Master of Education in Literacy, Culture, and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Program Overview The University of San Diego’s School of Leadership and Education Sciences offers a Literacy, Culture, and TESOL Program to assist professionals in the field of education to develop a scholarly and practical approach to literacy and second language instruction. We strive to prepare reflective practitioners who can successfully engage and ensure the academic success of students from diverse cultural, linguistic and socioeconomic backgrounds. The Literacy, Culture, and TESOL Program has two specialization options; Literacy and TESOL, which share three common goals: 1. critical understanding of theory and practice; 2. development and implementation of research-based and culturally responsive teaching practices, including closing the achievement gap and systems that perpetuate educational inequity; and 3. opportunities for development as change agents and teacher-scholars at local, national and international levels.
Specialization Options • Literacy (USD Certificate) The literacy specialization prepares K-12 teachers to apply a socio-cultural/cognitive perspective about language and literacy to meet the needs of diverse students. Candidates are expected to make connections between research, theory, policy and practice promoting continuous professional, intellectual and social growth about how teaching and learning can be improved. This specialization provides a solid base about literacy and language theories, applications to practice, literature and writing across the curriculum, multiple literacies and exemplary teaching practices.
• TESOL (USD Certificate) California Teachers of English Learners (CTEL) - Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) Certificate Candidates may be eligible to apply to CTC for a CTEL Certificate upon completion of CTEL courses. Students who hold a CLAD, SB 2042 or EL credential authorization are not eligible. See Credential Analyst for CTEL requirements. The TESOL specialization and CTEL courses offer candidates the theoretical basis and practical knowledge/field experiences in teaching English as a second and foreign language. It prepares candidates to work effectively in grades PK-16 and adult education settings, such as community colleges, universities, adult education centers, and language academies. The program focuses on culture, linguistics, second language acquisition, and methodology of teaching ESL, including alignment with required standards and a sound understanding of the complexities of working with linguistically and culturally diverse populations. Scholarships and financial aid are available through the School of Leadership and Education Sciences. For more information, please visit www.sandiego.edu/soles/financialaid.
Program Curriculum
Admission Requirements
The Master of Education in Literacy, Culture, and TESOL consists of 30 units taken in the following areas:
• Submit the Graduate School Admission Application and Statement of Purpose online at www.sandiego. edu/admissions/graduate/application.php. The Statement of Purpose should explain reasons for seeking the degree and other information that would assist the admissions committee in its decision, including information on an applicant’s experience in working with students in school or non-school settings.
Foundational Courses (15 units) EDUC 500 EDUC 540* EDUC 529* EDUC 543* EDUC 517**
Research Design and Methodology Introduction to Language and Linguistic Analysis Language, Literacy and Culture Methods for Teaching Literacy in ESL Multiple Literacies
3 units 3 units 3 units 3 units 3 units
Specialization Courses (9 units) Literacy** EDUC 515** EDUC 518** EDUC 519**
The following courses are required for the literacy emphasis Advanced Theories of Language & Literacy Writing Across the Curriculum Literature for Children and Adolescents
3 units 3 units 3 units
TESOL EDUC 541* EDUC 564 EDUC 547 OR EDUC 548
The following courses are required for the TESOL emphasis Second Language Acquisition & Development Cross Cultural Communication Development and Evaluation of TESOL programs
3 units 3 units 3 units
Special Topics
Elective Courses (choose one of the following courses) EDUC 546 EDUC 501 EDUC 505 EDUC 516 EDUC 530 EDUC 537 EDUC 510 EDUC 511 EDUC 545
Teaching English as a Foreign Language Family, School and Community Partnerships Discourse, Schooling and Learning Communities Innovations in Reading and Writing Critical Literacy, Popular Culture and Media Studies Adolescent and Children’s Literature and LGBTQ Communities Cognition and Learning Educational Reform Language, Politics & Education
3 units 3 units 3 units 3 units 3 units 3 units 3 units 3 units 3 units
Electives other than those listed above may be accepted for credit with the approval of your adviser.
Summative Assessment (3 units) EDUC 580
3 units
Master’s Capstone Seminar
Candidates will design and implement an original research project and present findings in both a written format and an oral presentation. SOLES students are required to complete an international experience to graduate. Contact the program coordinator for more information. * TESOL/CTEL Certificate Requirement ** Literacy Certificate Requirement. Literacy specialization students can also earn a TESOL/CTEL Certificate if EDUC 541 is taken as an elective instead of choosing from the electives above.
Contact Information For admissions and general program information:
For specific information about the LCT Program:
Office of Outreach and Recruitment Phone: ( 619 ) 260-7988 E-mail: solesgrads@sandiego.edu
Donna Barnes, Ph.D. LCT Program Coordinator E-mail: donnabme@yahoo.com
For more information, go to www.sandiego.edu/soles/admissions.
• Submit all college/university transcripts. Applicants must submit one official sealed transcript from every college or university attended. A minimum grade point average of 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale) is required in all undergraduate coursework. - For international students only: transcripts must be issued in English by the academic institution or must be officially translated by an approved agency. Applicants are required to have their foreign transcripts evaluated by an independent credential evaluation service. Applicants may contact The International Education Research Foundation, Inc. and request a Detail Report, or World Education Services and request a Course-by-Course Report. • Submit three professional letters of recommendations from a current supervisor or a professor attesting to both academic and personal skills and, if possible, to teaching abilities. Please do not submit personal recommendations. • Submit a resume. • Additional requirements for international students: – Submit the official results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Minimum requirements are 83 (Internet-based), 237 (computer-based), or 580 (paper-based). – Submit Certification of Finances Form and supporting documents. Please visit www.sandiego.edu/ admissions/graduate/international.php for form and additional information.
Application Deadlines: Please visit www.sandiego.edu/soles/admissions for the most current deadlines.