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Master of Science in Teacher Education

World Languages Professional Internship Concentration (Post-Baccalaureate)

This degree program is intended for individuals seeking initial PreK-12 teacher licensure in a world language (French, German, Latin, Spanish). Admission to the Professional Internship Licensure program in world language education is very selective. Individuals are encouraged to contact the college’s Student Services Center, A332 Bailey Education Complex, for a diagnostic interview and to develop a tentative course of study and time line. Note that several of the concentrations have dual or triple pathway options that lead to additional licensure in World Languages / English as a Second Language (ESL) education.

Undergraduates – Apply here

Post-Baccalaureates – Apply here

MS in Teacher Education, World Languages Education Professional Internship Concentration Credit Hours
Required Courses  
TPTE 574 2-3
TPTE 575 12
TPTE 591 4
Concentration: World Languages Education courses
TPTE 517 3
ETEC 586 or ETEC 587 (or approved educational technology course) 3
WLEL 445 3
WLEL 455 3
Approved graduate class in the World Languages 3
For Thesis Option:
TPTE 500 and successful defense of the thesis
For Course only with Examination Option:
Successful completion of a comprehensive exam with a grade of Pass is required

Judson Laughter, associate professor and team lead

James Coda, assistant professor

Students completing the MS in Teacher Education, World Languages Education Professional Internship Concentration have two options:

Thesis:  42 graduate credit hours for the Thesis Option, including TPTE 500 (6 credit hours)

Non-Thesis:  36 graduate credit hours for the Course Only with Comprehensive Exam Option

Click here to view the graduate catalog.

  • A major in the target language (Classics, French, German or Spanish), leading to a bachelor’s degree prior to the graduate internship year is required.
  • A minimum of 9 hours of 300-level or above with a minimum 3.0 average in the target language is required prior to being interviewed by the World Languages Board of Admissions. (The interview takes place at least one calendar year prior to the internship year.)
  • A cumulative GPA of 3.0 (required) or higher (preferred) with a recommended minimum 3.2 in the target World Language is expected.
  • Advanced High (ACTFL Standards) proficiency in the target language is expected.
  • Previous study abroad (minimum one semester) in the target (modern) language country is required prior to the World Languages Board of Admissions interview.
  • Passing of the PRAXIS II exam in the world languages licensure area prior to the internship year is required.
  • Previous tutoring/teaching experience is highly desired.

If you have questions about the program or the course of study, please contact:

Jud Laughter, associate professor, English education

jud.laughter@utk.edu