Program Overview

Graduate Certificate in English as a Second Language

The ESL program prepares educational leaders to meet the needs of students who speak English as a second, third, etc. language and in classrooms, and prepares educators to be culturally and linguistically responsive.

Certificate

The ESL program is designed to provide educators with the knowledge and skills necessary to support students who speak English as a second language.

Endorsement

The ESL endorsement program is approved by the Illinois State Board of Education and graduates are eligible to apply for the endorsement to be added to their active Illinois teaching license.

Grading Policy

Passing at the graduate level is considered a B or higher. A maximum of eight hours of C (2.0) grades is applicable, provided that a minimum GPA of 3.0 is reached at the time of program completion and an approved Student Petition is on file in the Office of Records and Registration. Grades of C- or lower are not accepted.

Graduate Degree Opportunity

Combine the graduate certificate with an additional 16 credit hours of Educational Leadership course work to fulfill requirements for a Master of Arts in Education.

Requirements

• Required Courses:
  • EDL 550: Theoretical Foundations of Teaching English as Second Language (4 hours)
  • EDL 584: Assessment of ESL Students (4 hours)
  • EDL 592: Linguistics (4 hours)
  • EDL 593: Cross Cultural Studies for ESL (2 hours)
  • EDL 594: Methods and Materials for ESL (4 hours)
  • EDL 595: ESL Clinical Experience 1 (2 hours)
  • Total Hours: 20
  • Note: This class may not be required for students who have met the clinical experience requirement of the Illinois State Board of Education for English as a Second Language Letter of Approval/Endorsement.