Language and Learning - M.A. Degree

Department of Education
Office: E268 Thompson Hall

(716) 673-3701

Dr. Laura Geraci, Chairperson

Emailedu@fredonia.edu

Kate Mahoney, Program Coordinator

Email: Mahoney@fredonia.edu

 

The Master of Arts in Language and Learning does not lead to recommendation for teacher certification in New York State. There are two specialization areas from which a student may choose; the selected area will be indicated on the student's transcript when degree is awarded:

  • TESOL/TEFL
  • Bilingualism/Multilingualism

Requirements for Admission to Fredonia's Language and Learning, MA

  • Completion of a baccalaureate degree in an area of arts, science, or education.
  • Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above.
  • Completed Graduate Application submitted to the Office of Graduate Studies including:
    • Three (3) names with current contact information of professional associates who will speak on the candidate's behalf. These names are in lieu of submitting written recommendation letters. The TESOL Program Coordinator has the option of contacting these professional people for a reference.
    • Official academic transcripts from all prior undergraduate and graduate institutions (except Fredonia).

Language Proficiency Requirements

  • for Native Speakers of English:
    • A graduate-level 800-1,200 word essay in English which addresses the topic: “Describe your reasons for pursuing a graduate degree in Language and Learning and support your rationale with specific information pertinent to your desired degree.”
    • Twelve (12) post-secondary credit hours in a Language Other than English (LOTE), or an approved equivalency, in a single language.  Candidates may be accepted conditionally into the program without the LOTE credits fulfilled, but matriculation from the program is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of this requirement.
  • for Non-Native Speakers of English:
    • A graduate level 800-1,200 word essay in the candidate's native language.  This can be any completed academic paper (e.g., a paper from a college course).

Program Requirements:

Research Methods Sequence:

EDU 570Using Educational Research to Improve Instruction

3

EDU 660Conducting Educational Research

3

EDU 690Master's Thesis/Project

3-6

Total Credit Hours:9

NOTE:

  • EDU 690 is a variable 3-6 credit hour course. Students must complete the course for 3 credit hours to satisfy the degree requirements.

Core Courses required for Specializations:

EDU 518Second Language Acquisition and Development

3

 

EDU 565Language and Learning: Psycho- and Sociolinguistic Considerations for Educators of ELL Students

3

or

EDU 568Foundations of Bilingual Education

3

 

EDU 564Linguistics for ESL Educators

3

Total Credit Hours:9

NOTE:

  • EDU 568 is the core course taken for the TESOL/TFL, Language Policy, and Bilingualism/Multilingualism Specializations

Electives for Specializations:

TESOL / TEFL:

EDU 592Special Topics: Language, Learning, and Leadership

3

EDU 519Curriculum Theory for the Second Language Classroom - ESL I

3

EDU 540Content Area English as a Second Language

3

Elective

3

Total Credit Hours:12

Language Policy:

EDU 592Special Topics: Language, Learning, and Leadership

3

EDU 565Language and Learning: Psycho- and Sociolinguistic Considerations for Educators of ELL Students

3

Electives

6

Total Credit Hours:12

Bilingualism / Multilingualism:

EDU 592Special Topics: Language, Learning, and Leadership

3

EDU 565Language and Learning: Psycho- and Sociolinguistic Considerations for Educators of ELL Students

3

EDU 555Methods of Bilingual Education

3

One course in Study Abroad in L2 context (by advisement)

3

Total Credit Hours:12

Sociolinguistics:

EDU 592Special Topics: Language, Learning, and Leadership

3

EDU 568Foundations of Bilingual Education

3

Electives

6

Total Credit Hours:12

Heritage Languages:

EDU 592Special Topics: Language, Learning, and Leadership

3

EDU 519Curriculum Theory for the Second Language Classroom - ESL I

3

EDU 568Foundations of Bilingual Education

3

Elective

3

Total Credit Hours:12

Courses Existing in Other Departments Which May Be Considered as Electives for Specializations

Using these courses to satisfy a specialization elective depends on the specialization and requires approval from both the Chair of the department housing the course and the TESOL Program Coordinator.

English:

ENED 554Teaching Writing in the Secondary School

3

ENED 665Studies in English Education

3

ENGL 520Graduate Seminar in Literature and Culture

3

INED: Study abroad courses

Psychology:

PSY 510Contemporary Issues in Psychology

3

Education:

EDU 503Evaluation in the Schools

3

EDU 505The Process of Writing: K-12

3

EDU 506Introduction to Literacy Instruction

3

EDU 508Teaching Exceptional Learners in Inclusive Settings

3

EDU 529Proactive Approaches to Classroom Management in Inclusive Settings

3

EDU 539Current Issues and Problems in Education

3

EDU 552Introduction to Literacy Assessment

3

EDU 556Teaching Language Arts in Spanish

3

EDU 579Foundations of Literacy

3

EDUL 614Introduction to Educational Leadership

3

NOTE:

  • For the Bilingualism / Multilingualism, any of the required courses for the bilingual extension (CAS-BLE) may serve as an elective.

Total Credit Hours: 30