students in study abroad program in Mexico

What does it cost?

Check out our cost calculator or visit student financial services for information on estimated costs.

How long will it take?

Minimum of 45 semester hours

Where will I take classes?
Atlanta Campus, Online

Application Deadlines View Admissions Requirements

  • Fall: June 15
  • Spring: October 15
  • Summer: April 15

English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), M.A.T.

The Georgia State University English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) education degree program is designed for students who hold a bachelor’s degree and seek an initial teaching certification in ESOL (grades kindergarten through 12th grade). This program leads to a master of arts in teaching degree and a clear and renewable (T5) induction certificate in the state of Georgia.

ESOL educators are responsible for teaching learners intellectual skills and knowledge that support English language learners’ cultural identities, languages and literacy development. Our urban communities need highly skilled, compassionate and advocacy-oriented ESOL teachers whose content knowledge and instructional practice honor students’ diversity and promote equity.

The ESOL degree program is grounded in educational theory, research and best practice, integrating principles of social justice and equity. Throughout the program, students take specialized education and content courses and gain practical teaching experience in kindergarten through 12th grade. The program also includes the option of pursuing a reading endorsement for individuals with an interest in teaching ESOL at the middle or secondary level (grade 6-12). Our dynamic program features technology integration and offers study abroad opportunities. Faculty support teacher candidates in planning, instruction, assessment and reflection with colleagues, faculty and partner schools who are committed to excellence in education.

There is also an online version of this program.

Education programs leading to professional licensure or certification (nursing, education, social work, counseling, accounting, allied health professions, etc.) may require additional approval from separate licensing boards, depending on the state. Students who live or plan to live outside Georgia and are considering a professional program should contact the appropriate board in their state of residency prior to beginning a course of study. To help students find the best-known contact information for the appropriate state licensing board and for a list of Georgia State program contacts, visit the Student Consumer Information website.

Program Highlights

The What and Why of My Program

Meet Foluke Beveridge, a graduate student in our M.A.T. English to Speakers of Other Languages program.

“I felt I could be an asset to young people who are learning English.”

Concentrations

For our program you will choose a concentration in Dual Language Immersion or Applied Linguistics.

The Applied Linguistics concentration is nine credit hours and includes these courses:

  • AL 8240 General Linguistics (3)
  • AL 8460 English Grammar for ESL/EFL Teachers (3)
  • AL 8470 Sociolinguistics (3)

The Dual Language Immersion concentration is nine credit hours and includes these courses:

  • FORL 6021 Technology Integration for Foreign Language Teaching and Learning (3)
  • FORL 6126 Approaches to Language Teaching, Grades 9-12 (3)

Course (3 credits) as advised by the program coordinator

*Note: concentrations are not required for the online program. View the catalog for the online version for more information.

Program Details

Admissions Requirements

When applying to the English To Speakers of Other Languages, M.A.T. program, you will need to submit several documents for review.

  • Online Application
  • Application Fee of $50
  • Goals Statement (upload with the application)
  • Resume (upload with the application)
  • Two Letters of Recommendation (identify your recommenders on the application)
  • Official Transcript: minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA required for admission
    • submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended either electronically to [email protected] or by mailing directly to Georgia State University | Office of Graduate Admissions | P.O. Box 4018 Atlanta, GA 30302

In order to meet certification requirements in Georgia, you will also need to complete the following prior to program admission:

The online Master of Arts in Teaching with a major in English to Speakers of Other Languages is designed for students who hold a bachelor’s degree and seek initial teaching certification in ESOL –grades kindergarten through 12th grade. Graduates of this program earn a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree and a clear and renewable (T5) induction certificate in the state of Georgia. This degree can be completed in 36 credit hours or four to five semesters.

For complete degree requirements, visit the catalog.

Funding Your Graduate Education

Cost of attendance and funding opportunities are integral to your decision to attend graduate school. Georgia State University is proud to offer a variety of funding opportunities, from assistantships to fellowships.

Awards and Assistantships

Various awards, assistantships and fellowships are available to new and current graduate students. We encourage you to contact your department, college, school or institute of interest to get more information about the assistantships and fellowships that they offer their students.

The Scholarship Resource Center offers guidance and support to students seeking financial assistance through scholarship opportunities, including this scholarship library.

Fellowships

The Office of Graduate Programs’ Fellowship Advisor works with students interested in applying for nationally prestigious and competitive fellowships. The Office of Graduate Programs also coordinates the application process for students applying to the Second Century Initiative, the Provost’s Dissertation Fellowship and the Dissertation Library Travel Awards.

Cost Calculator

Our calculator can help you get an idea of the costs associated with attending the university.

Our program graduates are informed by research, knowledge and reflective practice; empowered to serve as change agents committed to and respectful of all learners and engaged with learners, their families, schools and local and global communities.

More Information

Field Placement Experience

In the final semesters of the program, students conduct field experiences in the metro Atlanta area where students will apply educational theory and research, test ideas and practice strategies that they have learned throughout the program of study. Each student works closely with a mentor teacher at the practicum school and is supervised by faculty from the Department of Middle and Secondary Education.

Georgia Teacher Certification Requirements

All students must meet Georgia Professional Standards Commission requirements to be eligible for certification:

  1. GaPSC Preservice Certificate (Entry)
  2. GACE Content Assessment(s) (Exit)

Online Alternative

This program is also offered online. For more details please visit CEHD Online Education Programs. You can also view English to Speakers of Other Languages Education (M.A.T.) Online program in the catalog.

Program of Study for English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), M.A.T.

Description

Careers

Successful program graduates will be well prepared to work in public, charter, and private schools and school systems in the metro-Atlanta area and beyond.

Graduate placements include:

  • Atlanta City Schools
  • Cobb County School District
  • Decatur City Schools
  • DeKalb County School District
  • Fulton County Schools
  • Schools in California, New York, Arizona and Ohio
  • International schools

Contacts

Middle and Secondary Education M.A.T. Programs
G. Sue Kasun
mailto:[email protected]
404-413-8388

Middle and Secondary Education
[email protected]
404-413-8060

Mailing Address & Office Location
College of Education & Human Development
6th Floor
30 Pryor St. SW
Atlanta, GA 30303

College of Education Logo30 Pryor Street SW
Atlanta, GA 30303

The information shared provides an overview of Georgia State’s offerings. For details on admissions requirements, tuition, courses and more, refer to the university catalogs.