Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) Certificate
This undergraduate certificate provides a basic level of hands-on experience that better equips you to be a more effective ESL tutor and provides you with a foundation for further professional preparation at the graduate level.
What You'll Learn
The program will prepare you for a variety of positions teaching or tutoring non-native speakers of English in schools, community language centers, camps, and businesses in the United States and abroad. It will also effectively prepare you for graduate study or a career move.
Through lecture, study, and hands-on experience, you'll gain a broad understanding of the:
- Nature of language and culture
- Principles of effective teaching methodology
- Structure of the English language itself
- Process of second language learning and teaching
The TESL certificate is not a certification or licensure program. Certification is typically granted by a professional association or organization and licensure is granted from a state agency. For more information, see Second Languages and Culture Education on the College of Human Development Web site.
Why Choose the ESL Certificate?
- Prepares students to assist in community ESL programs for immigrants
- Provides 30 hours of tutoring experience in a community ESL program
- Prepares students for volunteer ESL teaching experiences overseas
- Provides students with preparation for graduate programs in both ESL/Second Language Studies (College of Liberal Arts) and in Second Languages and Cultures (College of Education & Human Development)
- May be used as an area of study for a degree program
- Enhances skills in order to be more effective in a current position
- Prepares students for a career move or advancement by gaining new skills
- Improves student communication skills, developing both oral presentation and written communication abilities
