Master of Education in Applied Linguistics
We offer a Master of Education degree tailored fit your interests and goals with four specialization in Applied Linguistics: second language acquisition, second language assessment, language use, and language & technology. Continue your professional development or lay the groundwork for future doctoral studies with this 60-point Ed.M.
Admission Information
Displaying requirements for the Spring 2025, Summer 2025, and Fall 2025 terms.
Master of Education
- Points/Credits: 60
- Entry Terms: Fall
- Enrollment Formats: Full-Time, Part-Time
Application Deadlines
Entry Term Available | Priority Deadlines | Final Deadlines | Extended Deadlines |
---|---|---|---|
Spring | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Summer | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Fall | January 15, 2025 | April 1, 2025 | N/A |
Select programs remain open beyond our standard application deadlines, such as those with an extended deadline or those that are rolling (open until June or July). If your program is rolling or has an extended deadline indicated above, applications are reviewed as they are received and on a space-available basis. We recommend you complete your application as soon as possible as these programs can close earlier if full capacity has been met.
Application Requirements
Requirement | |
---|---|
Online Degree Application, including Statement of Purpose and Resume | |
Transcripts and/or Course-by-Course Evaluations for all Undergraduate/Graduate Coursework Completed | |
Results from an accepted English Proficiency Exam (if applicable) | |
$75 Application Fee | |
Two (2) Letters of Recommendation | |
Video essay required (included in online application) | |
Academic Writing Sample | |
English Proficiency exam required for all non-native English speakers, see program website for acceptable exams and score minimums |
For admission-related inquiries, please contact AHadmission@tc.columbia.edu.
Requirements from the TC Catalog (AY 2023-2024)
Displaying catalog information for the Fall 2023, Spring 2024 and Summer 2024 terms.
The Applied Linguistics and TESOL Program offers a Master of Education degree with four areas of specialization in Applied Linguistics or TESOL: language use, second language acquisition, second language assessment, and language and technology. The EdM is an articulated Master’s degree, 30 points beyond the M.A. level. Please refer to the Area of Specialization descriptions below for detailed curriculum information. Note that students' official major will be Applied Linguistics orTESOL (i.e., their areas of specialization will not appear on the student academic record). Students can expect to complete the Ed.M. in Applied Linguistics or TESOL in one to three years depending on their full-time or part-time status. Students receiving an M.A. in Applied Linguistics and TESOL at Teachers College can usually finish earlier.
The Ed.M. program typically attracts two kinds of students: a) those who have already received an M.A. in a related field of study and who wish to further their professional development in order to augment their practice in the field; and b) those who have already received an M.A. in a related field of study and who wish to ultimately pursue a doctorate degree.
The Ed.M. curriculum has six types of requirements: (1) prerequisites and/or transfer courses, (2) specialization-specific courses, (3) elective courses, (4) research methods and statistics/measurement courses, (5) breadth courses, and (6) an Ed.M. exit project. All course decisions must be made in consultation with the student's faculty advisor.
Students across all areas of specialization are required to complete a minimum of 9 credits of elective courses in Applied Linguistics and TESOL. Students must also complete an exit project outside of their coursework.
Students with an M.A. in Applied Linguistics or TESOL from Teachers College may use up to 36 credits of their M.A. course work toward their Ed.M. program, provided these courses are approved by their faculty advisor. Students with an M.A. from other accredited institutions, or those who completed their M.A. at TC but outside of the Applied Linguistics and TESOL Program may transfer up to 30 credits, subject to the approval of the faculty advisor.
Prerequisite and/or Transfer Courses for All Areas of Specialization (15 points):
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A&HL 4000: Educational linguistics (3)
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A&HL 4085: Pedagogical English grammar (3)
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A&HL 4087: Introduction to second language acquisition (3)
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A&HL 4088: Second language assessment (3)
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One course from the following:
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A&HL 4001: Sociolinguistics and education (3)
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A&HL 4104: Discourse analysis (3)
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A&HL 4105: Conversation analysis (3)
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A&HL 4106: Text and textuality (3)
Detailed requirements for specialization-specific courses, elective courses, research methods and statistics courses, and breadth courses are given below.
