The M.A. in TESOL is a graduate program that prepares individuals to teach English as a second/foreign language in the U.S. or abroad. The M.A. in TESOL program builds on the core courses included in the certificate or endorsement program for a total of 33 graduate credit hours.

View the M.A. TESOL schedule for the length of each course and location (online or on-campus).

The TESOL program is provided in a blended format in which courses are held online and in a classroom setting. In-classroom courses occur in July during business hours and online courses occur through the academic school year in an asynchronous learning environment. The MA TESOL program begins only one time per year in June in Prague, Czech Republic or in July in Grand Rapids, Michigan. .

Admission Requirements

• A completed and signed application
• A baccalaureate degree from a U.S. regionally accredited institution (or its equivalent) with a grade-point average and academic proficiency consistent with the expectation for graduate level course work.
• A 2.7 grade-point average on a 4.0 scale in undergraduate work.
• Official transcripts from all colleges/universities previously attended (Cornerstone University graduates do not need to request transcripts for course work taken at Cornerstone).
• Two letters of recommendation; these letters must be completed by individuals who are familiar with the applicant’s professional or academic achievements.
• A professional resume providing information on the applicant’s professional, academic and community achievements.
• Students whose primary language is not English must achieve a minimum TOEFL score of 575 (231 computer-based, 90 internet-based).
• A maximum of six (6) master level (500 or higher course number) semester hours may be transferred in. For A course to be transferred in must have been completed within the last seven (7) years.

Students with less than a 2.7 GPA are welcome to apply; and if accepted must enter on conditional status. A student must maintain a GPA of at least 3.0 for the first two core courses taken in order to move from conditional to full acceptance status. A student must have a completed file and be admitted to the University before financial aid will be processed.

M.A in TESOL Tuition and Fees 2011/2012

Tuition: $390 per credit hour

Technology Fee: $35 per class.
The university continues to invest many resources in technology for its online programs. The following are included in technology fee for online students: Web-based Learning Management System, library support, electronic databases, e-mail accounts and technology support.

Educational Resource Fee: $450 (first term), $250 (second term)
The educational resource fee covers the cost of textbooks as well as miscellaneous expenses associated with providing educational resources for students. These costs include curriculum guides and supplemental materials, binders, book bags, copyright fees, sales tax on textbooks and materials. This fee is calculated from an average cost of materials throughout the program and does not reflect the exact cost per course. The PGS division views the direct delivery of all resources to the student as a service that is essential to the success of the program. Therefore, students are not permitted to purchase textbooks by other means. Students who purchase or acquire books by any other means will still be charged the educational resource fee.

Non-Refundable Fees:
Application Fee: None
Official Transcripts: $5
Graduation Fee: $50
Transcripts and diplomas will not be released until the student's account is paid in full.
Tuition Deposit: $250
Late Payment Fee: $30
NSF Check Fee: $20
Waiver Evaluation: $25

Drop-in Cancellation
Fee (per course): $20

Re-admission to a degree program
(within 12 months): $5

Professional & Life Learning - Credits per petition: $50
Campus Housing Fees for Residency Days* (6 night occupancy)
Watch this page for single and double-occupancy rates.

If you are interested in on-campus housing, contact Heidi Enck at 616.222.1503 .
* Applies only to students who choose campus housing during Residency Days. 

Courses

LIN-501 Issues in TESOL
An exploration of issues that have an impact on the field of TESOL, including social, historical, legal and cultural influences. A broad scope of these issues may include philosophical differences, as well as classroom-specific difficulties. Credits: 2 Weeks: 1 Location: Grand Rapids & Prague

LIN-565 TESOL Methodology I
An examination of various methods and techniques used to teach language components (grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation) and language skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking). Practice in developing and implementing balanced and effective language lesson plans will be provided along with evaluating and selecting appropriate ESL teaching materials.
Credits: 3 Weeks:1 Location: Grand Rapids & Prague

LIN-525 Introduction to Linguistics
An introduction to the nature and structure of human language. Students will focus on the goals, techniques and subject matter of modern linguistics.
Credits: 3 Weeks: 6 Location: Online

