The ESL emphasis area is transitioning to the Department of Educational Psychology (EPSY), where it will be housed with Bilingual Education programs. Students interested in a master’s degree focused on ESL or a doctoral specialization in this area should contact EPSYadvisor@tamu.edu for more information and assistance.
Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction, emphasis in English as a Second Language (ESL)
The program offers a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in English as a Second Language (ESL). In addition to taking a core curriculum shared with all students of Curriculum and Instruction, and some required English as a Second Language courses, students may choose to take some of their ESL electives from other areas within the department, such as reading and literacy or multicultural education, or from other departments, such as Educational Psychology, Linguistics or Psychology.
We prepare students to work as teacher educators, in K–12 public school settings, to teach adults in community colleges, intensive English programs, community-based settings such as libraries, workplace or corporate settings and of course, those who plan to go abroad to teach English as a Foreign Language (EFL). The Ph.D. degree prepares candidates to conduct research in ESL and take positions as faculty in research-intensive universities.
Note: This is not a teacher certification program
ADMISSIONS
To be admitted to a graduate program, you must apply to the TLAC department and Texas A&M University.
How to ApplyProgram Details
Degree: Curriculum & Instruction
Emphasis: English as a Second Language (ESL)
Degrees Offered: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Credit Hours: 64
*Select College of Education and update credit hours
Contact Advisors

Kara Bond
Academic Advisor III
Contact Faculty

DR. L. QUENTIN DIXON
Associate Professor

DR. ZOHREH ESLAMI
Professor

DR. MONICA NESHYBA
Clinical Assistant Professor

DR. LI-JEN KUO
Associate Professor
Frequently Asked Questions
Doctoral
I still have further questions—who can I contact to help me answer those?
Please feel free to contact the Graduate Advising Office in 211 Harrington Tower. Our office hours are Monday-Friday 8:00a.m. to 5:00 p.m. We can be reached at (979) 862-8032. (This is our front desk phone.) You can e-mail us at tlacgant@tamu.edu. Our mailing address is 4232 TAMU; College Station, TX 77843-4232. Office fax number: (979) 862-4352. Please make sure to include a cover sheet when faxing.
Can you guide me through the application process?
Completed Application: A completed Apply Texas application. Apply online at www.applytexas.org. The name on your application must match your name as it appears in your passport. Application Fee: A non-refundable $65 application fee for domestic applicants and $90 application fee for international applicants. The application fee may be paid by check, money order or approved credit card. Applicants who wish to pay by credit card may do so as part of the online application. If you are unable to pay the fee online, you may call the Graduate Admissions Office at 979-845-1060. Official Transcripts and Records: Submit official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended. NOTE: You do not need to submit an official transcript from Texas A&M University. For information on submitting official transcripts to Texas A&M University, please visit their website. * If you are currently a graduate student at Texas A&M University, please contact our office at 979-862-8032 for information on applying to the TLAC department. TLAC Departmental Admissions In addition to the Texas A&M University admission requirements, the Department of Teaching, Learning and Culture requires the following information: Departmental Application for Online Ed.D. Program The departmental application will be submitted electronically. You will be required to upload a copy of your professional resume, three professional references, and writing samples.
How to Apply: Master’s Application Information | Doctoral Application Information
How soon can I apply?
Prospective students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible!
I live out of state. Do you accept out-of-state applicants?
Yes, we accept in-state and out-of-state applicants.
Is there any opportunity for financial assistance?
Yes, there are opportunities for financial assistance through the following departments: Office of Graduate Studies Financial Aid
What are the typical program costs?
You can base the cost of attendance on 64 graduate credit hours (for doctoral students). The following website can help you estimate the cost of the program, including current costs of tuition and fees: Cost of attendance estimator
Is the GRE required?
GRE is only required for Ed.D. and Ph.D. applicants.