Through the English Language and Linguistics (Plan D) Program in the Department of English, students at UWM may earn the Master of Arts in English. All required coursework is in the student's chosen area of specialization. Students may choose one of four pre-approved specialized courses of study (see below), or work out their own individualized program in consultation with their advisor.
Linguistics Specialization: This course of study provides training in the core areas of linguistics. Graduates of the program have the requisite background to enter a Ph.D. program in linguistics at UWM or some other university.
Second Language Acquisition Specialization: This course of study provides training in the theory of second language acquisition and prepares the student interested in going on to Ph.D. level work in language acquisition at UWM or elsewhere.
Composition in a Second Language Setting Specialization: This unique course of study is offered in conjunction with the Composition and Rhetoric Program in the Department of English. It provides instruction in the theory of second language acquisition as well as the theory and practice of teaching composition. Graduates of this program will have sufficient training to seek employment as an adult English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher in the U.S. or abroad, and will have an additional specialization in the teaching of writing skills.
TESOL for Adult Learners Specialization: This course of study is designed to equip the student to teach English as a Second Language (ESL) to adult learners in the U.S. or abroad. Its curriculum includes a number of pedagogically oriented courses taught by experienced ESL teachers, as well as an ESL teaching internship.(NB: Those interested in obtaining a credential to teach TESOL at the K-12 level should contact the School of Education.)
