Duquesne University

Program Information

Degree Offered

M.S.Ed./Cert.-English as a Second Language, Cert.-English as a Second Language

Program Description:

The ESL Program at Duquesne University provides a number of different services for state certified teachers as well as for those who wish to teach ESL/EFL in language centers or in higher education institutions worldwide. The ESL program at Duquesne University serves the university and the community in three capacities:

Chapter 49 requirements for ELL training
ESL Program Specialist Certification
ESL MS.Ed
1. Chapter 49

A few recent changes have occurred in the State’s ESL teacher certification requirements based on national standards and the NCLB act. The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) has mandated that all public school ESL teachers obtain an ESL-Program Specialist Certificate from a state-approved provider as of the 2004-2005 school year. Recently, the PDE passed new regulations under Chapter 49 making one ESL class mandatory for all undergraduate students majoring in education regardless of specialization and/or grade level and graduate students seeking an Instructional I certificate.

The ESL program acts as a service unit offering basic ESL courses to all undergraduate (LTEL 201) and graduate (GESL 501) students in the School of Education and other schools to meet the State’s certification requirements. These courses aim to prepare content area teachers to become more competent in supporting ELLs’ basic and academic language development as well as their acculturation processes and academic achievement in mainstream classrooms. More specifically, the Chapter 49 courses integrate around 20 competencies enumerated under the five TESOL domains, including language and linguistics, SLA theories, ESL methods, learning theories, learner variables, diversity and socio-cultural awareness, assess.ent and evaluation, literacy/content area development, foundations of ESL curriculum and instruction, and professional and pedagogical responsibilities.

2. ESL Program Specialist Certification

The ESL program at Duquesne University is one of the over 35 ESL certificate providers approved by the state. Our program is structured for teachers who already hold an Instructional I certificate and would like to add ESL as an additional certificate. The certificate workload includes a 15-credit, graduate-level course work made up of five courses that are offered evenings and in the summer, allowing the work to be completed in just three semesters. The program of study provides candidates with the knowledge, skills and dispositions to successfully work with linguistically and culturally diverse learners.

3. ESL Masters of Science in Education (MS.Ed)

Students who plan to pursue language teaching careers in adult settings including at language teaching centers or higher education institutions can enroll in our ESL MS.Ed program. After taking the five prerequisite courses in ESL (the 15 credits for the specialist certificate), these students take five additional courses related to different areas in education. In addition to providing the candidates with fundamental ESL domains and competencies related to theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and dispositions to successfully work with second language learners, the MS.Ed program allows students to select a related concentration through courses ranging from multicultural education, reading disabilities, and instructional technology to adolescent literature and the teaching of language arts. The program also offers ESL practicum opportunities in adult ESL settings. This program is also very-well suited to international students and US students who plan to teach English as a foreign language (EFL) abroad.

Accreditation:

NCATE - National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education PDE - Pennsylvania Department of Education Middle States Association of Colleges & Schools

Eligibility Requirements:

3.0 GPA A 1,000 word personal statement describing your academic and professional goals TOEFL or IELTS for International Students

# of Credits Required:

30

International Student Requirements:

Same academic requirements as U.S. students. In addition, TOEFL test (Paper based 550 minimum and internet based 80 minimum) must be taken and possibly the Duquesne University English Placement Tests and successful completion of any required English language course work. Letters of recommendation submitted by persons in authority at former university. Financial documentation showing ability to pay for education and living expenses. Student to maintain full time status. Must have major medical coverage.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Cost Per Credit Hour:

1010 USD

Financial Aid Offered: Yes

Format: Campus

Classification: Doctoral/Research Universities - Intensive

Institution Sector: Private not-for-profit

Locale: Large City

Size & Settings: 10,000 - 19,999