TESOL Graduate Certificate Program
The TESOL Graduate Certificate Program will provide practical skills and knowledge to individuals who wish to teach English language learners. It is designed for individuals who want to work at community colleges, community-based organizations, or language schools in the U.S. or abroad. The Certificate consists of six courses (18 credits), including a 60-hour practicum. It prepares individuals to create lessons, develop materials, and assess English learners, with a particular emphasis on adult learners. It is designed to be completed in one year or two semesters, depending on which of the three scheduling options is chosen. Of the three options, one would take a year, while the other two offer an intensive option in a cohort model.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Individuals who wish to study in the TESOL Graduate Certificate Program must fulfill the requirements for admission to the College of Graduate Studies & Research and apply to the TESOL Graduate Certificate Program. Prior experience in education or teaching is not required. Requirements to the College of Graduate Studies & Research are:
- Transcripts submitted from previous college work with a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 2.75.
- Possess an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
- A completed graduate application accompanied by a $30 fee.
Additionally, the TESOL Graduate Certificate Program admission requirements are:
Language requirement:
- For native speakers, 9 credits of college level work, or the equivalent, in one or more foreign languages, or a level 2 in a foreign language on the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages Proficiency Assessment.
- For non-native speakers, English proficiency demonstrated by a score of 95 on the internet-based TOEFL (IBT), with a minimum of 20 on each of 4 sections or by a score of 7.0 on IELTS, with a minimum of 6.5 on each of the four sections; or by a score of 587 on the paper-based TOEFL.
Requirements for the TESOL Graduate Certificate Program:
The 18-credit curriculum of the TESOL Graduate Certificate reflects the practical knowledge and skills conveyed in the five already existing TESOL graduate courses, the Adult Needs, Course Design, and Assessment course, and the 60-hour practicum.
Students are required to complete the five courses (15 credits) plus the practicum (3 credits) indicated below.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| TESL-402 | Principles Of Linguistics For Teachers | 3 |
| TESL-410 | Techniques Of Teaching English As A Second Language | 3 |
| TESL-414 | Theories Of Teaching English As A Second Language | 3 |
| TESL-420 | Structure Of Modern English | 3 |
| TESL-406 | Adult Needs, Design And Assessment | 3 |
| TESL-465 | Experiential Preparation For Teaching English As A Second Language | 3 |
The sample plans of study are provided to guide you in the progression for this program. This guide should not replace regular consultations with the program coordinator. For specific recommendations of courses not identified, please consult the program coordinator.
Sample One Year Course of Study:
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Hours | |
| TESL-402 | Principles Of Linguistics For Teachers | 3 |
| TESL-414 | Theories Of Teaching English As A Second Language | 3 |
| Term Hours | 6 | |
| Term 2 | ||
| TESL-420 | Structure Of Modern English | 3 |
| TESL-410 | Techniques Of Teaching English As A Second Language | 3 |
| Term Hours | 6 | |
| Term 3 | ||
| TESL-406 (Only offered in summer semesters) | Adult Needs, Design And Assessment | 3 |
| TESL-465 (Only offered in summer semesters) | Experiential Preparation For Teaching English As A Second Language | 3 |
| Term Hours | 6 | |
| Total Hours: | 18 | |
Sample Two Year Course of Study:
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Hours | |
| TESL-402 | Principles Of Linguistics For Teachers | 3 |
| Term Hours | 3 | |
| Term 2 | ||
| TESL-414 | Theories Of Teaching English As A Second Language | 3 |
| Term Hours | 3 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Term 1 | ||
| TESL-410 | Techniques Of Teaching English As A Second Language | 3 |
| Term Hours | 3 | |
| Term 2 | ||
| TESL-420 | Structure Of Modern English | 3 |
| Term Hours | 3 | |
| Term 3 | ||
| TESL-406 (Only offered in summer semesters) | Adult Needs, Design And Assessment | 3 |
| TESL-465 (Only offered in summer semesters) | Experiential Preparation For Teaching English As A Second Language | 3 |
| Term Hours | 6 | |
| Total Hours: | 18 | |