Coordinator:
Dr. Mary Curran (732-932-7496, ext. 8101; email: mary.curran@gse.rutgers.edu)
Please visit the website.
The master of education (Ed.M.) program in language education is designed to extend and diversify the professional preparation of certified teachers who seek to enhance their instructional skills and knowledge in one of three specializations: bilingual/bicultural education, English as a Second Language (ESL) education, and foreign language education. The program also serves the needs of individuals who work in settings that do not require certification and are interested in a scholarly exploration of aspects of language education. The goal of the program is to provide students with a thorough understanding of the nature of language, the process of second language acquisition, the relationship between language and culture, and successful models of second language instructional strategies. (Note: If certification is needed, see the catalog description for the Ed.M./Certification Program in ESL or the Ed.M/Certification Program in Language Education in ESL or Foreign Language.)
The Ed.M. program in language education requires a minimum of 30 credits of study beyond the baccalaureate degree. It provides for study in the area of linguistics, language pedagogy, and the cultural context of language education, as well as the opportunity to select courses in elective areas. At the end of the coursework, students must pass a comprehensive examination.
Program Requirements
I. Area of Specialization (21 Credits)
A. Core Courses (18 credits )
15:253:520 Principles of Second/Foreign Language Education (3)
15:253:521 Introduction to English as a Second/Foreign Language (3)
15:253:523 Language and Culture (3)
16:300:530 Foundations of Language I (3)
15:253:537 Sociolinguistics (3)
And one
of the following:
15:253:531 Foundations of Language II (3), or
15:253:536 English Structure and Phonology (3)
B. Teaching Methodology (3 credits)
Add one of the following:
05:300:431 Teaching World Language/ESL in Elementary Schools, or
05:300:432 Teaching World Language/ESL in Secondary Schools
II. Electives (9 credits)
A. Two Outside Electives (6 credits)
These two courses must be outside the Department of Learning and Teaching, but within the Graduate School of Education.
B. General Electives (3 credits)
This course may be taken anywhere in the university.
III. Comprehensive Examination
Master's students are required to take a written comprehensive examination that is offered twice a year, once in the fall and once in the spring. Students are responsible for checking the deadline for exam registration in the department office and submitting the necessary forms to their assigned academic adviser for approval. These documents include a completed comprehensive exam registration form and a recent transcript showing the completion of all required core courses and no incompletes. The comprehensive examination consists of four sections: language acquisition, language pedagogy, linguistics, and language and culture, and lasts four hours. Information on study questions and study groups is available.
Summary of Credits
Area of Specialization 21
Electives 9
TOTAL 30 Credits
