Teaching English as a Foreign Language (M.S.)

The M.S. in teaching English as a foreign language degree at Southern New Hampshire University is especially designed for people teaching or intending to teach English in foreign school systems, but is of value to anyone interested in English as a second language as well. Opportunities for teaching English in other countries already are numerous and are increasing yearly as English becomes not only a preferred language of many professions but also a requirement in many foreign school systems, beginning as early as third grade. The master's degree is the degree of choice for overseas employment.

To complete the M.S. degree, students have a choice of thesis, comprehensive portfolio or comprehensive examination.

The program:

• can be completed in 12 months (four 11-week sessions)
• includes 11 courses plus a teaching practicum (total of 36 credits)
• blends instructional theory with practical skill development
• incorporates methods for teaching children and adults
• integrates ESL and EFL teaching methods
• offers opportunities for gaining real-world teaching experience in the community
• provides opportunities for observing the ESL courses taught in the SNHU Institute for Language Education

Note: This program also offers certification to teach in New Hampshire public schools (and, by reciprocal agreement, in the public schools of neighboring states). The following courses are required, in addition to supervising teaching: EFL 501-504, EFL 536 and EFL 540. Students seeking state certification for the first time must take EDU 571 in place of EFL 599. Course work outside of EFL may be required, depending on the student's bachelor's - level preparation. Please contact the Institute for Language Education for details.

Required Courses

EFL 501 - Language Learning and Acquisition
EFL 502 - Evaluation and Assessment
EFL 503 - Descriptive Linguistics of American English 
EFL 504 - Introduction to Curriculum Development, Design, and Implementation
EFL 505 - Overview of TESOL Methodology  
EFL 523 - Listening and Speaking Techniques 
EFL 525 - Reading and Writing Techniques
EFL 527 - Strategies/Techniques Teaching Grammar
EFL 531 - Pronunciation Techniques 
EFL 536 - Content-Based Instruction
EFL 537 - Computer Assisted Language Learning (Course resource site)
EFL 540 - Socio-Cultural Context of Language Teaching
EFL 599 - Supervised Practice Teaching