Overview
Central Michigan University's Graduate English Programs Prepare Students for Teaching and Writing Careers
The Department of English at Central Michigan University (CMU), in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, offers three strong graduate programs: a Master of Arts in English Language and Literature with three concentrations, a Master of Arts in Composition and Communication, and a Master of Arts in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages).
Part of a group of over 70 graduate programs offered by the renowned university's College of Graduate Studies, the graduate programs in English prepare CMU students for doctoral-level studies at other universities, or to teach at the community-college level. The programs also upgrade the capabilities of elementary and secondary-level teachers, prepare students for careers in teaching English as a second language, and prepare students for careers as professional writers.
Graduate classes are small and encourage stimulating interactions between students and dedicated faculty mentors, a perfect setting for education excellence.
To become candidates for the MA in English Language and Literature program, students must have an undergraduate major or minor in English with a grade point average of at least 3.0 on a four-point scale.
Master of Arts in TESOL: Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
The Master of Arts in TESOL program addresses a growing demand in the United States and internationally for teachers specifically trained to teach English as a second or foreign language in the United States or abroad.
As today's classrooms become increasingly multicultural, teachers with a master's degree in TESOL are not only more competitive for teaching positions, they are often considered for posts in teacher training, curriculum and materials development, and program administration. Salaries tend to be higher for MA in TESOL-trained teachers and sometimes include benefits such as travel support.
Central Michigan University also offers a Master of Arts in Spanish program that combines on-campus instruction with summer study courses in Spain and in Central or South America. This is particularly appropriate because students who speak Spanish at home represent the fastest growing ethnic group in the United States.
Master of Arts in TESOL Curriculum
Candidates with an undergraduate major or minor in English who are accepted into the MA program study the formal aspects of language, its acquisition and use, and gain knowledge and experience in current theories, approaches, and methods of language teaching and language assessment.
The 30-credit curriculum includes "Teaching of English to Speakers of Other Languages," "TESOL Materials, Assessment, Curriculum," "Intro to Second Language Acquisition," "Applied Linguistics in Written Communication," "English Phonology for Language Teachers," "Seminar in English Linguistics," a three-credit practicum, and six hours of electives.
"Intro to Second Language Acquisition" introduces students to the principles and theories of second language acquisition and their implications for language teaching. "Applied Linguistics in Written Communication" focuses on linguistic approaches to textual analysis and the application of research findings in teaching written English. "English Phonology" teaches the basic elements of English pronunciation, including segmental phonology, general articulation features, rhythm, and intonation, and involves analysis of pronunciation of native and non-native English speakers. "The Seminar in English Linguistics" deals with problems in sociolinguistics, bilingualism, historical grammar, and the application of modern linguistic theory to the teaching of English or foreign languages.
Master of Arts in English Language and Literature
The 30-credit MA in English Language and Literature program offers students the flexibility of three concentrated areas of study: General Concentration, Creative Writing Concentration, and Children's/Young Adult Literature Concentration. All three concentrations include 15 semester hours chosen from "Literary Criticism," "Language or Linguistics," "Professional Methodologies," and two graduate-level seminars in literature. The remaining 15 semester hours feature courses that focus on the individual concentration.
Master of Arts in Composition and Communication
The 30-credit MA in Composition and Communication program centers on theory and practice in non-fiction forms of writing. It prepares graduate students to be career writers composing in disciplines other than English, professional writers composing within their own disciplines other than English, creative writers composing in non-fiction forms, or teachers specializing in non-fiction forms.
Central Michigan University Financial Assistance
Central Michigan University and the Department of English offer a number of graduate assistantships to qualified students on a competitive basis. Graduate assistants either teach two classes per semester or work in the Writing Center or the English Language Institute program. All assistantships are paid a stipend and receive tuition waivers. The university also awards a number of graduate fellowships.
National Reputation for Excellence in Education
Central Michigan University is a nationally distinguished institution of higher education with award-winning faculty and over 200 academic programs at the bachelor's, master's, specialists, and doctoral levels, including over 30 interdisciplinary degrees. Its exemplary programs are part of a holistic educational approach that also encourages high standards of ethical behavior, community involvement, and volunteerism. Recently, CMU won a national award for assisting victims of Hurricane Katrina.
