M.A. in English: Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

Entry Requirements for Postgraduate programs

Application Fees : US$ 50

Academic Requirements:

1. Undergraduate Degree: You must hold a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution. Your degree should be relevant to your intended field of study at the postgraduate level.

2. Academic Performance: A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is preferred. This translates to approximately 60% or a 'C' grade.  

3.  English Language Proficiency:

   • IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 is required with no individual band (section) score less than 6.
   • TOEFL iBT: An overall score of 88 or higher is required.
   • DET: A minimum score for DET around 110 is required.
   • PTE: A minimum score of 53 or higher on the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic is required.
      
4. WES Evaluation required.

Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) offers various scholarships and financial aid options to international students to help them pursue their education in the United States. Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit, leadership, and other criteria. 

1. Trustee's Scholarship for International Students: This is a highly competitive scholarship awarded to a limited number of incoming international undergraduate students. The scholarship covers a portion of tuition and fees. Selection is based on academic performance, leadership qualities, and extracurricular involvement.

2. Global Scholarship for International Students: This scholarship is available to both undergraduate and graduate international students. It is based on academic merit and can significantly reduce the cost of tuition.

3. IUP International Student Emergency Fund: This fund is designed to assist international students who face unexpected financial crises during their studies. It provides temporary financial support to help students overcome emergency situations.

4. Graduate Assistantships: IUP offers graduate assistantship opportunities to international graduate students. These positions often include a stipend, tuition remission, and valuable work experience in various academic departments.

5. Foundation for IUP Scholarships: The Foundation for IUP administers a variety of scholarships available to both domestic and international students. These scholarships may be based on academic achievement, financial need, or specific areas of study.

6. Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments and colleges within IUP offer scholarships to students majoring in their respective fields. These scholarships can be highly specialized and may require applicants to meet specific criteria.

7. Athletic Scholarships: IUP offers athletic scholarships to talented student-athletes. International students with exceptional athletic abilities may be eligible for these scholarships.

8. External Scholarships: IUP encourages international students to explore external scholarship opportunities, such as those offered by governments, foundations, and organizations in their home countries. The International Education Office can provide guidance on finding these opportunities.

9. International Student Work Opportunities: International students on F-1 visas are eligible to work on campus for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during school breaks. This provides an opportunity to earn income to support their studies.

It's important to note that scholarship availability, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines may vary.

The Master of Arts (M.A.) in English with a focus on Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) opens the door to a world of rewarding career prospects. Graduates of this program are equipped with the knowledge and skills to teach English to non-native speakers, both locally and globally.  

1. ESL Teacher in the United States: Graduates of the M.A. in TESOL program are well-prepared to teach English as a Second Language (ESL) or English as a Foreign Language (EFL) to non-native speakers in the United States. They can work in K-12 schools, community colleges, adult education programs, and private language institutes.

2. College/University Level ESL Instructor: Many colleges and universities, especially those with diverse student populations, hire ESL instructors to provide language support for international students. Graduates with an M.A. in TESOL are often preferred for these positions.

3. Overseas English Language Teacher: The demand for English teachers in non-English-speaking countries is consistently high. Graduates can explore opportunities to teach English abroad in countries such as China, South Korea, Japan, and many others. Teaching overseas provides a unique cultural experience and the chance to make a global impact.

4. Curriculum Developer: Some graduates choose to work as curriculum developers, creating ESL materials and lesson plans for educational institutions, language learning centers, or publishing companies.

5. Private Language School Instructor: Private language schools and language learning centers often seek TESOL professionals to teach English to adult learners. These positions may offer flexibility and the chance to work with motivated learners.

6. Program Coordinator: Graduates can move into administrative roles, such as program coordinators or directors of language programs. These positions involve overseeing ESL programs and ensuring their effectiveness.

7. Online English Instructor: With the growing popularity of online education, many TESOL professionals find opportunities to teach English online. This can be an ideal choice for those seeking flexible work arrangements.

8. Bilingual Education Specialist: TESOL professionals may choose to work in K-12 schools as bilingual education specialists, helping students from diverse linguistic backgrounds succeed in mainstream classrooms.

9. Language Assessment Specialist: Some graduates enter the field of language assessment, developing and administering language proficiency tests or working for testing companies.

10. Language Services Consultant: Graduates with expertise in TESOL may provide consulting services to schools, organizations, or businesses seeking to improve their language training programs.

11. Pursue Doctoral Studies: For those interested in academic careers, the M.A. in TESOL serves as a strong foundation for doctoral studies in applied linguistics, TESOL, or related fields.