LIN-535 Advanced English Grammar
An exploration of the descriptive and prescriptive grammar of English, which will be analyzed according to traditional, structural and transformational methods. Emphasis will also be placed on preparing students to teach grammar. Students will survey grammar teaching methodology in conjunction with the different areas of grammar studied.
Credits: 3 Weeks: 6 Location: Online

LIN- 555 Sociolinguistics
An examination of language in its social and cultural contexts. This course presents the basic socio-cultural variables (such as gender, age and social status) and shows their relation to language use and language learning. Areas covered in the course will include bilingualism, dialectology, language variation a style with their relation to multilingual educational situations.
Credits: 3 Weeks: 6 Location: Online

LIN-556 Second Language Acquisition 
An examination of the process of learning a second language. This course will survey current SLA theory and learning models. Emphasis will be given to the ways these theories and models shape pedagogical practices in ESL classrooms. Linguistic, cognitive, affective, cultural and social factors influencing the acquisition of another language will be explored.
Credits: 3 Weeks: 6 Location: Online

LIN-566 TESOL Methodology II
This course will focus on more specific areas of methods. The students will learn: different aspects of curriculum design and assessment such as how to correctly assemble a specific curriculum for their class and implement it, the different assessments available and how to decide which assessment to use and when to use it. The students will explore their own personal focus, methodology and philosophy of teaching. This will help them to self-evaluate as teachers and further help them use the resources given in this class to address issues previously mentioned. Prerequisite: LIN 565 TESOL Methodology I
Credits: 3 Weeks:1 Location: Grand Rapids & Prague

LIN-570 Application of Technology in TESOL
A focus on providing a conceptual framework for technology in the classroom and on using technology as a tool in the ESL classroom, i.e. Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL). Instruction will be given in the areas of: using technology to facilitate inquiry-based learning, in finding and developing resources, in using computers in the classroom and in exploring ways to use the internet as an instructional tool.
Credits: 2 Weeks: 4 Location: Grand Rapids & Prague

LIN-558 Materials Development & Integration
A coordination of TESOL instruction with selected core subject areas, such as: science, social studies and mathematics, other subject areas such as music, physical education and art. Correlation of TESOL Objectives and National and State Standards in the content areas will be modeled in field trips, games, and other activities. The student will use locally available materials and commercial hands-on manipulative materials to meet objectives in TESOL and other subjects.
Credits: 3 Weeks: 1 Location: Online

LIN-557 Action Research
An evaluation of claims based on research, review current best practices as indicated by meta-research and discuss implications for TESOL. Action research that can be implemented in a TESOL setting and used for professional reflection and improvement of instruction will be emphasized. Among the methods included will be local data collection, structured interview, open-ended interview, case study, reflective case study, portfolio analysis and use of technology for self-assessment.
Credits: 3 Weeks: 6 Location: Online

EDU-594 TESOL Capstone 
A capstone designed to allow students to integrate various principles of the program through a thesis or practicum. Students seeking a Michigan Department of Education endorsement are required to choose the practicum. Prerequisite: LIN 566 TESOL Methodology II
Credits: 5 Weeks: 7

The endorsement program is designed for certified Michigan teachers who wish to earn an endorsement to teach ESL in Michigan's public schools.

View the endorsement program in ESL schedule below to see courses included in this program, number of weeks for each course and location - online or on campus.

Requirements
In order for students to receive the ESL endorsement from Cornerstone University they must have the following:

1. A minimum of 22 credits in TESOL (must include teaching ESL 60 hours within the practicum class EDU-594) or waiver of the teaching requirement, i.e., documentation for extensive teaching experience will be taken into consideration for waiver including the teaching experience within the EDU-594 class. Please note that all students must take EDU-594 with or without the teaching experience component.
2. Application for additional endorsement (See Teacher Education Office for the form.)
3. Copy of current Michigan teaching certificate (If it is an out-of-state certificate, contact the Michigan Department of Education to transfer your certificate before Certification Officer at Cornerstone can add an endorsement.)
4. Passing score on MTTC test for "English as a Second Language" (This is also coded as "NS" or test "86".) Go to www.mttc.nesinc.com for specific dates and registration deadlines. MTTC testing dates are in October, January, April and July.

