Eastern Washington University

What you'll study

The programme combines core study in second language acquisition and applied linguistics with practical courses in teaching methodology, materials development and assessment. Typical modules include:

• Second Language Acquisition: theories of how learners acquire additional languages and implications for classroom teaching.
• Applied Linguistics and Sociolinguistics: language variation, bilingualism, language policy and the social context of language learning.
• Methodology for Teaching English/French: task-based learning, communicative approaches, pronunciation and oral fluency strategies tailored to both English and French learners.
• Assessment and Measurement: formative and summative assessment, designing valid tests, classroom-based assessment practices and language proficiency frameworks.
• Curriculum and Materials Development: syllabus design, adapting authentic materials, digital resources and integrating content and language objectives.
• Technology in Language Teaching: using educational technology, blended and online approaches, language lab techniques and multimedia for language practice.
• Practicum/Student Teaching: supervised teaching placements in local schools or community programmes to apply methods and receive feedback from mentor teachers and faculty.
• Research or Capstone Project: applied classroom research, action research projects or a capstone portfolio that addresses a problem of practice.

Courses are typically offered in a sequence that supports immediate classroom application, with opportunities for part‑time study and some hybrid or evening delivery to accommodate working teachers.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised bachelor's degree. Professional classroom experience and a teaching certificate are advantageous but not always required. Typical application materials include academic transcripts, a personal statement describing professional goals and experience with language learners, and letters of recommendation. International applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of English proficiency through an accepted test or prior study in English. The programme may also interview applicants to assess fit and readiness for graduate‑level study.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a range of roles across education and language services, including:

• ESL/EFL or French teacher in K–12 schools and adult education programmes;
• TESOL/French instructor in community colleges, language centres and private schools;
• Curriculum developer, materials writer or instructional coordinator for language programmes;
• Language assessment specialist, programme evaluator or academic advisor;
• Programme manager or outreach coordinator for refugee and immigrant education services;
• Further academic study, such as doctoral research in language education, applied linguistics or literacy studies.

The applied practicum and local partnerships also help graduates build networks with school districts, community organisations and employers in the Spokane region and beyond.

Why study at Eastern Washington University

Eastern Washington University offers a student‑centred programme with an emphasis on practical classroom skills and community engagement. Small cohort sizes allow individualized mentoring from faculty who have experience in K–12 and adult language education. The programme benefits from close partnerships with regional school districts and community organisations, providing diverse practicum settings and opportunities to work with multilingual learner populations.

Students can expect a pragmatic curriculum that balances theory, research and hands‑on practice, access to campus language resources and support services for graduate students, and flexible course delivery designed to accommodate practicing teachers and working professionals.