About PhD Program,
The MA in Teaching English as a Second Language/Applied Linguistics (TESL/Applied Linguistics) is a two-year advanced degree covering teaching methods and research in English language teaching. The program consists of 30 credits.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate independence, reflective practices and professionalism in teaching and assessment of English as a second language.
- Demonstrate knowledge of and confidence with the use of computer applications relevant to teaching English language teaching.
- Formulate important research questions to for guiding investigations that contribute to theory and practice in one or more areas of applied linguistics.
- Carry out research in one area of applied linguistics that will increase understanding of English language teaching.
- Evaluate research in the field to identify its contribution to theory, research and practice in applied linguistics.
- Communicate ideas, discoveries, and findings to others in a professional and creative manner.
- Collaborate with other professionals to create and investigate new knowledge, practices and products for English language teaching.
PhD Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
Admission requirements are determined by both the Graduate College and the individual graduate programs. Below are the general criteria for graduate admission at Iowa State University:
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s or higher degree from a regionally accredited college or university before beginning graduate studies. This is a fundamental requirement, and appeals to waive it are not considered.
International degrees must be equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree or higher and granted by a college or university recognized by the Ministry of Education in that country.
Note: 3-year degrees from India, Bangladesh, Canada (excluding Quebec), Nepal, and Pakistan are not accepted. Degrees from other countries are evaluated individually.
A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (equivalent to a B grade) is required for admission.
Applicants must meet the English proficiency requirements set by both the Graduate College and the specific graduate program they are applying to, prior to enrollment.
While Iowa State University does not have a university-wide requirement for the GRE or GMAT, most graduate programs require one of these tests. Applicants should review the specific requirements of their intended program.
These criteria help ensure that all admitted students are prepared for success in their graduate studies.
PhD Funding Coverage,
You can find information about Iowa State’s graduate student tuition here. However, most of our graduate students are funded, that is, they do not have to use their own money to pay for graduate school. In fact, they also get a stipend to assist them in covering their living expenses. This funding comes from an “assistantship.” All applicants are eligible to be considered for assistantships.
An assistantship for M.A. students in the 2024/2025 academic year includes the following:
- a GA stipend of $10,132.00 (before taxes) for a ½-time nine-month appointment each fall and spring semester (total $20,264) with eligibility for a maximum of two years (summer appointments are not guaranteed);
- an assessment of in-state tuition (tuition $5,746 per semester; $656.45 mandatory fees; $250 records and document fee first semester only);
- a tuition reduction effective Fall 2025 of $4,309.50 (the assistantship pays $4,309.50 towards your tuition each fall and spring semester, meaning that you pay approximately $2,000 each fall and spring semester for tuition and mandatory fees);
- health insurance benefits (single health insurance coverage free of charge) and additional coverage options to choose from at your expense.
Application Requirement,
ISU online graduate application
Scanned official academic transcripts and degree statements
Three letters of recommendation
Application for Teaching Assistantship in the Department of English
Statement of purpose and personal goals
Curriculum vitae
Writing sample(s)
Application Deadline,
Jan 03, 2025
Application Fee,
- Domestic applicants (U.S. citizens, permanent residents, refugees, asylees, DACA, or undocumented individuals): $60 (nonrefundable).
- International applicants: $100 (nonrefundable).