Please Note: The TESOL program starts one time per year each June in Prague, Czech Republic or in July in Grand Rapids, Michigan. .


Admission Requirements
• A completed and signed application
• A baccalaureate degree from a U.S. regionally accredited institution (or its equivalent) with a grade-point average and academic proficiency consistent with the expectation for graduate level course work
• A 2.7 grade-point average on a 4.0 scale in undergraduate work
• Official transcripts from all colleges/universities previously attended (Cornerstone University graduates do not need to request transcripts for course work taken at Cornerstone.)
• Two letters of recommendation; these letters must be completed by individuals who are familiar with the applicant’s professional or academic achievements.
• A professional resume providing information on the applicant’s professional, academic and community achievements
• Students whose primary language is not English must achieve a minimum TOEFL score of 575 (231 computer-based, 90 internet-based).
• A maximum of six (6) master level (500 or higher course number) semester hours may be transferred in. For A course to be transferred in must have been completed within the last seven (7) years.

Students with less than a 2.7 GPA are welcome to apply; and if accepted must enter on conditional status. A student must maintain a GPA of at least 3.0 for the first two core courses taken in order to move from conditional to full acceptance status. A student must have a completed file and be admitted to the University before financial aid will be processed.

Adding the ESL Endorsement to your Certification 

If you are a certified teacher in the state of Michigan, and you are planning to add the ESL endorsement to your certificate, you will need to complete either the ESL Endorsement program or the TESOL master’s degree, and pass the MTTC test.To download a study guide, go to http://www.mttc.nesinc.com/MI_viewSG_opener.asp and choose English as a Second Language (086).

As of February 2011, most certification business is handled online through the Michigan Online Educator Certification System (MOECS). To access the Michigan Online Educator Certification System (MOECS), users must have a valid Michigan Education Information System (MEIS) login name and password. If you do not have a MEIS login name and password, you need to first create a Michigan Education Information System (MEIS) account by visiting https://cepi.state.mi.us/meispublic/.

Once you make your application to the system, Cornerstone will be notified if you indicated in the application that you did your work here. We will review your academic record and any other criteria needed such as teaching experience. When everything checks out, we will make the recommendation to the state, and the system will send you a bill via email which you will pay online as well. When the process is completed, the state will mail you the new certificate.

If you have questions about the system or the process, please call or email the certification office:
Gary Bailey
Certification Officer, Miller Hall
616-222-1432

Courses
LIN-501 Issues in TESOL
An exploration of issues that have an impact on the field of TESOL, including social, historical, legal and cultural influences. A broad scope of these issues may include philosophical differences, as well as classroom-specific difficulties.
Credits: 2 Weeks: 1 Location: Grand Rapids & Prague

LIN-565 TESOL Methodology I
An examination of various methods and techniques used to teach language components (grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation) and language skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking). Practice in developing and implementing balanced and effective language lesson plans will be provided along with evaluating and selecting appropriate ESL teaching materials.
Credits: 3 Weeks: 1 Location: Grand Rapids & Prague

LIN-525 Introduction to Linguistics
An introduction to the nature and structure of human language. Students will focus on the goals, techniques and subject matter of modern linguistics.
Credits: 3 Weeks: 6 Location: Online

LIN-535 Advanced English Grammar
An exploration of the descriptive and prescriptive grammar of English, which will be analyzed according to traditional, structural and transformational methods. Emphasis will also be placed on preparing students to teach grammar. Students will survey grammar teaching methodology in conjunction with the different areas of grammar studied.
Credits: 3 Weeks: 6 Location: Online

LIN-555 Sociolinguistics
An examination of language in its social and cultural contexts. This course presents the basic socio-cultural variables (such as gender, age and social status) and shows their relation to language use and language learning. Areas covered in the course will include bilingualism, dialectology, language variation a style with their relation to multilingual educational situations.
Credits: 3 Weeks: 6 Location: Online

