English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) - (M.A.T.)

The Master of Arts major in Reading, Language, and Literacy Education provides initial teacher certification in ESOL for individuals who have an interest in teaching English to speakers of other languages in K-12 settings. The course of study meets the requirements for professional certification at the initial level in ESOL and the requirements for a Reading Endorsement.

Admissions Requirements:

All applicants must meet the basic requirements for admission in the graduate program of the College of Education.

• Official scores on the GRE (general exam)
• GACE Test of Basic Skills  (or exemption - see admissions page)
• 2.5 undergraduate GPA with completed undergraduate degree
• 2-3 Letters of Recommendation (see specific requirements by degree on application page)
• Statement of goals

 In addition to the basic admission requirements the following is required for the MAT ESOL program.

To be considered for the MAT in ESOL program, candidates must have completed at least one (1) academic year of university foreign language sequence (3 quarters or 2 semesters of the same language) OR successful completion of one (1) semester of a non-Western language, OR one (1) year of living or studying abroad as an adult, OR the acquisition of English as a second language for non-native English speakers. 

Provisionally licensed teachers in ESOL are also accepted into the MAT ESOL program. 

Program Degree Requirements for the M.A.T. in Reading, Language, and Literacy Education with a concentration in ESOL

Professional Studies (9)
Required (3):
EPY 7080 The Psychology of Learning and Learners (3)

Select one (3):
EPRS 7900 Methods of Research in Education (3)
EPRS 7910 Action Research (3)

Select one (3)
EPSF 7100 Critical Pedagogy (3)
EPSF 7110 Multicultural Education (3)
EPSF 7120 Social and Cultural Foundations in Education (3)

Teaching Field/Major (27)
Required (24):
AL 8240 General Linguistics (3)
AL 8460 English Grammar for ESL/EFL Teachers (3)
AL 8470 Sociolinguistics (3)
EDRD 7600 Theory and Pedagogy in the Study of Reading (3)
EDRD 7630 Literacy in the Content Areas (3)
EDRD 7650 Individualized Literacy Assessment and Instruction (3)
TSLE 7250 Applied Linguistics for the Bilingual/English as a Second Language Teacher (3)
TSLE 7440 Methods and Materials for Bilingual/English as a Second Language Teacher (3)

Select one (3):
TSLE 7260 Cultural Issues for Bilingual/English as a Second Language Teacher (3)
AL 8330 Intercultural Communication (3)

Internship (9 semester hours)
EDCI 7660 Practicum I (3)
EDCI 7670 Practicum II (3)
EDCI 7680 Practicum III (3)

Program total: minimum of 45 semester hours

Students in this program will be eligible to be recommended for Georgia initial certification after earning passing scores on the GACE Basic Skills Assessment and GACE Content Assessments for Teaching English as a Second Language and successfully completing:

1. EXC 4020 Characteristics and Instructional Strategies for Students with Disabilities (or its equivalent) and EPY 7080.
2. AL 8240, TSLE 7250, TSLE 7260 or AL 8330, TSLE 7440, AL 8460, AL 8470, EDRD 7600, EDRD 7630, EDRD 7650, EDCI 7660, EDCI 7670, and EDCI 7680.
3. Presentation of a professional portfolio.

Program Flowchart

Program Coordinator: Dr. Youngjoo Yi , 404-413-8385 , yyi@gsu.edu    

For additional program information contact the initial TEEMS advisor at 404-413-8060 or email questions to TEEMS@gsu.edu.