University of Alberta - Faculty of Graduate Studies & Research

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Teaching English as a Second Language

University of Alberta - Faculty of Graduate Studies & Research

Faculty:Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research
Degree:Doctorate
Field of Study:Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Lang./ESL Lang. Instructor
Thesis Based:Yes
Cost per year:*
National: $7,072

Description:

The doctoral program in Studies in Teaching and Learning English as a Second Language is designed to prepare students for careers as academics and researchers. Programs are highly individualized, depending upon the student’s prior education, experience, and interests. The program will comprise a minimum of 6 courses (21 credits) and a dissertation. Each student’s program of study will build upon core requirements and will be uniquely designed around individual needs and interests, in consultation with the student’s advisor. The three core courses are Seminar in TESL (3 credits), Research Practicum in Psychological Studies in Education (6 credits), and research methodology (3 credits). A minimum of three elective courses will be chosen: at least two from the graduate course offerings of the Department of Educational Psychology, and the remaining from the Departments of Linguistics, Secondary Education and Modern Languages and Cultural Studies. Additional courses from other departments may be considered, depending on the individual needs of the student. Students may be required to take additional courses to strengthen their background training in particular areas.



Following the completion of coursework, the student must pass an oral candidacy examination, and then conduct research, write and defend a dissertation. The focus of the dissertation will be on research in one of four general areas: (a) studies of L2 learning and teaching; (b) approaches to and evaluation of ESL classroom instruction for adults; (c) student and program evaluation; and (d) language teacher education. Candidates for the doctoral program will be chosen on the basis of research interests commensurate with those of the Department of Educational Psychology’s TESL faculty. These include second language pedagogy, second language reading and literacy, learning strategies, assessment, and language teacher education.

Prerequisites:

These courses are intended as guidelines. Speak to your guidance counsellor to see what courses are offered at your school.
    The program’s minimum admission requirements are a Master’s degree in TESL, Applied Linguistics, or related field from a recognized institution, with a minimum GPA of B over the most recent 60 credits of course work. Applicants should have ESL or EFL teaching experience, with some empirical research experience. Applicants who are non-native speakers of English must provide proof of proficiency in the English language. Students entering the PhD program must have an overall TOEFL iBT score of 101 with a minimum of 24 in Listening, 24 in Reading, 27 in Speaking and 27 in Writing; OR a minimum IELTS Academic score of 8 in listening/speaking with no band less than 7.

    Test Scores:
    • Test of English as a Foreign Language (Internet Based) [min. 101] or International English Language Testing System (academic or immigration) [min. 8]
    Additional Admission Requirements:
    • Letter(s) of Reference
    • Resume/Curriculum Vitae
    • Statement of Research Interests
    • Work Experience
    Decisions about admission are based on

    a GPA over B (based on the most recent 60 credits)
    evidence of research-based Master's program and continued interest in research
    interests allied to those of TESL faculty members (please note: Dr. Leila Ranta is no longer accepting PhD students)
    identification of an individual faculty member's research interest; indication of having read their publications in order to evaluate that their interests would fit with students' interests
    research skills that contribute to the program
    background in the area of interest from the student's Master's program
    at least one introductory course in statistics
    presentations or publications based on Master's research
    eligibility for funding
    strong letters of recommendation from academic referees with expertise in the area of L2 teaching/learning

    * We make every attempt to provide accurate information on prerequisites, programs, and tuition. However, this information is subject to change without notice and we highly recommend that you contact the school to confirm important information before applying.

    Modified on September 07, 2022