LIN-556 Second Language Acquisition
An examination of the process of learning a second language. This course will survey current SLA theory and learning models. Emphasis will be given to the ways these theories and models shape pedagogical practices in ESL classrooms. Linguistic, cognitive, affective, cultural and social factors influencing the acquisition of another language will be explored.
Credits: 3 Weeks: 6 Location: Online

EDU-594 TESOL Capstone 
A capstone designed to allow students to integrate various principles of the program through a thesis or practicum. Students seeking a Michigan Department of Education endorsement are required to choose the practicum. Prerequisite: LIN 566 TESOL Methodology II                                                                                           Credits: 5  Weeks: 7

The Graduate Certificate in TESOL is for those without a teaching certificate who wish to use ESL in ministry or as a paraprofessional in the public schools.

View the Graduate Certificate schedule to see courses included in this program, number of weeks for each course and location – online or on campus.

Please Note: The TESOL program starts one time per year each June in Prague, Czech Republic or in July in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Admission Requirements

• A completed and signed application
• A baccalaureate degree from a U.S. regionally accredited institution (or its equivalent) with a grade-point average and academic proficiency consistent with the expectation for graduate level course work
• A 2.7 grade-point average on a 4.0 scale in undergraduate work
• Official transcripts from all colleges/universities previously attended(Cornerstone University graduates do not need to request transcripts for course work taken at Cornerstone.)
• Two letters of recommendation; these letters must be completed by individuals who are familiar with the applicant’s professional or academic achievements.
• A professional resume providing information on the applicant’s professional, academic and community achievements
• Students whose primary language is not English must achieve a minimum TOEFL score of 575 (231 computer-based, 90 internet-based).
• A maximum of six (6) master level (500 or higher course number) semester hours may be transferred in. For A course to be transferred in must have been completed within the last seven (7) years.

Students with less than a 2.7 GPA are welcome to apply; and if accepted must enter on conditional status. A student must maintain a GPA of at least 3.0 for the first two core courses taken in order to move from conditional to full acceptance status. A student must have a completed file and be admitted to the University before financial aid will be processed.

Courses

LIN-501 Issues in TESOL
An exploration of issues that have an impact on the field of TESOL, including social, historical, legal and cultural influences. A broad scope of these issues may include philosophical differences, as well as classroom-specific difficulties.
Credits: 2 Weeks:2 Location: Grand Rapids & Prague

LIN-565 TESOL Methodology I
An examination of various methods and techniques used to teach language components (grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation) and language skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking). Practice in developing and implementing balanced and effective language lesson plans will be provided along with evaluating and selecting appropriate ESL teaching materials.
Credits: 3 Weeks:1 Location: Grand Rapids & Prague

LIN-525 Introduction to Linguistics
An introduction to the nature and structure of human language. Students will focus on the goals, techniques and subject matter of modern linguistics.
Credits: 3 Weeks: 6 Location: Online

LIN-535 Advanced English Grammar
An exploration of the descriptive and prescriptive grammar of English, which will be analyzed according to traditional, structural and transformational methods. Emphasis will also be placed on preparing students to teach grammar. Students will survey grammar teaching methodology in conjunction with the different areas of grammar studied.
Credits: 3 Weeks: 6 Location: Online

LIN-555 Sociolinguistics
An examination of language in its social and cultural contexts. This course presents the basic socio-cultural variables (such as gender, age, and social status) and shows their relation to language use and language learning. Areas covered in the course will include bilingualism, dialectology, language variation a style with their relation to multilingual educational situations.
Credits: 3 Weeks: 6 Location: Online

LIN-556 Second Language Acquisition
An examination of the process of learning a second language. This course will survey current SLA theory and learning models. Emphasis will be given to the ways these theories and models shape pedagogical practices in ESL classrooms. Linguistic, cognitive, affective, cultural and social factors influencing the acquisition of another language will be explored.
Credits: 3 Weeks: 6 Location: Online

