Why study world languages?
Research has shown that studying a second language can improve your skills in math and English and in turn, improve your entrance exam scores. In addition, learning a new language can give you a competitive edge in the job market. Knowing more than one language enhances opportunities in government, business, law, medicine and health care, teaching, technology, the military, communications, industry, social service, and marketing. Studies also show that learning a foreign language can help prevent dementia. Researchers from York University in Toronto, Canada, analyzed hospital records of patients diagnosed with a variety of types of dementia and found that those who were bilingual throughout their lives delayed the onset of the disease by three to four years. Learn more here from HuffPost UK.
Why teach a world languages?
Teaching a world language gives you the opportunity to teach students skills that they will be able to use outside the classroom in this globalized world. In addition, you will be able to transfer your knowledge and understanding of the target culture and language to your students. By teaching a world language, you are certain to remain an expert in the target language through daily practice. Another benefit to becoming a world language teacher is having the chance to enjoy cultural experiences, such as traveling abroad with your students.
Information about careers in Foreign Language education, with a focus on areas beyond teaching:
Choose your Degree
Hofstra University’s School of Education offers the World Language Education, MSEd to candidates seeking their first NYS certification teaching a World language at the Grades 7-12 level. Language concentrations offered within the program include:
- Arabic
- Chinese
- Mandarin
- French
- Italian
- Spanish
- German
- Russian
Learn More about the World Language Education, MSEd
Hofstra University’s School of Education offers the Dual certification Languages Other Than English (LOTE) and Teaching English as a Second Language, MSEd to candidates seeking their first NYS certification teaching a foreign language at the Grades 7-12 level as well as their TESOL K-12 certification. Students will have completed the program leading to two separate teaching certifications being able to teach a language at the 7-12 level while also being able to provide TESOL services in K-12 settings. Language concentrations offered within the LOTE portion of the program include:
- Arabic
- Chinese
- Mandarin
- French
- Italian
- Spanish
- German
- Russian
Learn More about the LOTE and TESOL, MSEd
Hofstra University’s School of Education offers the Secondary Education Advanced Certificate to master’s prepared candidates seeking their first NYS certification teaching a foreign language at the Grades 7-12 level. Language concentrations offered within the program include:
- Arabic
- Chinese
- Mandarin
- French
- Italian
- Spanish
- German
- Russian
Learn More about the Secondary Education, AC
Getting Started
Applications for admission to this Master of Science in Education program in the Department of Teaching, Learning and Technology are made to the Graduate Admission Office. Students who do not meet the full admission requirements must complete all prerequisite courses prior to the conferring of the master's or advanced certification award. Admission is based on a comprehensive review of multiple criteria. The department understands that any single criterion may not reliably predict a student's potential for success in the program. Students may consider applying even if they fail to meet one of the criteria listed below but feel that other aspects of their experience might compensate. All individual cases will be reviewed by an Admissions Counselor before being referred to the graduate program for further review.
- A completed application form to the master's program.
- A minimum overall GPA of 3.0 on all undergraduate course work, or its equivalent (e.g., a 3.0 in a completed graduate program). We encourage you to submit all transcripts from your undergraduate work and any graduate work for consideration.
- A minimum GPA of 2.75 on course work in the language in which certification is being sought.
- Completion of General Education Core for teacher education programs.
- A written personal statement of professional intent and rationale.
- Two letters of reference that address the applicant's potential to succeed in the teaching profession and in graduate course work.
For those seeking entry into the Secondary Education, AC, applicants must have a completed master’s degree. For those seeking entry into the MSEd at minimum must have completed a bachelor’s degree. Please refer to your chosen program specifically for full admissions requirements.
Student Resources
Careers in Language Education
New York State has reported persistent shortages in teachers for areas including World Languages, Bilingual Education and English as a Second Language. Those that are able to speak another language and has been trained in education pedagogy is in an exclusive position to be able to work in settings such as:
- Public and Private classrooms
- International Schools
- Public Service on the international stage
- Peace Corp
- Government Agencies
Check out NYSUT Report on The Teacher Shortage
- Enrollment in New York State’s teacher education programs has declined by 53 percent since 2009.
- NYS Teacher Retirement System projects that 1/3 of New York teachers could retire in the next five years.
- U.S. Department of Education has identified 18 teacher shortage areas throughout New York State. A decade ago there were only two.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is there a deadline for admission?
- Applications for graduate programs are accepted on a rolling basis for both fall and spring enrollment. They are reviewed and processed as they are received. Applicants are encouraged to apply early to allow adequate time for registration and to be eligible for departmental scholarships.
- What if I do not have 36 content hours before applying to the program?
- Students can make up deficiencies in foreign language content areas while they are enrolled in a graduate program at Hofstra. They can be completed at any time prior to student teaching. Students may also take advantage of two opportunities through the American Counsel on the Teaching of Foreign Language to gain credit for knowledge of a particular foreign Language. It is possible to be granted 14 credits through the Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) and 14 credits though the Written Proficiency Test (WPT). These assessments aim to provide students with up to 28 content area credits and to be sure they are cleared to participate in student teaching.
- Are there scholarships available?
- Students are evaluated for merit-based scholarships through their graduate application. Each department has limited funds to distribute, so prospective students are encouraged to apply early. Students may also wish to inquire about the Federal TEACH grant. Students are encouraged to consult the Office of Student Financial Services for additional resources
- How long does it take to complete the programs?
- Graduate students progress through their studies at an individual pace under the advisement of the program director. Graduate students are considered full-time when registered for 9 semester hours or more per semester, though many student choose to study on a part-time basis. Master’s students must complete their program within five years of the initial semester of enrollment.
- Students in the Foreign Language M.S.Ed. program complete 37 graduate credits.
- Students in the dual LOTE and TESOL M.S.Ed. also complete 37 graduate credits.
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M.S. ED. FULL-TIME
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M.S. ED. PART-TIME
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| Fall 1: |
9 Credits
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6 Credits
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| January 1: |
3 Credits
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0 Credits
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| Spring 1: |
10 Credits
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6 Credits
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| Summer 1: |
6 Credits
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6 Credits
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| Fall 2: |
9 Credits
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7 Credits
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| January 2: |
--
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0 Credits
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| Spring 2: |
--
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6 Credits
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| Summer 2: |
--
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6 Credits
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- How do students network to find employment post graduation?
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- It is common for student teachers to find full-time opportunities in the districts they are placed for student teaching. Education students at Hofstra are well connected with Hofstra alumni and area teachers through field placements and membership in local professional organizations
- Employment and affiliations:
More Graduate Admission FAQs »
Meet the Director
Professor William Anderson earned a B.A, in Spanish and Political Science and an M.S. in Foreign Language Education. He has been a Spanish teacher and Director of World Languages and ENL for 30 years, mostly in the Massapequa School District and at Hofstra University. His focus is second language acquisition, student engagement, teacher recruitment and professional development.
His leadership in the field of language teaching includes being the 2014 President of the New York State Association of Foreign Language Teachers, a member of the Board of Directors of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) and the Northeast Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (NECTFL), and President of the Long Island Chapter of the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (AATSP).
While the focus of our language programs is language acquisition theory and practice, William loves to help students find teaching positions across Long Island and throughout New York State.
