MATESL program applicants must have completed a Bachelor's degree; an undergraduate major in linguistics, English, a foreign language, or education is generally recommended though other majors are also acceptable. Applicants must present a grade point average of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) for the last 60 semester hours of undergraduate work. All nonnative speakers of English entering the MA program must also have a score of 600 or higher on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and at least a 4 on the Test of Written English (TWE). These scores are required for all nonnative English speakers entering DEIL's MATESL program regardless of where they did their undergraduate work.

Also, upon arrival on campus for their first semester's work, nonnative speakers of English must take the UIUC English as a Second Language Placement Test (EPT). The results of this test will determine whether the particular student will have to take one or more English language courses in addition to the other MATESL courses required for the MATESL degree. And finally, because what constitutes good writing tends to vary from culture to culture, most international students in the MATESL program are required to take a course in advanced composition; the only exception will be a student who has managed to pass a proficiency test offered on the first two days of class.

In addition to the above requirements, ALL applicants to the MATESL program must have had two years of a foreign language or have become proficient in a second language in some other way. Furthermore, they must have taken an introduction to Linguistics. These prerequisites must be met prior to, or as soon as possible after the student's arrival on campus. Work done in meeting these prerequisites does not, of course, count toward the credits required for the degree itself.

MATESL Application

Students may enter DEIL's graduate program in fall semester only. DEIL does not accept applications for off-cycle admissions for Spring or Summer semesters.

Applications for admission and financial aid and all supporting information for new students must be received in DEIL no later than January 15 . To view or print the application click the appropriate link below:

Domestic Students

International Students

All Applicants: Frequently Asked Questions