M.A. in TESOL/Bilingual and Dual Language Immersion

Curriculum

This 30-credit program is based on the accreditation standards of the TESOL International Association used by the State of Rhode Island for certification of both PK-12 TESOL and Bilingual and Dual Language Immersion teachers. The certification tracks are designed to serve the needs of educators who hold base certifications in areas such as, but not limited to, Early Childhood Education (grades P-2), Elementary Education (grades 1-6) or Secondary Education (grades 5-12).

Required Coursework

View the M.A. in TESOL/BDL Curriculum Sheet for details about course sequence here.

Required courses for certification*:

  • EDC 420/LIN 420: Second Language Acquisition and Assessment (3 credits)
  • EDC 501: Socio-Cultural Aspects of Language Minority Education (3 credits)
  • EDC 526: Applied Linguistics for TESOL/BDL (3 credits)
  • EDC 563: Literacy for Multicultural Populations (3 credits)
  • EDC 516: Teaching Dual Language/English as a Second Language (3 credits)
  • EDC 515: Structured English Immersion and Sheltered English (3 credits)
  • EDC 519: Teaching Internship in TESOL/Dual Language Immersion (3 credits)

Remaining courses required to earn the M.A. in TESOL/BDL:

  • EDC 506: Researching Language in Educational Settings or
    EDC 529: Foundations of Educational Research (3 credits)
  • Professional Elective (3 credits)
  • Professional Elective (3 credits)

Additional Certification Requirements

Demonstrate proficiency in the Science of Reading and Structured Literacy

Candidates can demonstrate proficiency in the Science of Reading and Structured Literacy through one of the following options:

    • Undergraduate Transcripts from RI institution of higher education from one of the following programs: early childhood education, elementary education, special education (graduation date of spring 2025 or later for non-URI institutions). If you graduated from URI in one of those programs in 2024, you will have met the requirement.
    • Certificate of proficiency from a RIDE-approved Science of Reading provider or examination pathway (e.g., LETRS, AIMS, KPEERI, Foundations of Reading Test) 
    • URI graduate transcripts demonstrating evidence of having passed EDC 527 with a B or higher.

Pass state’s testing requirements

Certifications for TESOL and BDL require a minimum score (155) on the Praxis test English to Speakers of Other Languages (5362). Please check your state’s certification requirements for the minimum passing score.

Certification for BDL also requires a score of Advanced-Mid on ACTFL’s Oral Proficiency Interview for the candidate’s second language and the Praxis II language test in one of the following, if relevant, languages:

English to Speakers of Other Languages (5362) 155

And the appropiate language test:

Language Score
American Sign Language Proficiency Interview(ASLPI)(0634) 170
Chinese (Mandarin)World Language(5665) 164
French World Language(5174) 162
German World Language(5183) 163
Latin (5601) 161
Spanish World Language(5195) 168
All other world languages – Oral Proficiency Interview(OPI) Advanced Low

 

Partnerships

Applicants who successfully complete the 150-hour BridgeTEFL Diploma may use their TEFL certification as 3-elective credits towards the MA in TESOL/BDL program. For more information on BridgeTEFL, click here.

Applicants who successfully complete the ARCTEL program may use their CT TESOL certification as 6-elective credits towards the MA in TESOL/BDL program. For more information about the ARCTEL program, click here

Applicants who successfully complete the ExcEL Leadership Academy program may transfer up to twelve credits towards the M.A. in TESOL/BDL program. For more information about the partnership, click here.