Language Teaching, MA

Department of Foreign Languages, College of Arts & Sciences

Vision Statement

The Master of Arts in language teaching program at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is the only graduate program in the region that provides practicing and future teachers of Spanish, French, and English as a second or other language with a rigorous, practically oriented education founded on scholarship specifically in the pedagogy of language teaching. Students expand not only their familiarity with the latest research on applied linguistics and effective instructional techniques for L2 and heritage learners, but also the literature and culture of their language of focus. The program strives to strengthen language education in the region by equipping its students with the knowledge and skills to apply best pedagogical practices in world language and TESOL classrooms.

Program Contact Information

Cecilia Tocaimaza-Hatch, PhD, Graduate Program Chair (GPC)
301 Arts & Sciences Hall (ASH) 
402.554.4841
ctocaimazahatch@unomaha.edu

Program Website

Other Program Related Information

Note that completion of the MALT program by itself does not certify you to teach in the Nebraska public school system. If you are interested in pursuing teacher certification along with your MALT degree, please contact the MALT program’s GPC.

Fast Track Program

The Department of Foreign Languages and Literature has developed a Fast Track program for highly qualified and motivated students providing the opportunity to complete a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in an accelerated time frame. With Fast Track, students may count up to 9 graduate hours toward the completion of their undergraduate program as well as the graduate degree program.

Program Specifics:

• This program is available for undergraduate students pursuing the BA degree with Foreign Languages & Literature major with concentrations in Spanish and/or French desiring to pursue an MA in Language Teaching. In addition, students pursuing the BA in English with a concentration in Language Studies or students pursuing the TESOL certificate desiring to pursue an MA in Language Teaching.

• Students must have completed no fewer than 60 undergraduate hours

• Students must have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0

• Students must complete the Fast Track Approval form and obtain all signatures and submit to the Office of Graduate Studies prior to first enrollment in a graduate course

• Students will work with their undergraduate advisor to register for the graduate courses

• A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required for graduate coursework to remain in good academic standing

• Students remain undergraduates until they meet all the requirements for the undergraduate degree and are eligible for all rights and privileges granted to undergraduate status including financial aid

• Near the end of the undergraduate program, formal application to the graduate program is required. The application fee will be waived, the applicant will need to contact the Office of Graduate Studies for a fee waiver code.
  • Admission to Fast Track does NOT guarantee admission to the graduate program. 
  • The admit term must be after the completion term of the undergraduate degree.
• Students can complete 9 credit hours in the target language (cross-listed courses at the 4000 level).

Admissions

General Application Requirements and Admission Criteria

Program-Specific Requirements

Application Deadlines (Spring 2024, Summer 2024, and Fall 2024)

• Fall: June 30
• Spring: November 15
• Summer: April 15

Note: Applications will still be received and reviewed until term begins.

Other Requirements

• English Language Proficiency: Applicants are required to have a command of oral and written English. Those who do not hold a baccalaureate or other advanced degree from the United States, OR a baccalaureate or other advanced degree from a predetermined country on the waiver list, must meet the minimum language proficiency score requirement in order to be considered for admission.

  • Internet-based TOEFL: 100, IELTS: 7.5, PTE: 68, Duolingo: 130 
• Statement of Purpose: A personal statement (700-900 words, double space), written in the language of the concentration you are applying for. If applying for a double major or a minor, you should also include a personal statement in those languages. Some topics you might want to consider:
  • Interests and qualifications for graduate study
  • Description of yourself and your intellectual development
  • Strengths and weaknesses, and how you overcame them or challenges to overcoming them
  • Reasons why you want to join this program
  • Possible areas of research or deeper study
  • What you want to do after graduation
• Letters of Recommendation: Two letters of recommendation are required
• Applicant must have taken ENGL 3610 or SPAN 4080 or an equivalent course. Those who do not meet this requirement may be admitted provisionally.
• Applicant must schedule an oral target language interview with a MALT faculty member. This includes an interview in English for non-native speakers who apply to the TESOL concentration. Please contact the Graduate Program Chair for assistance.

Degree Requirements

Exit Requirements

The final requirements of the degree for all concentrations are as follows:

1. Successful completion of a poster presentation during the Colloquium on Language Teaching. Students should have completed at least nine credit hours in the program (or obtain special permission from their advisor) in order to give their poster presentation.
2. Successful completion of the student's portfolio at the end of the second to the last semester in the program.
3. Successful completion of a written and oral comprehensive examination. The exam is administered in the student's final semester in the program.

Concentrations

French Concentration

German Concentration

Spanish Concentration

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Concentration (TESOL)