Program Overview

Introduction to the Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Graduate Certificate

The TESOL graduate certificate is designed to prepare students to teach English as a second or foreign language. This field has been expanding for decades and continues to show persistent growth in job and educational opportunities.

Program Overview

The TESOL certificate prepares students to:

• Learn language teaching methodology and principles of second language acquisition.
• Study the nature of language and the structure of English.
• Gain insights into classroom teaching.

Program Details

• The program can be completed in two semesters, depending on the number of courses taken each semester.
• All required classes can be completed online.
• The program consists of five courses.

Admissions Requirements

In addition to the general requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences, the Department of Applied Linguistics and English as a Second Language has the following requirements:

• A typed statement of professional and academic goals (no more than three pages in length).
• Two letters of recommendation.
• Transcripts (one from each institution attended).
• For non-native speakers of English, official scores on the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System).

Curriculum

Required Foundational Courses

• Approaches to Teaching English as a Second/Foreign Language (AL 8450)
• General Linguistics (AL 8240)
• Practicum (AL 8900), Classroom Practices (AL 8480), or International Internship (AL 8410)

Elective Courses

• Second Language Acquisition (AL 8250)
• Sound System of English (AL 8320)
• English Grammar for ESL/EFL Teachers (AL 8460)

Tuition and Fees

• $450 tuition per credit hour (same for all students, regardless of geographic location).
• $660 per semester online learning fee (if enrolled in 6 or more credit hours).

Application Deadlines

• Fall: July 1
• Spring: November 15
• Summer: March 1

Career Opportunities

The TESOL field has been rapidly expanding since the 1970s, with persistent growth in job and educational opportunities expected to continue. English remains a worldwide Lingua Franca, with local and national governments, non-governmental organizations, and corporations continuing to support English language education.

Description

The TESOL certificate is an entry-level credential for those who plan short-term stays overseas or who are interested in employment in schools for adults, private language institutes, or nonprofit organizations that offer adult English language courses.