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Frequently Asked Questions - TESOL Master's Program

Thank you for your interest in TESOL at Temple University. Below, you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our Master's Program. If, after reviewing this material, you still have questions, please contact the program coordinator listed below.

Can I apply to the program if my Bachelor's degree is not in English education?

• Yes.

Do I need to take GRE or MAT in order to apply to the program even if I already have a Master's degree in another area?

• Yes. We do not waive this requirement unless you come from our affiliated programs in Korea.

My undergraduate 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 undergraduate GPA is lower than 3.0, we cannot admit you.  However, if you have a GRE or MAT score above the 65% or nine credits of graduate coursework with a GPA of 3.25 or greater, you are considered admissible. If you are located in Philadelphia, you may also try taking classes as a non-matriculated student and 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 program is very rigorous and requires a high volume of reading and active participation in class discussions. Therefore, a high level proficiency in English is required. In the past, we have made exceptions only for applicants with slightly lower TOEFL iBT scores who presented very strong applications and alternative evidence of high English proficiency.

What kinds of jobs do graduates of your program get after graduation?

• There are four main ways in which our graduates use their Master's Degree in TESOL:

1. To teach college/adult level ESL at community colleges, universities, and immigrant support services in the U.S.
2. To teach English abroad at the secondary or college level (e.g., in Asia or Eastern Europe).
3. (For those who are already certified to teach in public schools) to enhance their position as ESL specialists in the public school system.
4. (For international students) to return to their country of origin and to teach English as a foreign language at various levels—from elementary school to college.

Will I be able to teach ESL in a public school after I have completed the Master's in TESOL program?

• Not unless you already have a teaching certificate (Instructional I or II Certificate). The Master's Degree in TESOL does not come with a teaching certificate. If you want to teach in a public school but currently do not have a certificate, you should consider enrolling in one of Temple's certification programs. For more information see Teacher Certification at Temple.

How long does it take to complete the Master's program in TESOL?

• Our program consists of 30 credits (10 courses) and comprehensive examinations. Full-time students usually take 2 years to complete the program; part-time students may take up to 4 years. Students from affiliated programs in Korea need a year and a half to complete the program.

I currently work full-time. Are classes offered in the evening?

• During the fall and spring semesters, all courses are offered in the evenings to accommodate teachers. Each course meets one time each week from 5:30-8:00 p.m. As a part-time student, you may take one or two courses each semester.

Are courses offered during the summer?

• No, we do not offer courses for Master's students during the summer.

How much does the program cost?(this of course will change every year)

• The program costs approximately $20,000 in tuition for resident students, and $30,000 for non-resident students (including international students; these figures are subject to change). For international students who come from our affiliated programs (e.g., Sookmyung TESOL Certificate Program, Hanyang TESOL Certificate Program) and who plan to transfer 12 credits from their certificate programs, the tuition cost will be approximately approximately $18,500 (subject to change) . Note: tuition figures are estimates based on current rates and are subject to change. Please see the Bursar's Office at Temple for the most-current information about tuition and fees.

Is there financial assistance available?

• Unfortunately, no.  All our Master's students are self-paying. 

I have taken graduate courses in a related area at another university. Will I be able to count these credits towards the Master's Degree in TESOL?

• Up to 6 credits from another institution may be transferred to our program, subject to faculty approval.

I want to start the program in Japan and finish it on the main campus, is that possible?

• The M.S. Ed. in TESOL program at the Temple main campus in Philadelphia and the one offered at the Japan campus (TUJ) are two affiliated but separate programs, with separate admissions, budgets, faculty, and curricula. As such, students cannot “transfer” from one program to the other; rather, if they wish to switch their affiliation, they must apply to the other program. However, students from the main campus may take up to 4 courses or 12 credits at TUJ to be counted as electives towards their degree at the Philadelphia program. This coursework is subject to prior approval by the Philadelphia TESOL faculty. Prospective students who want to take courses at both campuses are strongly encouraged to contact the coordinator of the program from which they plan to graduate before they apply to the program to discuss possible arrangements.

Is it possible to start taking courses as a non-matriculated student before I apply to the program?

• Yes, in fact, if you live in or near Philadelphia, we highly recommend that you take one or two courses with us before you apply. If you are later accepted into the program, you will be able to count up to 3 courses towards your degree. This way, you don't have to wait to start taking courses until you are accepted into the program, and you will have a chance to find out whether the program is a good fit for you.

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

• To register, you must visit Temple's Shimada Resource Center in Ritter Annex, room 150. Please bring a copy of your undergraduate transcript.

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. Yasuko Kanno at ykanno@temple.edu,if you are interested.

Still Have Questions?

For more information about the Master's of Science in Education TESOL program, please visit our website or contact the Master's Program Coordinator:

Yasuko Kanno, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, TESOL
e-mail: yasuko.kanno@temple.edu
phone: (215) 204-7729

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: gradprograms@temple.edu
www.temple.edu/education/grad