Frequently Asked Questions
- What type of employment can I get with an M.A. in TESOL degree?
- How long does it take to complete the program?
- What kind of student enrolls in CU's TESOL program?
- What is the average class size?
- What are the faculty's areas of expertise?
- What are the strengths and advantages of the M.A. TESOL program?
- Are there opportunities to gain teaching experience?
- What are the estimated costs?
- Can I transfer credits I have already earned at other institutions?
- Do you have a distance learning program?
- How does an online class work?
- Can I teach elementary, middle school, or high school ESL with an M.A.?
- Are there computer system requirements for online courses?
- Am I responsible for purchasing my own books for the program?
- Is financial aid available?
What type of employment can I get with an M.A. in TESOL degree?
Graduates can get an ESL job teaching adults in intensive (pre-college/university) programs, community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, and workplace programs in the U.S. and abroad. Information for minimum qualifications for ESL/EFL teaching positions can be found online at www.tesol.org/careers. Missionaries can be teachers, curriculum developers, teacher trainers or program administrators on the mission field.
How long does it take to complete the M.A. in TESOL program?
The full master's program takes just under two years. The endorsement option can be completed in one academic year.
The program starts in July with a two-week on-campus session with the fall and spring courses taken online. Then, the following summer another two week-session is held on campus, followed by two online courses in the fall. A practicum is then taken in the spring.
What kind of student enrolls in CU's TESOL program?
The CU TESOL program has a wide range of students of varying ages and backgrounds. Some are current teachers in the U.S. and others have overseas teaching experience. Some desire to obtain a state-endorsement in ESL while others are preparing to teach on the mission field. A number of our students currently reside overseas while taking classes online.
What is the average class size?
The average class size is 18-25 students for on-campus and online courses.
What are the faculty's areas of expertise?
Our program faculty have excellent academic credentials along with overseas ministry experience. Our program director, Michael Pasquale, earned a Ph.D. from Michigan State University and has trained missionaries around the world. Professor Judy Keller has an MA from the University of Kansas and spent over 10 years in Nigeria as an ESL teacher. Professor Rachel Allen has extensive experience in the K-12 classroom environment and spent many years in Mexico. She also earned an MA from the University of Southern Mississippi.
What are the strengths and advantages of the M.A. TESOL program?
*The program is academically strong and includes a clear integration of a Christian worldview.
*It is focused on the practical and how to teach English effectively anywhere in the world. This is based on a knowledge of the theoretical but not to the exclusion of practical, hands-on learning!
*The cohort model creates a wonderful community where students get to know their classmates on a deeper level. The two-week on-campus experience leads to a close, community online environment.
*Ideal location -our campus is situated in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The online class can be taken anywhere in the world!
*The tuition for the program is relatively affordable.
Are there opportunities to gain teaching experience?
Yes! Cornerstone University's TESOL students have opportunity to teach in the university Academic ESL program during the school year and in a summer program when we host Japanese students from Hokuriku Gakuin Junior College.
What are the estimated costs?
See the current estimated cost sheet for specific cost information for the TESOL program.
Can I transfer credits I have already earned at other institutions?
Cornerstone University will accept a maximum of six (6) master's level (500 or higher course number) semester hours to be transferred. A course must have been completed within the last seven (7) years.
Do you have a distance learning program?
Yes, our MA in TESOL program is a blended on-campus and online program. The on-campus courses are offered during two-weeks each July. The courses offered during the fall and spring semesters are online courses.
How does an online course work?
Students work through each week's assignments on their own time (it is "asynchronous" online learning). Specific due dates are given for turning in assignments, quizzes, tests, etc. One common feature in each class is online discussion questions. Students interact with faculty discussing questions pertinent to the class topic. What is unique to our program are the two weeks of on-campus courses at the beginning of the program. This gives students an opportunity get acqauinted with one another and allows students to integrate into a community of learners when they begin their online courses.
Can I teach elementary, middle school, or high school ESL with an M.A.?
The TESOL program focuses on teaching English to children, adolescents and adults. Students with a teaching certificate can earn an additional endorsement to teach ESL (NS endorsement in Michigan, candidate must pass MTTC test 86: English as a Second Language).
Are there computer system requirements for online courses?
Due to the unique nature of online learning, PGS recommends a minimum system requirement for this program.
Am I responsible for purchasing my own books for the program?
You do not need to purchase your books on your own. You will pay a book fee for each term and your books will be provided to you at the beginning of each term.
Is financial aid available?
Federal Student loans are available only for students enrolled in the Master of Arts program. For Michigan residents, the Michigan Tuition Grant may be available for students enrolled in the MA, endorsement, or certificate programs. To determine if you are eligible for loans or grants, it is recommended that you file a Free Application for Student Aid at www.fafsa.ed.gov .
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