Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get my Plan of Study approved?

After being accepted into a program, you must meet with your program coordinator to prepare and sign your Plan of Study which will then be approved by the Dean.

What if I want to do a thesis?

Students are encouraged to do a thesis in place of your two electives. There is a process to apply for and have your thesis approved. Please work with the graduate program coordinator well in advance if you would like to pursue this option.

If I have already taken a similar course, can I substitute or get credit from another institution?

Requests for course substitutions or credits from another institution may be made with the consent of the Graduate Program Coordinator and an appropriate request form must be filled out and approved by the Dean of the SGS.

Do I have to be accepted into a TESOL graduate program before I take a graduate course?

No. You are allowed to take up to three courses in the graduate program before you officially matriculate. This means that you can feel free to try classes before you apply. Bear in mind, however, that ENG/EDS 770N Culture and Context in TESOL is a pre-requisite for all graduate TESOL courses, so this should be the first course that you take if you choose to enroll. It is strongly advised that you contact the Graduate Program Coordinator if you are interested in taking a class, even if you are only beginning to consider applying to the program. Electronic permission must be given for you to take other classes.

What can I expect in a graduate TESOL course?

You can expect to do a lot of reading and/or writing, course design, and lesson planning and to discuss both theory and practice with engagement and enthusiasm. Many graduate courses incorporate both writing and research into their curriculum, so a basic knowledge of both is assumed. Instructors expect graduate students to come to class well prepared to participate, so it is essential that you set aside enough time to do the necessary reading and writing prior to class. Most graduate courses involve the production of at least one major paper or research project/ assignment (usually 10 - 15 pages), as well as smaller writing assignments and required field experiences that ask you to complete tasks in an English language school context. Students are always encouraged to contact instructors regarding the specifics of their course before enrolling if they have any questions or concerns.

Can I change options during the course of my program?

It is possible to switch programs/tracks once you begin. Some students decide that licensure is not for them or that they would like to pursue the MAT instead of the Certificate. It is preferable to have an option in mind at your first meeting with the Graduate Program Coordinator so that you can choose classes appropriately. Often, however, it takes a semester or two to decide. The important thing is that you remain in close contact with the graduate program coordinator, and that you let them know as soon as you have made up your mind so that you can update your Plan of Study (POS).

You should update your POS with your Coordinator if you deviate from the original plan. This is particularly important as you approach completion of your program since our POS must be accurate in order to be cleared for graduation.

How many courses am I expected to take each semester? Is there a minimum or maximum?

Full-time is three courses (nine credits) per semester. Many of you are working full-time in addition to your graduate study and can only handle one course per semester. This is absolutely fine, as long as you do not have a graduate assistantship (which requires full-time status). We do not recommend that you take more than three, but a decision about how many courses to take is largely based on your individual situation and personal preference.

What if I need to take a semester off?

A leave of absence is a period during which students maintain their status, but are entitled to none of the services of the University provided by the payment of tuition or fees. An application for a leave of absence may be filed at any time during the academic year for the following semester(s). A leave of absence may begin during a semester, provided the completed application for leave is filed with the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies before the end of the fourth class session. In this case the entire semester is counted toward the leave. No refund of tuition will be given except as provided by other existing regulations. The total leave allowed for a student during his/her graduate program is two semesters, which need not be taken consecutively. Students desiring leaves of absence must complete a Leave of Absence form available from the appropriate program coordinator to complete arrangements for leave. A date of return will be agreed upon in advance and stated on the Leave of Absence form. A student who fails to return on the agreed date will be considered to have withdrawn from the University. A leave of absence may be granted to any student complying with the School of Graduate Studies regulations. Such a leave of absence will be revoked if the student incurs an academic dismissal subsequent to the granting of the leave. Students on leave are fully responsible for returning on the agreed date. No reminders will be sent to the student. A leave of absence does not waive the mandatory six-year requirement. That is, all students requesting a leave of absence still must complete their program within six years of the date of acceptance.

How many years do I have to finish the degree?

All requirements for the degree normally must be completed within six years from the date of the student’s acceptance. No graduate course offered for the degree may be more than six years old at the time degree requirements are completed with the exception of any courses accepted in transfer which must have been taken within the past seven years.

I have taken a grade of “I” in one of my courses, but now it appears on my transcript as an “F.” What should I do?

In order to be eligible for a “I”, you must have completed at least 80% of the coursework and talk to your professor. After one semester all grades of “I” convert automatically to “F.” You should NOT wait until you are ready to graduate before clearing any I’s that have changed to F’s. Indeed, you should do so immediately or risk being removed from the program. Contact the instructor as soon as possible and ask them, her, or him to change the grade, or, if you have not completed the work for the course, make arrangements to do so. 13.