EdM in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages & Applied Linguistics

On-Campus

The EdM in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) & Applied Linguistics prepares educators and language professionals to teach English and other languages to diverse learners across a wide range of educational and professional settings. Graduates of this program are equipped to teach in international K–12 schools, language institutes, universities, and community-based programs, and they seek careers in a variety of fields, including language education, applied linguistics, and multilingual communication.

Graduates teach English and other languages in higher education institutions, language institutes, and community-based programs both in the US and internationally. Many apply their expertise to curriculum design, publishing, educational consulting, policy development, and teacher training in public and private sectors. Others pursue careers in language assessment, instructional technology, corporate language training, and nonprofit organizations focused on ESL education. The program also serves those interested in applied linguistics research, with many graduates publishing, presenting at conferences, and continuing into PhD programs in second language studies, applied linguistics, and language education.

Students in the program are required to take courses in second language acquisition, TESOL pedagogy, assessment for language teaching, linguistic theory, applied English grammar, and research methodology, and two approved electives, chosen from options such as intercultural communication, critical applied linguistics, and applied phonology.

Candidates are also required to complete a practicum course that provides supervised teaching experience under mentor teachers, teaching English or other languages in community centers, language institutes, and colleges across Boston. This practicum offers structured exposure to diverse instructional settings, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge and develop pedagogical skills in classroom settings.

Learning Outcomes

• Students will be able to connect knowledge of content, teaching practices, student learning, and curriculum.
• Students will be able to develop lesson and unit plans that provide inclusive and affirming classroom experiences for all language learners.
• Students will be able to interpret research in TESOL & Applied Linguistics and apply it to the design of teaching materials, including addressing issues of access, equity, and diversity when teaching all students second languages.

Program Requirements (Total Units: 36)

Required Coursework (24 units)

• WED LS 565 Applied Linguistics: Language & Linguistics Survey (4 units)
• WED LS 567 Structure of English (4 units)
• WED LS 658 Second Language Acquisition (4 units)
• WED RS 600 Introduction to Research (4 units)
• WED TL 509 Foundations of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Pedagogy (4 units)
• WED TL 622 Assessment for Language Teaching and Research (4 units)

Electives (8 units)

• WED LS 610 Applied Phonology: Strategies for Improving English Language Learners’ Intelligibility (4 units)
• WED LS 626 Inter-Cultural Communication: Theoretical & Methodological Approaches (4 units)
• WED LS 640 Critical Applied Linguistics (4 units)
• WED TL 512 Introduction to Computer-Assisted Language Learning (4 units)
• WED WL 514 Inclusive Principles & Practices in World Language Education (4 units)
• A 4-unit graduate-level course offered by Wheelock or the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences and approved by the faculty advisor.

Practicum (4 units)

• WED TL 613 Student Teaching Practicum and Seminar (4 units)