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Graduate Certificate in English as a Second Language (ESL)

Pre-K–6/5–12 (Licensure)

The Graduate Certificate in English as a Second Language (ESL) program offers two options to support the preparation of individuals to teach English as a second language (ESL) in US public schools. The first prepares students to become licensed to teach English learners in Pre-K–6 ESL classrooms, and the second prepares students to become licensed to teach English learners in middle/high school classrooms (5–12).

Coursework includes the study of current theory/research related to teaching English learners and the implications for effective language, literacy, and content area assessment and instructional practices in ESL and sheltered English immersion.

The program of study includes coursework in linguistics, language acquisition, assessment and instruction of oral language, reading and writing; sheltered teaching methodologies with a focus on content-area literacy and academic language, and policy issues that influence assessment and instruction of English learners in public schools. Students complete a pre-practicum and full-time practicum (student teacher) as part of the program.

Courses & Requirements

Pre-K–6 Track

Core Coursework (24 cr)

  • SED BI 515 Methods in Bilingual Education and English as a Second Language (ESL) (4 cr)
  • SED BI 535 Literacy Development for Bilingual Students: Instruction and Assessment (4 cr)
  • SED BI 620 Educational Issues in Bilingualism (4 cr)
  • SED ED 502/503 Professional Teaching Seminar I: Analyzing Foundations of Teaching (2 cr)
  • SED LS 565 Applied Linguistics: Language & Linguistics Survey (4 cr)
  • SED LS 658 Second Language Acquisition (4 cr)
  • SED SE 510 Special Education: Curriculum and Instruction (2 cr) 

Practicum (8 cr)

  • SED BI 504 Seminar: The Student Teaching Experience (2 cr)
  • SED TL 570/1 Student-Teaching Pre-Practicum: ESL Pre-K–6 (6 cr)

5–12 Track

Core Coursework (34 cr)

  • SED BI 535 Literacy Development for Bilingual Students: Instruction and Assessment (4 cr)
  • SED BI 620 Educational Issues in Bilingualism (4 cr)
  • SED DS 502 Introduction to Adolescent Development (2 cr)
  • SED ED 502/503 Professional Teaching Seminar I: Analyzing Foundations of Teaching (2 cr)
  • SED LS 565 Applied Linguistics: Language & Linguistics Survey (4 cr)
  • SED LS 658 Second Language Acquisition (4 cr)
  • SED SE 510 Special Education: Curriculum and Instruction (2 cr)
  • SED TL 508 Methods of Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL), 5–12 (4 cr)

Practicum (8 cr)

  • SED BI 504 Seminar: The Student Teaching Experience (2 cr)
  • SED TL 572/3 Student-Teaching Pre-Practicum: ESL 5–12 (6 cr)

Related Bulletin Pages

Beyond the Bulletin