Program Overview

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, Certificate

McCausland College of Arts and Sciences

The Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages graduate certificate equips you with the specialized skills and practical teaching experience to help students gain mastery of the language.

Whether you are exploring teaching non-native English speakers at home or internationally, our TESOL program enhances your intercultural competence, communication skills and adaptability, preparing you to teach in K-12 schools, colleges, government agencies and more. Earn the certificate alone, or pair it with another degree.

Program Highlights

• Career-Oriented Courses: Choose from two tracks: EFL for post-secondary and overseas learners or K-12 ESOL for elementary and secondary learners.
• Notable Program: Enjoy a close relationship with English Programs for Internationals at USC, one of the best programs of its kind in the nation.
• On-Campus Experiences: Take your practical training in a setting on campus rather than searching for a practicum site off-campus.
• Supportive Community: Enjoy learning alongside a moderately sized, active and close community of fellow linguistics students.

What You’ll Study

Understand the general properties of speech and language, the organization of language in the brain and cross-linguistic typology and universals. Study the principles of teaching English as a second language, and apply those principles in a practicum setting. Students typically complete the program in one year and often pair it with an M.A. in Linguistics.

Building Skills

Gain the professional and personal intelligence it takes to have a successful career.

• Cultural Awareness: Learning about and respecting diverse cultures and beliefs
• Intercultural Competence: Developing the skills to communicate effectively and work collaboratively across cultures
• Interpersonal Skills: Communicating and interacting effectively in a variety of social and professional situations
• Listening Skills: Understanding what others are saying to facilitate effective communication
• Multicultural Awareness: Understanding cultural variation and adapting behaviors and communication styles accordingly
• Teaching: Foster learning by conveying knowledge, skills and concepts to students

Using your degree

Make your college experience the foundation for a successful future.

• Potential Careers:
  • Language Teacher
  • Language Instructor
• Workplace Settings:
  • Education
  • Government

Advanced Degrees

Advance your career or options with post-graduate education.

• Master's:
  • Linguistics, M.A.
• Doctorate:
  • Linguistics, Ph.D.