The Master of Arts in Language Teaching prepares you 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 language speakers.

You gain a broad and multifaceted understanding of the second language learning processes in cognitive and social contexts. You 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 you for careers in language education—whether you are teaching in the United States or abroad—or continuing your academic journey through graduate study or research in related fields.

The Option in Single Subject Credential (Spanish) is also available if you want to meet California teaching credential requirements while earning your MA degree.

Advising Requirement

Advising is mandatory for this program. Consult your department advisor or program coordinator for information.

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 and 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

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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 (e.g., Spanish BA or CSETs in Spanish)
3. Additional requirements for admission to the Single Subject Credential Program (Admission interview, Certificate of Clearance, TB clearance)
4. 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 Comprehensive Examination - 696, Independent Study - 697, 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 696, 697, 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 Chico State subsequent to admission to the program; and all courses in the approved master's degree program. Failure to maintain a 3.0 average in any category will result in academic notice in the master's program. Failure to remedy the deficiency within one semester with appropriate courses approved by the program coordinator may result in disqualification from the master's program. See Graduate Education Policies for more information.

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. Three letters of recommendation. Letters of recommendation should be from individuals who have had a working or academic relationship with the candidate. Letters should address personal characteristics, performance, experience, strengths, weaknesses, capabilities, and professional promise.
5. 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.
6. 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.

Definition of Blended Programs

A blended bachelor's and master's degree program combines an existing Chico State bachelor's degree with an existing Chico State master's degree; the blended program allows up to 12 units of the graduate program units to be double-counted at the undergraduate level, for a minimum of 138 units to receive both degrees. Students who complete a blended program will receive both a bachelor’s and master’s degree. Upon completion of 120 semester units and with the completion of all requirements for the bachelor's degree, students in blended programs will be awarded the bachelor's degree. Upon completion of the requirements for the master's degree, students will be awarded the master's degree.

Students interested in applying to a blended program must be enrolled in a bachelor's degree program at Chico State and must meet and maintain the minimum GPA of the existing master's degree entrance requirements for all bachelor's coursework completed at the time of the application to the blended program, or show promise to reach this level as determined by the program. Once admitted to the blended program, students shall not be required to apply for admission to the master's program.

Blended English, German, or Spanish BA + Language Teaching MA

The blended program allows students to count up to four courses (12 units) toward a bachelor’s degree in a language and the master’s degree in language teaching. Once accepted into the blended program as an undergraduate, students take up to 12 units of courses in their language specialization. These courses are chosen in consultation with their undergraduate BA advisor and the Graduate Coordinator for the MA in language teaching.

Eligibility

The blended program is for highly motivated, well-qualified students. The program allows a student to apply after completing 60 units toward their bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 2.5.

Application Procedure

Application deadlines: April 1 for fall start, November 1 for spring start. 

Students who meet the eligibility criteria may submit an application for admission to the blended program. Formal application through Cal State Apply is not necessary and the student is not required to pay an application fee. GRE scores are not required. Students must meet the requirements outlined below to change to blended graduate status and continue toward the master's degree.

Grading Requirement

Once in the blended program, students must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA during their remaining undergraduate and graduate semesters.

Transition to Graduate Status

Students can transition to the graduate program after completing all undergraduate degree requirements with a minimum 2.5 GPA in all coursework. The Office of Graduate Studies and the Graduate Coordinator will verify graduate program eligibility at the end of the semester in which the bachelor's degree is completed. Qualified students change to graduate status effective the following semester.

Requirements for a Blended BA + Language Teaching MA

English BA: The blended program allows ENGL 470 plus any three 400-600 level English (ENGL) courses (nine units) to count toward both degrees. Courses should be chosen in consultation with an advisor.

German BA: The blended program allows ENGL 470 plus any three 400-600 level German (GERM) courses (nine units) to count toward both degrees. Courses should be chosen in consultation with an advisor.

Spanish BA: The blended program allows three courses (nine units) of 400-600 level Spanish (SPAN) courses to count toward both degrees. Courses should be chosen in consultation with an advisor.

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) are clear, measurable statements that describe how students demonstrate mastery of the knowledge, skills, and values of the discipline as appropriate to the degree. Graduates of this program are expected to achieve the following PLOs:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of language learners, second language acquisition, and the interaction of second language acquisition theory, research, and practice.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of and skills in foreign/second language teaching (e.g., methods, approaches, and strategies) and culture teaching/learning in foreign/second language contexts.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of and skills in curriculum development and language learning materials in foreign languages/TESOL.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of and skills in assessment, testing, and evaluation in foreign languages and TESOL.
5. Develop knowledge of professional standards and demonstrate competencies in inquiry-oriented, standards-based, reflective practice.
6. Demonstrate knowledge of and tools for conducting a broad variety of research for continued professional development and /or further academic study.