School of Education and Human Development University of Colorado Denver

Search:

MA, Curriculum and Instruction, with an emphasis in Adult Linguistically Diverse Education (ESL)

Page Subheadline

Are you interested in pursuing a career in adult ESL? Have you already gained skills and experience working with English language learners and now seek advanced training? Welcome to the Linguistically Diverse Education program at CU Denver.

Course work includes language teaching methodology, language acquisition, linguistic analysis of English, multicultural foundations, assessment, literacy, and other areas. Our outstanding faculty will help you to develop your skills and put you in touch with the latest theories, issues, and innovative teaching strategies. Courses, labs, and practica emphasize scholarly approaches to complex problems of practice and feature interactive, collaborative, and practical approaches to working with English language learners.

We emphasize a socio-cultural approach to issues of language and learning, acknowledging the legitimacy of linguistic and cultural differences, and recognizing that academic settings represent important socializing forces in students' lives. We emphasize the "whole learner" in our teaching and in teacher education, understanding that individuals do not merely add a language to their repertoire of communication but make fundamental identity adjustments as they progress in their studies.

For more information, select from the above tabs and/or contact the Student Services Center at education@ucdenver.edu or 303-315-6300.

We welcome applications from individuals who have teaching experience and/or training, bachelor's degrees, and access to working with English language learners. Detailed application requirements and materials are available.

If you have questions about admissions requirements, contact the Student Services Center at education@ucdenver.edu or 303-315-6300.

During fall and spring semesters, most classes are offered in the late afternoon or evening. These usually meet three hours once a week over a 16-week semester. Some other fall and spring courses may be offered on weekends or online. During the summer, courses are generally offered on an intensive basis at a variety of times. You should not take more than two courses in any given semester in order to leave time to absorb, consider, apply, and reflect upon the materials.

A number of courses require students to apply what they are learning in an actual ESL classroom. Students find opportunities for hands-on practice by working or volunteering with adult English language learners at institutes, community colleges, and other Denver metro area organizations. UC Denver also offers classes with built-in applied learning each summer through the Rocky Mountain TESOL Institute.

You also complete an online portfolio as part of your degree requirements.

For more information on program requirements, contact the Student Services Center at education@ucdenver.edu or 303-315-6300.

The Teach Club is a student organization on the UC Denver campus that welcomes all students, both at the undergraduate and graduate-level, who are interested in becoming educators. The club provides opportunities to build friendships with other future educators who will soon be your colleagues, explore topics of interest to future teachers, engage in service projects with children and youth, and to network with K-12 and university faculty who care deeply about the future of teaching.

For more information, please contact faculty advisor John McDermott at John.McDermott@ucdenver.edu or 303-315-4981.

Graduates of this program go on to become:
Adult ESL teachers
ESL program teachers and leaders overseas

All trademarks are registered property of the University. Used by permission only.