Why choose TESOL?

At MSVU we offer graduate programs in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) that will prepare you with the skills to facilitate the learning and teaching of English as an additional language. The field of TESOL is as diverse as are the students who come to study with us. Below is a description of the three general categories of students who are in our programs.

P-12 Classroom Teachers in Canada

P-12 classrooms in Canada are becoming more linguistically and culturally diverse. In response to this vibrant diversity, classroom teachers in urban and rural settings in Nova Scotia and throughout Canada need to adapt their teaching practice to support students who are learning English while learning the curriculum content at the same time. Our graduate programs consider the theoretical and practical needs of the various individuals in our educational system, including teachers, students, families, schools and supporting organizations.  Many of our graduates have gone on to become English as an Additional Language (EAL) teachers in the Halifax Regional Centre for Education and other regional centres in Nova Scotia. Some of our other graduates now teach in schools across Canada, from Newfoundland to British Columbia.

TESOL for Adults in Canada

Canada is known as having one of the largest rates of immigration, with the majority of newcomers speaking a language other than English. To respond to this increasing linguistic diversity, there is a wide variety of language programs across the country that specialize in teaching English to adults. Some of the programs are government-funded and support newcomers to learn English to live in Canada, often referred to as LINC programs. Other programs are private and may focus on English for a specific purpose, such as business communication or learning English for Academic Purposes (EAP).

The MSVU TESOL degree meets TESL Canada certification requirements. TESL Canada certification is recognized across the country as a professional designation. Below we have described the recommended and required courses needed for this certification.

TESOL Internationally

Some of our graduates are also teaching English internationally, in both P-12 and adult contexts. While there is overlap between the two previous types of students, this category considers learning the English language in a foreign language setting. Many of our international and domestic graduates are teaching in a range of countries, such as Saudi Arabia and Japan.

What are some suggested elective courses?

Your choice of electives should be specific to your current or future teaching context. Below are some suggestions based on the types of students described above.

P-12 Classroom Teacher

  • TESOL in the Elementary Classroom (GTSL 6372)
  • TESOL in the Secondary Classroom (GTSL 6373)
  • Language Testing and Assessment (GTSL 6364)
  • Forced Migration and Education (GTSL 6374)

TESOL for Adults (*required for TESL Canada Certification)

  • Language Curriculum and Instruction (GTSL 6365)*
  • TESOL Practicum (GTSL 6366)*
  • Language Testing and Assessment (GTSL 6364)

Internationally

  • Language Testing and Assessment (GTSL 6364)
  • Forced Migration and Education (GTSL 6374)
  • Language and Culture (GTSL 6368)

What about TESL Canada Certification?

The MA and MEd TESOL programs are recognized by TESL Canada as meeting Standard 3 level certification. For those interested in TESL Canada Certification, we recommend visiting the TESL Canada certification website to review current requirements. Please note that the language requirements may be higher than what was used for entrance into the TESOL programs.

In addition to the MA/MEd required courses (GTSL 6360, 6361, 6362, 6363), students wishing to qualify for TESL Canada certification must take Language Curriculum and Instruction (GTSL 6365) and the TESOL Practicum (GTSL 6366).

Programs Offered

There are six graduate TESOL programs to choose from with two master’s programs, two diploma programs, and two certificate programs. Below is a description of each one.

  • The Master of Arts (MA)  is a 5.0 unit thesis-based program. This program requires 1.0 unit of thesis work and an additional 8 courses (8 x 0.5 units). Students in this program will be required to conduct independent, critical analyses and write an original, academic paper with substantial references. Students seeking to conduct deeper research or pursue a future PhD are encouraged to apply for the MA degree.
  • The Master of Education (MEd) is a 5.0 unit course-based program with an optional project component. This program requires 10 courses (10 x 0.5 units). Students in this program will gain scholarly and practical insights that they can then apply to their own teaching practice.
  • The Diploma is a 3.0 unit program that requires 6 courses (6 x 0.5 units ). There are two specialized diplomas, one focused on children and youth and the other focused on adults. Each diploma introduces the topic and covers foundational insights into the field. The diploma programs are ideal for someone who is interested in gaining scholarly and practical insights but would like a shorter program.
  • The Certificate is a 2.0 unit program that requires 4 courses (4 x 0.5 units ). This is the shortest TESOL program option for students.  There are two specialized certificates, one focused on children and youth and the other focused on adults. Each certificate provides an overview of TESOL and covers introductory areas.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Applying to any of the above programs is a competitive process, with the acceptance of students being based on the spots available, and as such, we cannot comment on the likelihood that you will be accepted into any one program. Our best advice is to apply and see if you get in.

The most obvious difference is the number of courses needed to complete the programs. The diploma programs are 3.0 credits, the certificate programs are 2.0 credits and the master’s programs are 5.0 credits. The less obvious, but more substantial difference, is the diploma and certificate programs are an introduction into the field of TESOL, while the master’s programs offer students the opportunity to explore the field of TESOL with some more depth and also tailor their program through elective options.

All of the required courses for the master’s, diploma and certificate programs are offered at least once a year. So, it could take a year or more to complete the programs depending on when the courses are offered, and how many courses you take in a term.

Please see our Financial Services pages for more information about tuition and fees for the program.

Yes, the credits obtained through the diploma or certificate programs could be used towards a future MSVU Faculty of Education master’s program depending on the requirements and your acceptance into the program.