Program Details
Bachelor of Science, Major in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
Bachelor of ScienceJames Madison University
The TESOL major enables students to become knowledgeable about the theories of linguistics, research on social and cultural variables that influence language acquisition, the knowledge required to facilitate and assess language instruction in content areas, and laws governing the education of children for whom English is not their native language.
Academic experiences in the TESOL major include coursework and field experiences to assist future educators as they gain knowledge and understanding of theories of language acquisition and cultural competence, models of instruction, policies and laws, and learner characteristics as they relate to the teaching and acquisition of English as a new language. Students completing all requirements for the TESOL major are prepared to serve as teachers of students for whom English is not their native language. Completion of this four-year program leads to eligibility for a Virginia teaching license for PK-12 English as a Second Language.
Students must choose a minor based on interest and consultation with their adviser. A variety of minors can enhance the skills and knowledge of an ESL teacher. The Liberal Studies Minor is included as one of the options to ensure a solid foundation in core content-related courses.
This minor requires certain courses within the General Education curriculum that are designed specifically to fulfill subject area competencies for Virginia teachers. If students choose a minor other than the Liberal Studies minor, they must select from minors that are no more than 18 credit hours.
All teacher education admission requirements are submitted through the Education Support Center, located in Memorial Hall, room 7230. Students must be fully admitted into teacher education before they can register for certain designated undergraduate education courses.
Program Overview & Guidance
| Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Considerations for Selecting Degree | This degree requires a high level of time management skills as it balances course performance with in-field teaching experiences each semester. Having time to devote during K-12 school hours each day is essential. Being prepared to meet the needs of K-12 students at assigned times is imperative. While scaffolding and support is provided in every course, time management and initiative to ask for help if needed are vital for student success. |
| Considerations When Selecting Courses |
Students should complete courses equivalent to the following JMU education courses prior to transferring: EXED 200 Foundations of Exceptional Education, EDUC 200 Foundations of Schooling in the United States, and EDUC 310 Teaching in a Diversity Society.
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| Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | |
| Doing More With Your Degree | TESOL majors might decide to take Praxis in another content area (for example, a foreign language), and if passed, they will be able to be certified in this area as well. In addition, if students are interested in a master's degree, JMU offers a two-year program in Equity and Cultural Diversity. |
| Program Successes & Highlights | TESOL majors will have the opportunity to work with multilingual students at all three grade-levels (elementary, middle, and high school), assisting them in both academic content areas and the English development. Student teaching experiences encompass a whole semester with half of it spent at the elementary and the other half at the secondary level. Both practicum and student teaching experiences are structured and supervised by a university supervisor. All TESOL graduates who have sought a job within the field of TESOL are employed in the field after graduating. |
Program Credit Requirements
If you wish to see how your credits may apply, you can:
- Contact the institution where a staff member can help you map your credits to the requirements for this program.
- View the program requirements listed in the institution's catalog.
Applicable Admissions Agreements
The table below lists admissions agreements between James Madison University and partner institutions that may guarantee admission to this program if you meet the required criteria. Click on the title name of the agreement to view a summary of those criteria.
You can view the full text of these Agreements in the Resource Center
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
| Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Associate Transfer Degree Completion | Completion of an approved transfer associate degree will guarantee fulfillment of JMU's General Education requirements. https://www.jmu.edu/transfer/VCCStransfer/ASDegrees.shtml |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School |
| Credit for Prior Learning | JMU accepts and reviews AP, IB, CIE and CLEP for all students with eligible scores, which may be different than at your prior institution. JMU will complete an independent review of the test score to apply credit to the JMU student record. Credit for prior learning (CLEP) is awarded on a per case basis for Adult Degree (Individualized Studies Majors) and RN-BSN students only and in consultation with the department of expertise, with the exception of military service credit. Credit for learning acquired in military service is awarded by the registrar's office using the ACE guide credit recommendation for study/experience listed on the military transcript and in consultation with the department of expertise. |
| Did You Know That... |
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College Level Information
| College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Is This College Right For Me? | JMU is a mid to large size institution that behaves more like a smaller institution. Faculty and staff hold students as the top priority. JMU has a 96% satisfaction rate. 89% of classes have less than 50 students. JMU is the #1 most recommended public University in the US by the Wall Street Journal and Times Higher Education; JMU is the #1 Best College for Employment in Virginia according to U.S. Department of Education statistics compiled by Zippia. JMU has the highest post-graduation job levels of all Virginia colleges. |
| Transfer Student Catalog Year | Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance. |
| First Year Student Catalog Year | Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance. |
| Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | Transfer applicants applying through the Guaranteed Admissions Agreement must submit a Letter of Intent prior to applying to JMU. Requirements and forms are available at: https://www.jmu.edu/admissions/apply/transfer-GAA.shtml |
Where Can This Degree Transfer
| Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roanoke College | Bachelor of Arts in Teaching English as a Second Language | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Careers Where This Degree Applies
| O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-3011.00 | Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors | Teach or instruct out-of-school youths and adults in basic education, literacy, or English as a Second Language classes, or in classes for earning a high school equivalency credential. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
| 25-2021.00 | Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education | Teach academic and social skills to students at the elementary school level. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
| 25-2012.00 | Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education | Teach academic and social skills to kindergarten students. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
| 25-2022.00 | Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | Teach one or more subjects to students at the middle, intermediate, or junior high school level. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
| 25-2011.00 | Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education | Instruct preschool-aged students, following curricula or lesson plans, in activities designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
| 25-2031.00 | Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
Cost To Complete