Master of Education in Applied Linguistics or TESOL (60 pts; Second Language Acquisition Area of Specialization)
The second language acquisition area of specialization requires 60 graduate credits beyond the bachelor’s degree, with a minimum of 30 credits earned under the auspices of Teachers College.
Prerequisite or Transfer Courses (15 points; see above).
Specialization-Specific Courses (15 points):
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A&HL 5008: Learner language analysis (3)
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A&HL 5087: Second language acquisition in the classroom (3)
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A&HL 6087: Advanced second language acquisition (3)
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A&HL 6097: Task-based language teaching (3)
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Various topics courses (3)
Research Methods and Statistics (6 points):
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A&HL 5575: Research literacy in applied linguistics and TESOL (3)
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One course from the following:
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C&T 5502: Introduction to qualitative research (3)
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HUDM 4050: Introduction to measurement (3)
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HUDM 4122: Probability and statistical inference (3)
Elective (9 points)
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A&HL 4101: Phonetics and phonology (3)
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A&HL 5085: Advanced syntax (3)
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A&HL 4001: Sociolinguistics and education (3)
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A&HL 4104: Discourse analysis (3)
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A&HL 4105: Conversation analysis (3)
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A&HL 4106: Text and textuality (3)
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A&HL 5020: Interactional sociolinguistics (3)
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A&HL 5105: Classroom discourse (3)
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A&HL 5106: Language socialization (3)
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A&HL 6031: Advanced conversation analysis (3)
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A&HL 4089: Teaching writing to ESL students (3)
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A&HL 5011: Technology-based language teaching and material design (3)
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A&HL 5199: Topics in language assessment (3)
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A&HL 5512: Historical perspectives on language testing research (3)
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A&HL 5519: Instructed second language acquisition and assessment (3)
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A&HL 6000: Second language test validation (3)
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A&HL 6040: Classroom-based language assessment (3)
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A&HL 6060: Generalizability theory for second language assessment research (3)
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A&HL 6089: Second language performance assessment (3)
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A&HL 6090: Computational linguistics for Applied Linguistics (3)
(Courses can be taken at an affiliate campus in the Columbia University community with advisor’s approval.)
Out-of-Program Breadth Courses (6 points):
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BBS 5068: Brain and behavior I (2)
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BBS 5069: Brain and behavior II (2)
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HBSK 4074: Development of reading comprehension strategies and study skills (2-3)
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HBSK 5096: Psychology of memory (2-3)
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HUDK 4015: Psychology of thinking (2-3)
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HUDK 4029: Cognition and learning (2-3)
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HUDK 4080: Educational psychology (2-3)
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HUDK 5023: Cognitive development (2-3)
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HUDK 5024: Language development (2-3)
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HUDK 5025: Spatial thinking (2-3)
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HUDK 5029: Personality development and socialization across the lifespan (2-3)
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HUDK 5030: Visual explanations (2-3)
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HUDK 5090: Psychology of language and reading (2-3)
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MSTU 4133: Cognition and computers (2-3)
Exit Project:
In addition to fulfilling the above course requirements, students must complete an Ed.M project on a research topic arising from course-related interests and with advisor’s approval. This project can be a 25-page review of literature on a scholarly topic or it can be an empirical paper, normally completed during the last semester of study.
Master of Education in Applied Linguistics or TESOL (60 pts; 2nd Lang. Assessment Area of Specialization)
The second language assessment area of focus requires 60 graduate credits beyond the bachelor’s degree, with a minimum of 30 credits completed under the auspices of Teachers College.
