Program Description
The Master of Applied Second Language Acquisition (MASLA) is a flexible degree program that combines training in topics pertinent to second language acquisition theory and practice, including linguistics, research and teaching methods, and materials and assessment design, with advanced discipline-specific coursework focused on the areas of TESOL, Spanish and French. It is designed for anyone with an interest in teaching one of these languages, including currently certified teachers. MASLA graduates will be well qualified to teach languages in a variety of settings, both in the United States and abroad.
Admission Requirements
In addition to the general requirements outlined in the Admission to Graduate Study section of the Graduate Catalog, applicants for admission to the MASLA program must fulfill the following requirements:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree in English, French, or Spanish, or a bachelor’s degree in another field and significant course work and/or experience relating to the focus areas of this program (linguistics, language teaching, foreign language proficiency, etc.);
- Have a minimum overall GPA of 3.00 in all previous university-level course work;
- Submit a completed Missouri State University Graduate Application;
All candidates must apply to one of the following language tracks:
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
Candidates wishing to pursue the TESOL track must submit the following:
- A Graduate Assistantship Application if the prospective student would like to be considered for this award (submitted directly to the English department);
- A personal statement (a 200- to 250-word description of the reasons and goals behind the applicant’s interest in graduate studies in TESOL);
- At least two letters of recommendation from individuals able to speak of the applicant’s academic achievements and potential;
- A writing sample (a 10-12 page academic paper written in English).
French
Candidates wishing to pursue the French track must submit the following:
- A Graduate Assistantship Application if the prospective student would like to be considered for this award (submitted directly to the Languages, Cultures, and Religions Department);
- A personal statement in the target language (an essay of at least 350 words addressing the reasons and goals behind the applicant’s interest in graduate studies in French language learning and teaching);
- At least two letters of recommendation from individuals able to speak of the applicant’s academic achievements and potential;
- A rating of at least Intermediate High on the ACTFL Writing Proficiency Test dated within the past three years;
- A rating of at least Intermediate High on the ACTFL Oral Proficiency Test dated within the past three years.
Spanish
Candidates wishing to pursue the Spanish track must submit the following:
- A Graduate Assistantship Application if the prospective student would like to be considered for this award (submitted directly to the Languages, Cultures, and Religions Department);
- A personal statement in the target language (an essay of at least 350 words addressing the reasons and goals behind the applicant’s interest in graduate studies in Spanish language learning and teaching);
- At least two letters of recommendation from individuals able to speak of the applicant’s academic achievements and potential;
- A rating of at least Intermediate High on the ACTFL Writing Proficiency Test dated within the past three years;
- A rating of at least Intermediate High on the ACTFL Oral Proficiency Test dated within the past three years.
Applicants will be notified once their application is complete. Students who do not meet GPA and/or language proficiency requirements but who show high promise may be admitted conditionally. As conditions of admission, they may be required to take extra courses to make up deficiencies (including weaknesses in writing) or they may have other requirements stipulated.
Transferred Courses
Candidates may transfer up to nine hours in course work taken at other regionally accredited institutions into the MASLA program. However, any decision regarding credit for transferred courses is subject to the terms of the Transfer Credit policy outlined in the Graduate Catalog.
Double Counting of Course Work
MASLA student may double count toward the MASLA all 15 hours of course work taken as part of the Graduate Certificate in TESOL. Up to nine hours of course work may double count toward the MASLA and the M.A. in English or Writing.
Teacher Certification/TESOL Endorsement
The MASLA is not a teacher certification program and does not contain a certification or endorsement option. One of the purposes of the program is to allow presently certified foreign language teachers to pursue a master’s degree in their fields. Prospective MASLA candidates who are not certified to teach in Missouri but who wish to seek certification in Spanish or French or to add an ELL endorsement to an existing certification should speak with an advisor in the Department of English or in the Department of Languages, Cultures, and Religions.
Accelerated Master’s Degree Option
Missouri State University Bachelor of Science in Modern Language majors who meet all MASLA admissions requirements may apply for preliminary acceptance into the program. If accepted, they may apply up to 9 hours in graduate course work toward both their undergraduate degree and the MASLA.
Accelerated option students may only count one MASLA core course (LCR 691 ) or LCR 710 toward both degree programs. The other two courses must be language track required or elective courses with the same course prefix as their BSML concentration. Accelerated master’s students must use a mixed-credit permission form to obtain approval for the courses they wish to count toward both degree programs.
Students interested in the accelerated master option should meet with their undergraduate advisor and with the MASLA program director to determine eligibility and apply during the second semester of their junior year.
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