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Frequently Asked Questions - Doctoral Program

Thank you for your interest in TESOL at Temple University. Below, you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our Ed.D. in Language Arts with specialization in TESOL. If, after reviewing this material, you still have questions, please contact the program coordinator listed below.

Can I apply to the program if I only have a Bachelor's degree?

• No, you have to have a Master's degree, preferably in a related field.

Can I apply to the program if I have a Master's degree in a field unrelated to English education?

• Yes, but, if accepted, you may be required to take additional coursework to fill the gaps in your knowledge of the field of TESOL.

Do I need to retake GRE or MAT in order to apply to the program if I took mine more than five years ago?

• Yes.

My GPA is lower than 3.0. Will I still have a chance to be accepted into the program?

• When considering applications, we carefully review all the materials in the application rather than focusing on any one aspect. If your GPA is lower than 3.0, we strongly recommended that you obtain high GRE scores (preferably in the top 25 %), strong letters of recommendation, and, most importantly, strong evidence of research interests and ability. If you are located in Philadelphia, you may also try taking classes as a non-matriculated student to obtain a high GPA.

I am an international student and my TOEFL iBT score is lower than 100. Will I still have a chance to be accepted into the program?

• Your best course of action is to retake the TOEFL and obtain a higher score. Our doctoral program is very rigorous and requires a high volume of reading and writing. Therefore, a high level of English proficiency is critical for your success.

Can I apply as a part-time student?

• No, we only accept full-time students into the program.

Is there financial assistance available?

• Yes. Each accepted student will be offered a graduate assistantship, which includes tuition remission.

When and how are pre-application interviews conducted?

• Pre-application interviews are conducted from September to November of every year by the faculty, in order to get to know the candidates and their research interests, and to give the candidates an opportunity to get to know the faculty and to ask them questions about the program. If you are in the area, we recommend that you contact us by e-mail in September and schedule a face-to-face interview. If you are located far from Philadelphia, we can schedule a phone interview for you.

I have failed to schedule my pre-application interview, will you still consider my application?

• Yes.

How long does it take to complete the doctoral program?

• Coursework usually takes three years, doctoral comprehensive exams take one semester, and data collection and write-up take up to two or three years. Most students take between five and seven years to complete the program. After your seventh year you will have to petition for an extension.

I have taken graduate courses in a related area at another university. Will I be able to count these credits towards my doctoral degree?

• Up to six credits from another institution may be transferred to our program, subject to faculty approval. Note that these credits do not include the 30 credits from your Master's degree, which are transferred automatically.

I have never taken courses at Temple. How do I register for courses?

• To register, you must visit Temple's Student Resource Center in Ritter Annex, room 150.

Is it possible to observe a class to get a sense of what TESOL classes at Temple are like?

• Yes, prospective students are always welcome to come and visit our classes. Please contact Dr. Aneta Pavlenko at apavlenk@temple.edu, if you are interested in scheduling a visit.

Still Have Questions?

For more information about the Doctor in Education (Ed.D) Program - TESOL and Language Arts program, please visit our website or contact the TESOL - Ed.D. Program Coordinator:

Aneta Pavlenko, Ph.D.,
Professor of TESOL
e-mail: aneta.pavlenko@temple.edu
phone: (215) 204-3792

Graduate Programs Office
College of Education
Temple University
Ritter Annex RM 150
1301 Cecil B. Moore Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19122
(215) 204-8007
e-mail: gradcoe@temple.edu
www.temple.edu/education/grad