Graduate
Linguistics / English as a Second Language M.A.
At USF, our Linguistics and TESL programs are among the oldest in the Sunshine State. Linguistics dates back to the early 1960s, early in USF history, and the Applied Linguistics program has prepared ESL/ESOL/EFL educators since the 1970s.
However, our program is known for more than its age-it is known for the quality of our graduates.
Our students are prepared for positions teaching second languages to non-native speakers, whether adults or children. Our alumni have taught in six continents, in public and private institutes, here in the Tampa Bay area and around the world. Other graduates have continued their graduate education and earned doctoral degrees. Many of our alumni hold positions of leadership. In short, our graduates have made a name for the applied linguistics program at USF.
How do we prepare teachers for such a broad range of instructional contexts?
Our instructional approach to the field of applied linguistics includes theory and practical applications. Every course provides students the grounding of theory and research, while making knowledge relevant through application activities. This approach lets our students build up a broad range of expertise. Our graduates know more than classroom techniques: they also know how to interpret the research literature and reflectively apply it to their instructional context.
Different programs of study in applied linguistics are offered at USF. Our primary program leads to a Master of Arts in Linguistics: Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL). This non-thesis program is appropriate for those who wish to teach in intensive English institutes, in community college settings, in private schools, and in international contexts.
Why Study Here?
Our Expertise
Our MA program was established in 1978. Our program is one of the oldest of its kind in the Sunshine State.
Faculty-Student Relationship
Mutual appreciation, respect, and support mark the faculty-student relationship in our program. Our faculty, all of whom hold Ph.D. degrees, set the level of instruction to challenge students to achieve their best. Our students enjoy graduate courses devoted to graduate students: we do not "cross register" undergraduate and graduate courses. Students receive additional faculty attention since typical class sizes are around 15 students per class. Our students appreciate the opportunities for close faculty mentorship that are available in our program.
Alumni Employability
Our program prepares students for a broad range of opportunities in Applied Linguistics. Moreover, our graduates enter the job market with a wealth of experiences and professional skills. A recent graduate informed the program that he was offered every job he applied for: His challenge was not finding a job but choosing the best one.
Internship
You need not be concerned if you lack teaching experience when you enter our program. You will have gained valuable hands-on experience by the time you graduate as part of the internship component of our program. An internship experience is a required feature of our program, and there is some flexibility in selecting where students complete their internships (e.g., a foreign language course, a community-based ESL program). Our internship is one more reason why our graduates are in high demand in the job market.
Theory Plus Practice
Every class blends theory with practice/application. Pedagogically speaking, yes, you will learn "what to do on Monday morning" but you will go beyond that! In other courses, you will apply linguistic knowledge to real-world problems. With a solid foundation in theory and research, you will know why to select a particular instructional approach. You will be able to interpret, critique, and apply the research literature.
The Portfolio
In every class, you will apply theory to practice in assignments that include projects and papers. By compiling these papers, projects, and reflections, you will build up your portfolio gradually throughout your coursework in the program. At the end of your program of studies, you will submit your portfolio for evaluation as part of the comprehensive examination system. Our alumni report that the portfolio is a powerful tool, and that it helped them appreciate what they learned in their courses. It also can be used to demonstrate your experience and abilities to prospective employers.
LINGO
Our Linguistics Graduate Organization, LINGO, is run by students, for students. Grad students, with the help of a faculty advisor, plan sessions to help in professional development, career preparation, and social interaction. Joining LINGO lets you gain leadership experience and make connections with students and other professionals in the field.
Program Atmosphere
We enjoy a positive climate in our program. This is partly because of the collaborative teamwork carried out by our students. It is also because of the mutual respect between faculty and students. In the MA program, we enjoy a positive atmosphere and high achievement. We invite you to come visit us and see if you would like to make our program your academic home.
Core Faculty
FAQs
What kind of job will I be prepared for with the MA in Linguistics/ESL from USF?
Our Master's program is appropriate if you are interested in teaching adult second language learners or pursuing doctoral studies in Applied Linguistics. This program will prepare you for a career in private language institutes or in university-affiliated language programs. You will be prepared for positions in teaching or administration in these settings. In both the US and abroad, your master's degree will make you a desirable candidate in a competitive job market. Our graduates are also well-prepared for pursuing doctoral studies and have found our MA program to be an excellent foundation for future careers in academia.
What kind of students are enrolled in the program?
Our graduate students come from the United States and many other countries. Most of our students have some English language teaching experience; many of them have worked in international contexts. In our program, you will likely find many shared experiences with the other students.