Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Graduate Pathway Program

The MA TESOL Graduate Program Pathway is a 9 unit program that provides pre-matriculated international graduate students with the opportunity to earn units toward their degree while improving their English language and academic skills over 1-2 semesters through a mix of graduate academic credit courses, English for Academic Purposes courses, and Academic Support courses.  The curriculum addresses the Pre-admission (Level 1) Written English Proficiency (WEP) requirement, enabling students to develop writing skills and critically examine relevant literature. The program focuses on acquiring advanced academic skills, including research methodologies and emphasizes the development of cross-cultural competence for success in an American university and relevant social and professional environments.

Admissions Requirements

To meet the minimum eligibility standards for the graduate pathway program at San Francisco State, an applicant must:

  • Have an IELTS score of 5.0 or higher or equivalent;
  • Hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution, or shall have completed equivalent academic preparation as determined by the appropriate campus authority;
  • be in good academic standing at the last college or university attended;
  • have a 2.5 GPA or better in their earned undergraduate degree or the last 60-semester (90-quarter) units completed, or have earned a post-baccalaureate degree

Students will apply to the program through the College of Professional & Global Education.  Applicants will be required to submit an approved English proficiency score, official undergraduate transcript, and requisite supporting and financial documents to be issued an I-20.  Students will submit any additional documents required by the TESOL program such as a statement of purpose and writing sample.

Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Upon completion of the Graduate-Level Certificate Program, students will demonstrate Level One (entry) Written English Proficiency aligning with standards set forth by the university, department, and program; developed writing proficiency within the context of the particular discipline, and develop ability to critically examining the literature relevant to each discipline.
  2. This certificate program ensures that students develop and demonstrate the advanced academic skills necessary for success in graduate-level academic; develop advanced skills, including research methodologies, as well as the specific conventions of their chosen discipline.
  3. This certificate program ensures that students develop cross-cultural competence necessary for graduate level success in an American university as well as in relevant social and professional environments.

International Graduate Start, MA TESOL Graduate Pathway Program - 9 units

Students must earn a 3.0 average GPA or higher and a 3.0 in all courses.

Required Courses (6 units)

ENG 670Writing for Graduate Studies in the Liberal and Creative Arts3
ENG 826Second Language Acquisition3

Elective (3 units)

Select One:

ENG 707Topics in Language Analysis3
ENG 731Seminar: TESOL Listening and Speaking Skills3