Frequently Asked Questions Concerning the TESOL Master’s and Doctorate programs Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

1. What is the difference between the TESOL Graduate Certificate and the Master of Education in TESOL? What Is the CTEL Certificate?
   The Master’s degree is a 10-course, 30-unit program that includes a culminating project as one of the ten courses. The TESOL Graduate Certificate is 15 units of master’s level work. Units counted toward the certificate may also apply toward the Master’s degree. The California Teachers of English Learners (CTEL) Certificate is for California k-12 credentialed teachers who need a special authorization to teach in most California diverse classrooms. Students completing this 12-unit course in the CTEL Program are recommended to the CCTC for the CLAD Certificate and do not have to take the CTEL test. (Please see the FAQs for the CTEL program.)



2. Can I transfer units into any of the programs?
   Students can transfer a maximum of six semester units into the Master’s program and up to 24 semester units into the Doctoral program provided they meet requirements described in the Transfer of Units Policy for the Master’s program and the Doctoral program.



3. Which Programs can I take on line?
   The TESOL master’s is offered on the San Diego, Irvine, and Fresno campuses and also online with a three-course residency at any one of the sites. The residency courses my be taken in one summer at the San Diego campus or throughout the year. The TESOL Certificate is offered on campus and on line. The doctorate is available on campus only.



4. Do I need a Bachelor’s degree in education or TESOL in order to apply for the TESOL Master’s? Do I need a TESOL master’s in order to apply for the TESOL doctorate?
   While education and linguistic courses in a Bachelor’s degree are very helpful, these are not a requirement for taking the TESOL Master’s. Students applying for the TESOL doctorate are expected to have a degree in TESOL or a closely related field. Students may apply but will be required to take master’s level prerequisite courses in TESOL methodology and second language acquisition.



5. How long do the programs take to complete?
   Length of the program depends upon the number of courses a student takes each semester and in the case of the doctorate program, also the amount of time required for the dissertation. Courses are offered in the Summer Session as well as Fall and Spring Semesters to allow students to enroll as part-time (one-two courses) or full-time (three courses) status. The master’s degree consists of ten 3-unit courses and the doctorate seventeen courses plus the dissertation series.



6. What are the tuition costs?
   For the 2008-09 Academic year, the tuition for the master’s degree is $525.00 per semester unit plus fees and for the doctorate is $840 per semester unit plus fees.



7. How do I apply for financial aid?
   You can apply online at: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/. The university code for AIU is 011117. The university’s financial aid website is http://www.alliant.edu/finaid/.
   
   Students taking six units or more of degree courses may also apply for Merit Scholarships.



8. What is the application process?
   Applicants can apply through the mail or online.
   • Apply online for the Master’s degree or the Ed.D. Degree.
   
   Download an online application from http://www.alliant.edu/download/2003/apps/gsoe_app_0402.pdf.



9. What are the backgrounds and research interests of the faculty?
   The TESOL faculty bring wide expertise to the program in several specialty areas where they have done extensive research, authored several books and articles, and presented worldwide. Please visit the TESOL faculty webpage and faculty member’s individual websites.