Why you should consider this program

The Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), a program within the College of Arts and Humanities at the University of Central Florida, is a degree that provides students with endless possibilities for work overseas, in community colleges, Intensive English Programs, or private/public school systems. Our courses are designed to prepare students to immediately step into the world of teaching ESOL here in the United States or abroad.

TESOL is a dynamic area of study where students take a variety of courses related to language and teaching. We strive to offer our students a strong foundation in language acquisition, use, and pedagogy. We have numerous local and international practicum experiences for those who desire practical experience to become excellent teachers.

Because we offer a PhD in Education with a specialization in TESOL, student scholars can begin their MATESOL career here and continue to a terminal degree at the doctoral level, all here at UCF. We also offer an undergraduate TEFL Certificate, a graduate TEFL Certificate and ESOL Endorsement certificate.

Our professors have diverse research interests and thrive on working with students to develop their professionalism in the field. Current research trends in the department include vocabulary, assessment, community engagement, Russian, and sociolinguistics.

Benefits for Coverdell Fellows

	Tuition/fees for Complete Program	Value of Coverdell Fellowship	Net cost *
In state	$ 13,200	$ 37,000	$ 0 + You receive additional benefits.
Out of state	$ 43,500	$ 37,000	$ 6,500

* Net cost is equal to tuition/fees minus fellowship value. For some universities, the fellowship value includes non-tuition/fee benefits such as health insurance or housing—see the first point below for more details.

Where the cost savings value of the Coverdell Fellowship comes from

100% tuition waiver plus 20-hour-per-week assistantship

Fellowships awarded per year (average)

1 - 2

Other benefits or opportunities

RPCVs are given priority for teaching assistantships for both years while in the program. The teaching assistantships cover tuition and provide a bi-weekly stipend. If awarded an assistantship, the RPCV must enroll as a full-time student. It is imperative RPCVs apply by the priority deadline mid-January with a complete application packet to be considered for assistantships or university fellowships. Budgeted funds are limited.

Annual cost of living (estimated)

$ 17,200

Application fee waived?

Yes

Internship

Fellows complete their internship hours through our service-learning courses and as independent studies. Because we work with ESL students, a historically underserved community, we have internships available in public schools and through non-profit organizations. We also serve international students and immigrant populations in the community. We will work with fellows once they arrive on campus to arrange for the internship that best fits their needs and future teaching expectations.

Jobs for program alumni

UCF Knight alumni are currently teaching, studying, and serving communities throughout the world and here in the United States. We have had numerous students received the prestigious International Fulbright Scholarship, teaching in countries such as China, Malaysia, and South Korea. Our students also apply for and receive the English Language Fellows scholarship, our most recent alumni in Bangladesh. Some of our student scholars go on pursue their PhD, including those at Georgetown and here at UCF. Our students who pursue teaching opportunities include those who have won the Sunshine State TESOL teaching award and the International TESOL teaching award! We have alumni teaching in public schools, intensive English programs, and universities both here (at the University of Central Florida) and abroad (Bilkent University in Turkey). We are proud of our alumni who strive to pursue their passion for teaching, research, community service, and scholarship wherever they go!

Other details

Program length

2 years

Application requirements

(1) One official transcript (in a sealed envelope) from each college/university attended. Applicants applying to this program who have attended a college/university outside the United States must provide a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA calculation. Credential evaluations are accepted from World Education Services (WES) or Josef Silny and Associates, Inc. only. (2) Two letters of professional recommendation. (3) Resume (4) Background questionnaire (After an application is received, the graduate program will send the background questionnaire to the applicant.)

Program begins

Students may start in the Fall, Spring or Summer semesters, which are late August, early January, or mid-May. RPCVs Fellows are strongly encouraged to start in the fall semester – late August.

Non-traditional options

• Low residency or distance learning

Our classes are offered in the evenings and about 10% are offered fully online. Summer courses are always offered 100% online. In order to receive a fellowship or assistantship, fellows must be full-time students, but are welcome to be part-time students without funding.

Year Coverdell Fellows partnership started

2013

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Contact

Susan Jefferson, Administrative Coordinator II