Prerequisite or Transfer Courses (15 points):
Specialization-Specific Courses (15 points):
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A&HL 5512: Historical changes in language testing research (3)
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A&HL 6040: Classroom-based language assessment (3)
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A&HL 6089: Second language performance assessment (3)
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Two courses from the following:
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A&HL 5199: Topics in language assessment (3)
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A&HL 6089 : Second language performance assessment (3)
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A&HL 6000 : Second language test validation (3)
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A&HL 6060: Generalizability theory for L2 testing research (3)
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A&HL 6407: Internship in applied linguistics and TESOL: Assessment lab (3)
Research Methods and Statistics Courses:
A&HL 5575: Research literacy in applied linguistics and TESOL (3) and
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One course from the following:
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A&HL 5199: Issues in Statistics for Applied Linguistics Research
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HUDM 4050: Introduction to measurement (3)
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HUDM 4122: Probability and statistical inference (3)
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HUDM 5122: Applied regression analysis (3)
The HUDM courses may also fulfill the Breadth requirement.
Out-of-Program Breadth Courses (6 points):
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HUDM 4050: Introduction to measurement (3)
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HUDM 4122: Probability and statistical inference (3)
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HUDM 5122: Applied regression analysis (3)
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HUDK 5024: Language development (2-3)
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HUDK 4029: Cognition and learning (2-3)
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HUDK 4035: Technology and human development (2-3)
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HBSK 4074: Reading comprehension strategies and study skills (2-3)
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HUDK 4080: Educational psychology (2-3)
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HUDK 5023: Cognitive development (2-3)
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MSTU 4036: Hypermedia and education (2-3)
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MSTU 4133: Cognition and computers (2-3)
Exit Project:
In addition to course requirements, students must complete an Ed.M project on a research topic arising from course-related interests and with advisor’s approval. This project can be a 25-page review of literature on a scholarly topic or it can be an empirically-based paper. It is normally completed during the last semester of study.
Master of Education in Applied Linguistics or TESOL (60 pts; Language Use Area of Specialization)
The degree requires 60 graduate points beyond the bachelor’s degree, with a minimum of 30 points taken under the auspices of Teachers College. The Ed.M. may serve as continued professional development or as groundwork for future doctoral studies in Applied Linguistics or TESOL. For the focus on language use, students will complete the following requirements:
Prerequisite and/or Transfer Courses for All areas of Specialization (15 points): See above.
Area of Specialization-Specific Courses in Language Use (9 points):
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A&HL 4104: Discourse analysis (3)
-
A&HL 4105: Conversation analysis (3)
-
A&HL 4106: Text and textuality (3)
-
A&HL 5020: Interactional sociolinguistics (3)
-
A&HL 5105: Classroom discourse (3)
-
A&HL 5106: Language Socialization (3)
-
A&HL 6031: Advanced conversation analysis (3)
-
Various topics courses in discourse (3)
Research Methods and Statistics for Language Use (6 points) (Must have advisor’s written approval):
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A&HL 5575: Research literacy in applied linguistics and TESOL (3) and
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One course from the following:
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A&HL 5199.001: Issues in Statistics for Applied Linguistics Research
OR
(HUDM courses)
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HUDM 4050: Introduction to measurement (3)
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HUDM 4122: Probability and statistical inference (3)
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ITSF 5000: Methods of inquiry: Ethnography and participant observation (3)
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Additional courses chosen with advisor's approval
Recommended Elective Courses for the Language Use Area of Specialization (Must have advisor’s written approval)
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A&HL 4101: Phonetics and phonology (3)
-
A&HL 5085: Advanced syntax (3)
-
A&HL 5008: Interlanguage analysis (3)
-
A&HL 5087: Second language acquisition in the classroom (3)
-
A&HL 6087: Advanced second language acquisition (3)
-
A&HL 6097: Task-based language teaching (3)
-
A&HL 4089: Teaching writing to ESL students (3)
-
A&HL 5011: Technology-based language teaching and material design (3)
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A&HL 5090 Introduction to Corpus Linguistics (3)
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A&HL 5199: Topics in language assessment (3)
-
A&HL 6000: Second language test validation (3)
-
A&HL 5512: Historical perspectives on language testing research (3)
-
A&HL 5519: Instructed second language acquisition and assessment (3)
-
A&HL 6000: Second language test validation (3)
-
A&HL 6040: Classroom-based language assessment (3)
-
A&HL 6060: Generalizability theory for second language assessment research (3)
-
A&HL 6089: Second language performance assessment (3)
-
Various topic courses (3)
-
A&HL 6090: Computational linguistics for Applied Linguistics (3)
Required Out-of-Program Breadth Courses (6 points total, chosen with advisor's approval). Below is just a sample:
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ITSF 5003: Communication and Culture (2-3)
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ITSF 5016: Ethnography of education (2-3)
The Doctor of Education (EdD) in Applied Linguistics or TESOL Language & Technology Area of Specialization is designed to help students prepare for academic research and career opportunities at the intersection of linguistics and technology. Students will learn the skills needed to participate in research, development, and evaluation of friendly, pedagogical artificial intelligent (AI) applications in Applied Linguistics.
