Michigan State University

What you'll study

The programme combines core study in second language acquisition and linguistics with practical training in language teaching methodology and curriculum design. Typical modules and topics include:

• Second Language Acquisition: language learning theories, individual differences, and factors that affect acquisition in children and adults.
• Linguistic Analysis for Teachers: phonology, morphology, syntax and discourse features relevant to English or French pedagogy.
• Language Teaching Methodology: communicative approaches, task-based learning, grammar teaching, pronunciation instruction and lesson planning.
• Assessment and Testing: classroom assessment, standardised testing, alternative assessment and data-driven decision making.
• Curriculum and Materials Development: syllabus design, materials adaptation, course design for different proficiency levels and contexts (K–12, adult, academic English/French).
• Technology-enhanced Language Teaching: use of CALL (computer-assisted language learning), online course design and multimedia resources.
• Practicum or Supervised Teaching: observed teaching placements in local schools, community language programmes or university language centres, often accompanied by reflective seminars.
• Research Methods and Project/Thesis: quantitative and qualitative methods for classroom research, culminating in a capstone project or thesis that addresses a practical teaching problem.

Students typically select electives to focus on English or French instruction, bilingual education, intercultural communication, or language policy. The programme can be taken full‑time or part‑time where available, and may offer both a coursework-only route and options that require a research project or thesis.

Entry requirements

Applicants normally need a recognised bachelor's degree in any discipline. Typical application components include:

• Official transcripts demonstrating satisfactory undergraduate performance.
• Letters of recommendation, usually two or three, from academic or professional referees.
• A personal statement outlining teaching interests, background in language learning/teaching and career objectives.
• Evidence of language proficiency: native‑level competence or documented proficiency in the target teaching language. For non-native English applicants this normally requires an approved English language test score; for those applying to teach French, demonstrable French proficiency is required.
• Relevant teaching or volunteer experience is advantageous but not always mandatory; some applicants enter with little classroom experience and gain it through the programme practicum.

There may be additional requirements for specific pathways (for example, routes leading to state K–12 certification), so applicants should check programme-specific guidance and contact admissions advisers for tailored advice.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a range of roles that involve language teaching, programme management and curriculum development. Common career destinations include:

• K–12 language teacher or ESL/ELL specialist in public and private schools (in jurisdictions where local certification is required, additional certification steps may be necessary).
• Adult education instructor in community colleges, language schools and workplace training programmes.
• University language instructor, writing/academic language support tutor or graduate teaching assistant (often combined with further study).
• Materials writer, curriculum developer or instructional designer for publishers and educational technology companies.
• Language assessment specialist, programme coordinator or director for language centres, non-governmental organisations and international education providers.
• Opportunities in overseas teaching, international schools, study‑abroad support and intercultural training.

The programme’s emphasis on research methods and practicum experience also prepares graduates for doctoral study in applied linguistics, TESOL or language education.

Why study at Michigan State University

Michigan State University offers access to a large, research-active community in applied linguistics, language pedagogy and teacher education. Students benefit from experienced faculty who combine scholarship with classroom practice, strong links to local schools and community language programmes for practicum placements, and interdisciplinary collaboration across departments such as Education, Linguistics and Modern Languages.

MSU provides extensive resources for language learners and teachers: language laboratories, technology-enhanced learning facilities, on-campus language centres, and opportunities to gain hands-on experience in a diverse, multilingual environment. The university’s network and partnerships also support career development, internships and opportunities to engage in study-abroad or fieldwork relevant to teaching English or French as a second/foreign language.