Master in Fremd- und Zweitsprachendidaktik

About

The Foreign and Second Language Education (FSLE) program prepares students for rewarding careers in teaching foreign and second languages, including teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL, ESOL), in various educational settings around the United States and overseas. We offer both research and practitioner degrees at the master’s, specialist, and doctoral levels.

In the master’s program, you have the opportunity to follow either an education or a research track. The education track offers solid theoretical and practical training to prepare you for the teaching of second languages in the United States or abroad. In addition to offering the same coursework, the research track provides you with the opportunity to participate in individual and/or group research related to second language learning and teaching culminating in a thesis. This track also prepares you to pursue your FSLE education at the doctoral level. Our master’s program is offered online and on-campus.

Our education specialist (Ed.S.) program is an advanced master’s degree. Applicants to the Ed.S. program should already hold a master’s degree in an area of Foreign and Second Language Education or related field. The purpose of this program is to expand your skills and knowledge in your current area of preparation or to extend your skills and knowledge to another area of Foreign and Second Language Education. You will have the opportunity to write a thesis or complete supervised research, pass comprehensive exams, or defend a portfolio or final project.

In the doctoral program, you will take courses in foreign and second language teaching methodology, second language acquisition, research methods, language assessment, the psychology of language learning, as well as educational psychology and policy. You will have the opportunity to conduct individual and team research on current issues in second language teaching and learning and present research findings at major scholarly venues.

Admission Requirements

In order to meet minimum University admission requirements, applicants must have:

• A bachelor’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA – An earned bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution, or a comparable degree from an international institution, with a minimum 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) grade point average (GPA) in all coursework attempted while registered as an upper-division undergraduate student working towards a bachelor’s degree.
• GRE test scores. Official test results are required from the General Test of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). These scores are considered official only when they are sent directly to the Office of Admissions from the testing agency. Examinee copies are not considered official. Graduate Record Exam (GRE): http://www.ets.org/ – FSU Institution Code: 5219.

M.S. and Ed.S. Applicant Target Scores: Verbal – 146+ Quantitative – 140+

Ph.D. Applicant Target Scores: Verbal – 151+ Quantitative – 145+ Writing – 3+

The Educational Testing Service (ETS) does not retain scores longer than five years. If your test scores are older than five years, you may have to retake the test to have official scores sent directly to FSU from the testing agency. If you have the report that was mailed to your home address for older scores, then FSU will accept that report.

• Language proficiency test (international students only)– FSU accepts scores from TOEFL (minimum 80), IELTS (minimum 6.5) and MELAB (minimum 77).
• Transcripts – Applicants must submit an official transcript (in a sealed envelope) from each college and/or university attended to the Office of Admissions. The address for submitting transcripts is:

Florida State University Office of Admissions 282 Champions Way P.O. Box 3062400 Tallahassee, FL 32306-2400

Applicants must upload the following REQUIRED supporting documents to the Admissions Application Portal:

• Statement of purpose – should describe your purpose for pursuing a degree, qualifications and long-term career goals.
  • A one-page document for M.S. and Ed.S. applicants
  • A two-page document for Ph.D. applicants
• Letters of recommendation
  • Two (2) for M.S. and Ed.S. applicants
  • Three (3) for Ph.D. applicants
• One page resume/curriculum vitae
• Writing Sample – it is acceptable to submit a paper used in another class, or one that was published.

Application Deadlines

Master’s and Specialist programs:

• Fall: July 1
• Spring: November 1
• Summer: March 1

Career Opportunities

Curriculum choices in our master’s and specialist programs are designed to enable students to become teacher leaders, college instructors, as well as curriculum specialists, state testing specialists and textbook company representatives. Doctoral program graduates are prepared to become university professors, researchers, and leaders in the field.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job outlook for teachers is expected to grow 7 percent through 2020. The job outlook for instructional leaders/coordinators is expected to grow up to 20 percent through 2020. That translates into over 200,000 new jobs nationwide. The median national annual salary range for these job classifications is $53,230 to $58,830 per year. In the state of Florida, foreign and second language areas are identified as critical shortage areas. For university or college professors, the Bureau predicts a 17% increase in jobs by 2020; totaling 305,700 jobs in the 2010-2020 time span. The median national salary is $62,050 per year.

A career in education can be very rewarding, and a typical path offers ample opportunities for professional development and growth. Educators make a difference in the lifelong learning experience of their students, as well as, the quality and standards of the programs they teach.

About FSU

One of the nation's elite research universities, Florida State University preserves, expands, and disseminates knowledge in the sciences, technology, arts, humanities, and professions, while embracing a philosophy of learning strongly rooted in the traditions of the liberal arts and critical thinking.

FSU's welcoming campus is located on the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida, in a community that fosters free inquiry and embraces diversity, along with championship athletics, and a prime location in the heart of the state capital.

Fast facts

• Founded in 1851; the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida
• Carnegie Commission classification: "Doctoral Universities: Highest Research Activity"
• 41,900 students from every Florida county and 132 countries
• Accepted freshman profile for 2018:
  • Fall: 4.3 average GPA; 30 average ACT composite score; 1340 average SAT score
  • Summer: 4.0 average GPA; 27 average ACT composite score; 1250 average SAT score
• 94% retention rate for freshmen; 68.4% graduation rate within four years
• 22:1 faculty/student ratio
• 384 buildings on 1,633 acres; the main campus in Tallahassee is 485 acres
• 2,360 traditional faculty; has included 6 Nobel Laureates
• 14,079 total employees
• Operating budget of $1,712,841,231
• $210 million in contracts and grants brought in by faculty in 2016-17
• 301-degree programs: bachelor's, master's, doctoral, specialist, professional

About the College of Education

Established in 1905, the Florida State University College of Education is the oldest College of Education in Florida, has provided education to the best and the brightest for well over a century. Our history is entwined with that of Tallahassee and we are proud of our heritage and the contributions our distinguished alumni have made all over the world.

As storied as our past is, we remain focused on our vision for the future. Every day, faculty and students work toward breaking new ground in the field of education. From implementing innovative teaching methods to affecting educational policy and legislation, our faculty and their research are forging the future of education.

We are proud to have students from over 50 countries who call the FSU College of Education "home." Students from all corners of the globe seek out the FSU College of Education to participate in advanced research, work side-by-side with professors who are pioneers in the field of education, and to earn a degree that fully prepares them to go back out into the world and educate the leaders of tomorrow. In addition to giving you a world-class education, we will also make you part of a close-knit family – with students who share your passion to make an impact – students who will share experiences with you and become lifelong friends and peers.

FACILITIES

The innovation and progressive environment at the College of Education are exemplified in the technology and facilities available to our students. Most notable is the Stone Building, which houses classrooms and lab areas outfitted with the latest technology and multimedia devices to enhance teaching and learning. Learn more and take a virtual tour: https://education.fsu.edu/about/facilities.

THE CITY OF TALLAHASSEE

Our beautiful and charming capital city is abundant with opportunities for College of Education students – from government internships and legislative initiatives to cultural events, shopping, dining, and outdoor activities.

Learn more: https://education.fsu.edu/about/tallahassee.