Master of Education in Applied Linguistics or TESOL (60 pts; Language & Technology Area of Specialization)
The language & technology area of focus requires 60 graduate credits beyond the bachelor’s degree, with a minimum of 30 credits completed under the auspices of Teachers College.
Prerequisite or Transfer Courses (9 points):
Specialization-Specific Courses (9 points):
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A&HL 4090: Introduction to Corpus Linguistics (3)
-
A&HL 5011: Technology-based language teaching and materials design (3)
-
A&HL 5090: Computational linguistics for Applied Linguistics (3)
Research Methods and Statistics Courses:
-
A&HL 5575: Research literacy in applied linguistics and TESOL (3) and
-
One course from the following:
-
A&HL 5199: Issues in Statistics for Applied Linguistics Research
-
HUDM 4050: Introduction to measurement (3)
-
HUDM 4122: Probability and statistical inference (3)
-
HUDM 5122: Applied regression analysis (3)
Recommended Elective Courses for the Language & Technology Area of Specialization (Must have advisor’s written approval)
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A&HL 4101: Phonetics and phonology (3)
-
A&HL 5085: Advanced syntax (3)
-
A&HL 5008: Interlanguage analysis (3)
-
A&HL 5087: Second language acquisition in the classroom (3)
-
A&HL 6087: Advanced second language acquisition (3)
-
A&HL 6097: Task-based language teaching (3)
-
A&HL 4089: Teaching writing to ESL students (3)
-
A&HL 5199: Topics in language assessment (3)
-
A&HL 5512: Historical perspectives on language testing research (3)
-
A&HL 5519: Instructed second language acquisition and assessment (3)
-
A&HL 6000: Second language test validation (3)
-
A&HL 6040: Classroom-based language assessment (3)
-
A&HL 6060: Generalizability theory for second language assessment research (3)
-
A&HL 6089: Second language performance assessment (3)
Out-of-Program Breadth Courses (6 points):
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HUDK 4005: Equity, Ethical, and Social Issues in Educational Technology (3)
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MTSU 4133: Cognition and computers (3)
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HUDK 4035: Technology and human development (3)
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MSTU 4040: Mobile Learning (3)
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HDUK 4050: Core methods in educational data mining (3)
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HUDK 4051: Learning analytics: process and theory (3)
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HUDK 4052: Data, Learning, and Society (3)
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HUDK 4054: Managing education data (3)
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MSTU 4083: Instructional Design of Educational Technology (3)
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MSTU 5000: Virtual, Augmented, Mixed Reality and Games as Learning Tools (3)
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ORLA 6541: Applied Data Science in Organizations and Leadership (3)
Exit Project:
In addition to course requirements, students must complete an Ed.M project on a research topic arising from course-related interests and with advisor’s approval. This project can be a 25-page review of literature on a scholarly topic or it can be an empirically-based paper. It is normally completed during the last semester of study.
Students can normally expect to complete an EdM. in Applied Linguistics or TESOL in four semesters (i.e., two years) depending on transfer credits.