MEd in TESOL and World Language Education
Take Your Degree Further: Engage as a Global Leader
Our M.Ed. in the TESOL and World Language Education degree prepares students to teach English and/or world languages in various educational settings, such as schools, universities, community colleges, language institutes, and community centers. Our interdisciplinary courses and field-based practices equip students with the expertise to work with students from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds in the U.S. and around the world in the field of second language teaching and research. Our graduates develop a deep understanding of issues related to multilingual education and communities and how to address the unique challenges their students of all ages may face.
Our department is made up of a racially and ethnically diverse student body and faculty. We are proud to welcome international students and scholars from countries in Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America, and the United States each year to learn with our internationally renowned faculty. Our faculty are experts in second language acquisition, language and literacy ideologies, curriculum development, language teaching methods, bilingualism and cognition, classroom discourse, and arts-based inquiry to name a few of their areas of specialization.
Highly Flexible Programming
Our program offers you the flexibility to take courses that are offered on campus or through synchronous, asynchronous, and hyflex formats throughout the year. The degree culminates in the creation of a final portfolio that demonstrates your knowledge of your area of study.
Highlights
- Our alumni come from and/or currently work in varied global language education contexts including, China, Indonesia, India, Vietnam, Moldova, Brazil, Dominican Republic, Turkey, Korea, Russia, and the United States
- Strong ties to local public school districts and community organizations in Georgia
- Possibility to earn a teaching certificate in one of six areas when your studies align with initial certification
- Courses offered in synchronous, asynchronous, and hyflex formats
Curriculum
The degree includes 30 hours of required courses and two electives. Develop your expertise through topics such as:
- Second-language acquisition
- Language assessment
- Teaching English to speakers of other languages (ESOL)
- Bilingual and world language education
- Heritage language education
- Less commonly taught languages
- Bi/multiliteracies
- Spanish children’s literature
- Multilingual poetry and memoir
- Theatre & drama-based L2 pedagogies
- School-university partnerships
- Youth Participatory Action Research
- Computer-assisted language learning
- Language policy
- Bilingual cognition
- Critical discourse analysis and language ideologies
Student Activities
The Language and Literacy Graduate Organization (LLEGO)
The Language and Literacy Graduate Organization (LLEGO) is a student-led organization that seeks to advance the study of language and literacy education, provide networking and social opportunities, conduct professional development series, and encourage cross-disciplinary study for and among graduate students.The Journal of Language & Literacy Education
The Journal of Language & Literacy Education (JoLLE, ISSN #1559-9035) is a double-masked, peer-reviewed, open-access, scholarly journal housed in the Department of Language & Literacy Education in the College of Education at The University of Georgia.
Testimonials
My experience at UGA in the Language and Literacy Education program helped shape my approach to student and self-education. The creative learning opportunities extended into the community allowing us to read poetry at an art museum, teach improv games at the botanical gardens, and teach adult English language learners at local organizations. I left the program feeling empowered and prepared to make positive contributions to education. I often reflect on my time in the program and I can’t say enough positive things about it.
Patrick Williams, M.Ed.
Education Specialist, Bethel, AK
The M.Ed. TESOL program in UGA welcomed me to a warm community of dedicated faculty and aspiring students. The wide range of course selections provided me with an in-depth look in the field of second/foreign language education. Moreover, this unique educational experience cultivated in me a lens of equity, multimodality, and multiculturalism in positioning my role as a foreign language educator on the world stage.
Xinyi Meng, M.Ed.
Teacher, West Columbia, SC
I absolutely loved my time as a student in UGA’s TESOL M.Ed. program. As someone who is not only interested in education, but also in the fields of international development, language access, and nonprofit work, this program was a perfect fit for me. The courses were great; the department offers a great mixture of hands-on teaching and heavy research-based classes. And of course, I loved learning from and being mentored by the amazing professors and my fellow classmates. One last highlight was being a part of the College of Ed’s fantastic Red Clay Writing Program. I’m a proud Double Dawg forever!
Claire Simless, M.Ed.
Grants Writer and Editor, Washington, DC
It takes a village to grow a child. The department of Language and Literacy Education is a village that nurtured my academic love when I was working on my master’s degree. In this village, I received a lot of support from my advisor, faculty members, and staff. The courses in the program helped construct my theoretical framework and belief in teaching.