LIN-570 Application of Technology in TESOL
A focus on providing a conceptual framework for technology in the classroom and on using technology as a tool in the ESL classroom, i.e. Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL). Instruction will be given in the areas of using technology to facilitate inquiry based learning, in finding and developing resources, in using computers in the classroom and in exploring ways to use the internet as an instructional tool.
Credits: 2 Weeks: 4 Location: Grand Rapids & Prague

EDU-594 TESOL Capstone 
A capstone designed to allow students to integrate various principles of the program through a thesis or practicum. Students seeking a Michigan Department of Education endorsement are required to choose the practicum. Prerequisite: LIN 566 TESOL Methodology II
Credits: 5 Weeks: 7

Michael Pasquale
Director of TESOL Program
Ph.D., Michigan State University 

Dr. Pasquale is Chair of the Humanities Division and Associate Professor of Linguistics at Cornerstone University.  He also serves as a consultant for missions organizations and local churches providing training in Europe, Asia, South America and North America.  He has been a member of the Michigan State Board of Education World Language Standards Development Committee (ESL & Spanish) and is also a member of TESOL and Michigan TESOL (MITESOL).

Judy F. Keller
M.A. (Education/TESL), University of Kansas 

In addition to working with the MA TESOL program at Cornerstone, Judy currently teaches ESL at Grand Rapids Community College.  Before coming to Michigan, she taught for 3 years in New York City at the King's College.  Her interest in teaching English as a second language began during her 17 years working as a missionary in Nigeria, West Africa.

Gena Bennett
Ph.D., University of Birmingham (U.K.)
M.A. (Applied Linguistics/TESOL), Georgia State University

Gena currently serves on a TESOL advisory group and led the Materials Writers' Section. She has also authored: Using Corpora in the Language Learning Classroom: Corpus Linguistics for Teachers (University of Michigan Press, 2010) and Teaching a Lexis-Based Academic Writing Course (University of Michigan Press, 2006).

Brian Pickerd 
M.A. (Education/Applied Linguistics), Aquinas College 

For nearly two decades Brian has worked professionally with the German, French, and English languages as an instructor and language consultant. With a commitment to solid, compassionate learning environments, Brian instructs in the secondary and post-secondary venues. He currently divides his time between teaching language courses and Foreign Language/TESOL Methodology and creating educational exchange opportunities.

 11th Annual ESL Conference at Cornerstone University

Our next ESL Conference is scheduled for Saturday, April 14, 2012 from 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Featured keynote speakers include Dr. James J. Asher, originator of the Total Physical Response (TPR) approach to second language acquisition, and Dr. Todd McKay, author of a series of books on TPR storytelling.

Dr. Asher's morning session is titled, "An Introduction to the TPR (Total Physical Response) Method." Dr. McKay will conduct the afternoon session, "How to do TPRS (TPR Storytelling)."

Check out the TPR website for more details. Registration information is available now at http://cornerstone.edu/esl/. 

We are pleased to announce the location of Prague, Czech Republic as an option for the week-long residency portion of the Master of Arts in TESOL program at Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Our program combines the flexibility of online learning and the personal connection of week-long summer residency courses. Beginning June 2012, students will have a choice of two residency locations; June 25-30 in Prague, Czech Republic or July 23-28 at the Grand Rapids campus.

Attracting registrants worldwide, the program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to teach English in diverse cultural settings. Our fully accredited, 33-credit Master of Arts tract boasts outstanding faculty and competitive pricing, with courses taught from a distinctly Christian worldview. The Graduate Certificate in TESOL (24 credit hours) and the ESL Endorsement Program (22 credit hours) are also available. 

Dates 

June 24-30, 2012 

Financials

$1100 per person  

This includes 6 nights lodging at the Seminary, breakfast & lunch, and the use of conference rooms. This price will not include transportation to the Seminary, dinners, independent excursions, and miscellaneous transportation expenses. 

For more information, contact Heidi Enck, 616.222.1503, 1.800.947.2382.