Next Steps

 

Review all of the information given on this site for pursuing a Master of Arts in Education (MAE) in English as a Second Language (ESL).

 

Consider the technology requirements needed for the online portions of your coursework:

·         When you are enrolled in the ESL teacher education courses, you must have access to a computer and the Internet several times weekly—fall, spring, and summer. Access via a work computer is fine; however, many students have found that home access makes coursework much more doable and enjoyable.

·         Consider having high-speed Internet access installed in your home. Former students have found dial-up frustratingly slow when trying to complete coursework.

·         If you decide to purchase a computer for coursework, consider a laptop with a wireless card so that you can bring it to class and tap into UAB’s free wireless Internet. However, we encourage you NOT to invest in a computer before beginning the program.

 

Once you decide to pursue admission to the MAE in ESL, please do the following:

 

·         Visit our ESL website at www.ed.uab.edu/esl/ .

·         Send an e-mail to Dr. Susan Spezzini, program coordinator for ESL teacher education (spezzini@uab.edu). Briefly introduce yourself by describing what and where you teach and why you are interested in the MAE/ESL. Be sure to ask which type of application you should submit to the Graduate School (degree-seeking application or non-degree application) in order to take the first course in the timeline (course sequence).

·         Review the steps required for gaining full admission to the graduate school. Please note that you should attain degree-seeking status during your first semester of coursework. To do so, you must have an adequate score on either the GRE or the MAT and three professional recommendations.