Urban Education—ESL Specialization, M.A.

This master’s degree program is designed for students who already hold a standard teaching certification or a Provisional ESL certification and would like to take courses for the standard NJ ESL teacher certification as part of their program of study.  Note: Candidates with standard P-3 certification only and seeking to add the ESL Certification, please contact the department for additional requirements as per the NJDOE.

Admission requirements:
 

  • Online application

  • Essay of 250-500 words

  • Transcripts from all previous institutions attended

  • Two professional references from employers, supervisors, professors, and mentors/counselors

  • Verification of NJ certification(s)

  • BA GPA of 3.0 or higher

Certification requirements:
 

  • Passing scores on the ACTFL Language Proficiency tests as mandated by NJDOE

  • OPI: Advanced Low or higher; WPT: Advanced Low or higher

Students are strongly recommended to take the courses in specified phases.

Fall Semester
MCC 600General Linguistics3
MCC 627Historical and Cultural Background of Limited English Proficient Students3
MCC 635Effective Literacy Teaching for English Language Learners3
MCC 655Methods of Teaching ESL3
Spring Semester
MCC 611Theories of Language Teaching2
MCC 612Observation of English as a Second Language1
MCC 603Applied Linguistics with Emphasis on Problems of Second Language3
MCC 604Phonology and Structure of American English3
MCC 617Field Experience in Bilingual/Multicultural Education3
Research Courses
MCC 626Survey and Development of English as a Second Language Material3
MCC 650Research Urban Education in ESL/Bilingual Education3
Electives (Select 12 credits from the following):
MCC 605Introduction to Bilingual/Multicultural Education3
MCC 607Theory and Practices of Teaching Bilingual Children3
MCC 608Language Culture and Communication3
MCC 610Sociolinguistics3
MCC 618Human Relations and Multicultural Education3
MCC 619Americans in the World Community3
MCC 623Contemporary Issues in Bilingual Curriculum Development3
MCC 631Teaching American Language and Culture to ESL Students in Higher Education3
MCC 632Fieldwork in ESL Programs for College Students3
MCC 633Teaching ESL in Higher Education3
Total Credits42
Plan of Study Grid
First YearCredits
MCC 627 Historical and Cultural Background of Limited English Proficient Students 3
MCC 611 Theories of Language Teaching 2
MCC 612 Observation of English as a Second Language 1
MCC 635 Effective Literacy Teaching for English Language Learners 3
MCC 600 General Linguistics 3
MCC 655 Methods of Teaching ESL 3
MCC 603 Applied Linguistics with Emphasis on Problems of Second Language 3
MCC 6XXElective 3
MCC 6XXElective 3
 Credits24
Second Year
MCC 617 Field Experience in Bilingual/Multicultural Education 3
MCC 626 Survey and Development of English as a Second Language Material 3
MCC 604 Phonology and Structure of American English 3
MCC 650 Research Urban Education in ESL/Bilingual Education 3
MCC 6XXElective 3
MCC 6XXElective 3
 Credits18
 Total Credits42

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Urban Education-ESL Specialization program, students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate mastery of the subject matter they plan to teach.
  2. Demonstrate their pedagogical knowledge, integrating their understanding of their pupils’ developmental levels, individual differences, learning exceptionalities, and sociocultural backgrounds.
  3. Demonstrate effective instruction, caring behavior, and reflection to improve practice.
  4. Know and value how individuals are shaped by their life experiences as mediated by factors such as social class, gender, race, ethnicity, language, sexual orientation, age, and social needs. Our candidates know, value, and engage in culturally responsive teaching to promote social justice, particularly in our urban areas.
  5. Use appropriate technology in carrying out their professional responsibilities.