL 696) in preparation for a written comprehensive examination, with oral review, covering each of the program areas, plus at least 33 units of approved coursework (44 units for Single Subject Credential [Spanish] option).
   1. The graduate advisory committee will prepare, administer, and evaluate the comprehensive examination.
   2. Each examination shall be graded as honors, pass, or fail.
   3. All parts of the comprehensive examination must receive a grade of pass. The candidate may repeat each part of the examination once.

Requirements for the Option in Single Subject Credential (Spanish)

Admission Requirements

Prior to admission to the option, students will need to have completed:

1. A bachelor's degree from an accredited program
2. Subject-matter competency waiver letter (Spanish) OR CSETs (Spanish) 
3. Basic Skills Examination (e.g., California Basic Education Skills Test (CBEST) or equivalent)
4. Additional requirements for admission to the Single Subject Credential Program (Certificate of Clearance, TB clearance)
5. The following prerequisite courses:

Course Requirements 

Culminating Activity

The culminating activity consists of a thesis, project, or comprehensive examination. Students enroll in Master's Project or Master's Thesis units from the home department of their graduate advisory committee chair (e.g., ENGL 699P or ENGL 699T, SPAN 699P or SPAN 699T). Any 699 course normally must be taken for three units. Students who choose the comprehensive examination enroll in EDSL 696 for three units.

Graduate Grading Requirements

All courses in the major (with the exceptions of Independent Study - 697, Comprehensive Examination - 696, Master's Project - 699P, and Master's Thesis - 699T) must be taken for a letter grade, except those courses specified by the department as ABC/No Credit (400/500-level courses), AB/No Credit (600-level courses), or Credit/No Credit grading only. A maximum of 10 units combined of ABC/No Credit, AB/No Credit, and Credit/No Credit grades may be used on the approved program (including 697, 696, 699P, 699T and courses outside the major). While grading standards are determined by individual programs and instructors, it is also the policy of the University that unsatisfactory grades may be given when work fails to reflect achievement of the high standards, including high writing standards, expected of students pursuing graduate study.

Students must maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average in each of the following three categories: all coursework taken at any accredited institution subsequent to admission to the master's program; all coursework taken at California State University, Chico subsequent to admission to the program; and all courses on the approved master's degree program.

Continuous enrollment is required. At the discretion of the academic program, a maximum of 30 percent of the units counted toward the degree requirements may be special session credit earned in non-matriculated status combined with all transfer coursework.  This applies to special session credit earned through Open University, or in courses offered for academic credit through Professional & Continuing Education. Correspondence courses and UC Extension coursework are not acceptable for transfer.

Graduate Time Limit

All requirements for the degree are to be completed within seven years of the end of the semester of enrollment in the oldest course applied toward the degree. See Master's Degree Requirements for complete details on general degree requirements.

Graduate Requirement in Writing Proficiency

All students must demonstrate competency in writing skills as a requirement for graduation. Students in the program will demonstrate their writing proficiency by submitting an acceptable Justification Statement with the application to the program. Consult the Graduate Coordinator for further information.

Prerequisites for Admission to Conditionally Classified Status

1. An acceptable baccalaureate from an accredited institution, or an equivalent approved by Graduate Studies. Candidates with a foreign language emphasis are expected to hold an appropriate degree or credential, or to demonstrate comparable proficiency in the target language as assessed by the Languages and Cultures Department.
2. Satisfactory grade point average as specified in Graduate and Postbaccalaureate Admission Requirements.
3. An undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 in the last 30 units, and 2.75 in the last 60 units.
4. Approval by the Language Teaching program and Graduate Studies. Students admitted to conditionally classified status must also file an approved, preliminary program plan with the Graduate Coordinator and request advancement to classified status upon completion of six units of the proposed program.
5. A minimum TOEFL score of at least 550 on the paper-based exam; 213 on the computer-based TOEFL; 80 on the internet-based test; or a band score of 6.5 on the IELTS.

Prerequisites for Admission to Classified Status

1. In place of the third requirement above: an undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 in the last 60 units. Students admitted to classified status must also file an approved, preliminary program plan with the Graduate Coordinator.
2. All other conditions listed under Admission to Conditionally Classified Status.

Advancement to Candidacy

In addition to any requirements listed above:

1. Classified graduate standing.
2. Completion of nine units of the proposed program at the University.
3. An approved master's degree program plan developed in consultation with the graduate advisory committee and the Graduate Coordinator.
4. Request for advancement to candidacy.