What is the difference between an MA TESOL and an MA Applied Linguistics at Biola?
In some universities, “Applied Linguistics” is used interchangeably with “TESOL.” However, here at Biola, our TESOL track focuses specifically on English language teaching, and our Applied Linguistics track has broader goals. Students who are interested in solutions to the range of language-related human problems–such as bilingual education, language planning, lexicography, literacy, translation, and writing systems—should do the MA Applied Linguistics. If you have several goals, for example to be involved in both Bible translation and teaching English, you might choose the MA Applied Linguistics with a TESOL Concentration; however, keep in mind that to really prepare for both goals, you may have to take some extra courses. If your professional goals are more in the area of language teaching, you will get better preparation by doing the MA TESOL.
