Languages and Cultures Department
Wondering whether a master’s degree in language teaching might be right for you? Contact our office to ask questions or set up a conversation with one of our faculty.
Phone: 530-898-5388
Email: lanc@csuchico.edu
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Language Teaching MA
Program Type Graduate
Delivery Type On Campus
Are you passionate about learning languages, traveling, and exploring new ideas? Do you want to inspire others to become multilingual citizens of the world? If you answered yes to these questions, the Language Teaching master’s program is a great fit for you!
You will benefit from enhanced skills and credentials and enjoy networking with educators and peers who motivate and support you. The MA in Language Teaching prepares students for diverse careers in language education across various instructional and cultural settings, both in the United States and abroad. It also lays the foundation for further graduate study or research in related fields.
Comprehensive Curriculum for Future Language Educators
You’ll learn about the theory and practice of teaching second and foreign languages. Students focus on effective methods for teaching different levels of language learners, from beginners to heritage speakers. You also learn how to teach culture and writing.
Choose Your Language Focus
The program consists of required core courses, electives in a chosen language studies area (e.g. English, German, Japanese, French, Italian, etc.), and a final culminating activity for a total of 36 units.
MA + Spanish Credential Option
With this option, you have the ability to complete a Single Subject Credential in Spanish and the MA in Language Teaching in one program in a two-year time frame (instead of three or more years). It equips you with the theoretical and research background in second language acquisition and language teaching methodology needed to be effective practitioners beyond what you would receive in the Single Subject Credential Program alone.
TESOL Certificate Program
This 18-unit program prepares professionals with various backgrounds to teach English to speakers of other languages. Graduate TESOL certificates are recognized around the world as advanced level professional preparation in the field. There is a global demand for certified instructors and teachers—as 1.6 billion people speak English as a first, second, or third language.
All students in the MA program in Language Teaching also earn the Graduate TESOL Certificate as part of their required coursework. The certificate can also be pursued independently outside of the MA program.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the MA in Language Teaching program have a wide range of career opportunities, including:
- Language Teacher: Teach languages at elementary, secondary, or post-secondary institutions in the United States or abroad.
- Curriculum Developer: Create language learning materials and programs for schools, universities, or language institutes.
- Educational Consultant: Advise schools and educational organizations on best practices for language instruction.
- Program Coordinator: Manage language programs for educational institutions, non-profits, or government agencies.
- Translator or Interpreter: Provide translation and interpretation services in various settings, including business, healthcare, and legal fields.
- Corporate Trainer: Design and deliver language training programs for businesses with international operations.
- Study Abroad Coordinator: Organize and manage study abroad programs for educational institutions or private organizations.
Graduates are well-prepared to work in diverse cultural settings and bring their expertise to various roles that promote multilingualism and cross-cultural understanding.
Fast Facts
$84K
Median Annual Salary
for Postsecondary Teacher
12%
Predicted Job Growth
(faster than average)
$65K
Median Annual Salary
for High School Teacher
Research Opportunities
For your final step in the program, conduct your thesis or project with the guidance of a faculty mentor, or choose to take a culminating exam.
From the Classroom to Global Citizen
Opportunity to Travel
Travel abroad for mentored teaching internships in Switzerland, Japan, or elsewhere around the world.
Field Placement
Field experience placements provide you with valuable classroom experience working with teachers who are proficient in communicative language teaching methodologies.
Paid Teaching Assistant Positions
Gain hands-on experience in teaching languages in paid positions as Teaching Associates (TAs) in language courses offered by the department, as language tutors in the Student Learning Center or ESL Support Services, or as conversation hour facilitators.
Join a Community
Attend our language conversation hours to practice their speaking and teaching skills in their chosen language specialization.
Get Involved
Dive in to an array of social, cultural, and professional events through the student-founded Student Association of Language Teachers (SALT). With peers who have backgrounds in myriad languages, you’ll connect and explore where you want to take your language teaching next.
Additional Information
Join our program and start your journey toward a fulfilling career in language teaching. Apply now and become part of a vibrant community dedicated to inspiring multilingual citizens of the world.
All prospective students must first apply for graduate admissions through Cal State Apply. Supplementary materials will either be collected electronically via Cal State Apply or sent directly to the program department.
Application Deadlines
Fall: July 1 (April 1 for international applicants)
Spring: December 1 (October 1 for international students)
Supplemental Materials
- Three letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
Graduate students can qualify for traditional financial aid by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA).
Scholarship Opportunities
California State University, Chico, provides merit and scholarship awards to deserving students for graduate studies, and many go unfilled. Scholarships are provided based on a variety of criteria, including academic merit, financial need, participation in clubs and activities, volunteer and community involvement, major and career goals, etc.
Applicants must hold a degree or credential in the target language or possess comparable proficiency.
The MA in Language Teaching is a 36-unit program. Students usually take two years to complete the program.
Related Programs
Languages and Cultures Department
Wondering whether a master’s degree in language teaching might be right for you? Contact our office to ask questions or set up a conversation with one of our faculty.
Phone: 530-898-5388
Email: lanc@csuchico.edu