Khanh Bui, M.Ed.
Ph.D. Student, Athens, GA
Alumni Spotlight
After graduating from UGA, I taught math and Chinese at the first Chinese immersion school in Columbia, South Carolina, where I also served on a Mandarin Committee and spearheaded various initiatives and camps to promote bridging to Chinese culture. I am currently teaching Upper School at Springside Chestnut Hill Academy in Philadelphia, PA. At SCH, I get to teach what I love to students passionate about the Chinese language and culture. I also work with different scholars and experts in education to develop new methodologies and software to better the remote learning experience for both teachers and students. Language and cultural exchange is by definition a bi-directional effort. To that end, I am also involved in liaising with international students and their families regarding SCH admission, as well as helping them acclimate to American education and cultural norms. I believe if education is to invest in the future, then language education is to bring our future together. And that’s why I think TESOL and World Language Education program serves an indispensable role for global citizens within the modern world of globalization and language/culture exchange.
Runqing Diao, M.Ed.
Teacher
Financial Assistance
Departmental graduate assistantships and fellowships are unavailable for students seeking their master’s degree. Please visit the following sites for information about additional financial assistance opportunities.
- UGA Graduate School: Funding Your Graduate Education
- Mary Frances Early College of Education Financial Assistance
- Regent’s Research Out-of-State Tuition Waivers Domestic Students
- Office of Global Engagement Out-of-State Tuition Waivers International Students
- UGA Career Center Listing of Part-time Campus Jobs
- Office of Student Financial Aid
How to Apply
Part 1: Apply to the University of Georgia
The Graduate School handles admission for all graduate programs at the University of Georgia, including those in the College of Education. The Graduate School website contains important details about the application process, orientation, and many other useful links to guide you through the process of attending UGA at the graduate level.
Start A Graduate School Application
Part 2: Apply to the M.Ed. in TESOL and World Language Education
While completing your Graduate School application, please include the following documents:
- Current resume/CV
- Statement of purpose
- Unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended
- Three (3) letters of recommendation
- International applicants are required to submit either their TOEFL or IELTS scores.
For applicants whose native language is English
Applicants whose native language is English must demonstrate proficiency in their target language. Proficiency will be demonstrated through at least a bachelor’s degree in the target language or equivalent.
For applicants whose native language is not English
Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in two languages:
- Proficiency in English: Proficiency will be demonstrated through one of the following:
- Bachelor’s degree in English linguistics and literature
- Master’s degree in a college where English was the medium of instruction
- TOEFL score of at least 80 (at least 20 on writing and speaking)
- IELTS score of 7 (with speaking and writing of at least 6.5)
- Target Language: Proficiency will be demonstrated through at least a bachelor’s degree in the target language or equivalent.
Other Entrance Requirements
- 3.0 undergraduate GPA
Deadline to Apply
- November 15 (if seeking funding + early admissions decision)
- January 1 (if seeking funding)
- April 15 (final deadline)
Applicants outside the United States should allow 8-13 weeks for all materials (test scores and transcripts can be slow to arrive) to be received. Applicants inside the United States should allow 6-8 weeks.
Additional Resources
Please use our online form if you have any questions for the department. Please be as specific as possible so that we may quickly assist you.
The College’s programs are taught by dedicated faculty who are experts in a range of areas and are passionate about helping students succeed both in their programs and professionally.
A close working relationship with your advisor is key as you progress through your program of study. Please note that most graduate students at UGA are not assigned to a faculty advisor until after admittance.
Almost all in-state students begin their studies at UGA paying limited tuition or fees. Please note that these amounts are subject to change and are meant to give prospective students an idea of the costs associated with a degree at the University of Georgia College of Education.
Students may qualify for a variety of assistantships, scholarships, and other financial awards to help offset the cost of tuition, housing, and other expenses.
Our students have a range of opportunities available outside the classroom as well, from professional organizations, experiential learning, clubs and other non-academic experiences.
See for yourself how much UGA College of Education has to offer! Schedule a tour of campus to learn more about the UGA student experience.