Graduate Certificate in World Language Education

Online and On Campus

The Graduate Certificate in World Language Education offers a four-course, 16-credit graduate certificate that supports aspiring and in-service teachers and world language educators to more effectively teach world languages. The program is open to educators of any world language. The certificate program will provide participants with a deep understanding of effective pedagogy, curriculum, assessment, and policies relevant to world language education. Courses will examine second language acquisition theory and its connection to world language methods, world language curriculum and lesson design, methods of instruction focusing on communicative, proficiency-based instruction, and policies and practices that dismantle inequality in world language education.

Students have the option of applying to the EdM in World Language Education or the MAT in World Language Education and applying their courses from the graduate certificate toward either program.

Learning Outcomes

As a result of successful completion of this certificate program, students will be able to:

  • Carefully plan standards-based courses, units, assessments, and lessons that embed high-yield strategies allowing students to reach identified course, unit, or lesson performance objectives in world language education.
  • Implement high-yield teaching and learning strategies in world language education.
  • Explain theoretical understandings of second language acquisition and their connection to teaching practice.
  • Critically reflect on biases, policies, and practices that may marginalize or disadvantage learners, and implement pedagogical practices that support all learners and disrupt inequality in the world language classroom.

Required Coursework

  • SED LS 658 Second Language Acquisition (4 cr)
  • SED WL 511 Teaching Methods in World Language Education (4 cr)
  • SED WL 512 Curriculum & Assessment in World Language Education (4 cr)
  • SED WL 514 Inclusive Principles & Practices in World Language Education OL (4 cr)