Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Graduate Certificate

Open Doors to Communication with a TESOL Certificate

Become a more effective teacher of English to students who speak other languages natively. With the TESOL (Teaching English to Students of Other Languages) graduate certificate, you will explore how language works, the ways that people learn to speak a second language, and communicative approaches to language teaching. 

As a student in the TESOL graduate certificate program, you will learn about pedagogical strategies for language teaching, language assessment design, and key features of language variation, among other topics. The program can be completed either in person or fully online and is ideal for those who already hold advanced degrees, are making mid-career transitions, are currently volunteering or working in the field, or are seeking a pathway to the EdM program.

Program Features

The part-time TESOL graduate certificate is a four course (16 credits) program. You can complete the program fully online, fully on campus, or by combining both formats.

Related Programs

Master’s in TESOL

Interested in obtaining a master’s degree in TESOL? BU Wheelock offers two options:

• The EdM in TESOL Multilingual Learner Education includes the option to pursue initial teaching licensure. Credits earned in the certificate program may be applied toward the master’s program.
• The EdM in TESOL and Applied Linguistics will prepare you to teach English and other languages in public and private settings.

World Language Education

Advance your abilities as a world language educator with the EdM in World Language Education. This program can be completed fully online or in person, and offers the option to pursue initial teaching licensure in Arabic, Chinese, French, or Spanish.

Career Outcomes in Teaching English to Students of Other Languages

Acquire specialized knowledge and practical skills to teach English effectively to non-native speakers, while enhancing your employability both locally and internationally. With a graduate certificate in TESOL, you’ll be prepared to:

• Develop curriculum to support learners of English
• Effectively explain the forms and meanings of basic structures of English
• Design language assessments for classroom use or formal testing purposes
• Apply knowledge of the structure and functions of language, such as phonology, morphology, semantics, and syntax
• Understand theories and models of second-language acquisition

Alumni in TESOL

Students who complete Boston University’s TESOL graduate certificate are prepared for success in a variety of professional roles, including:

• English as a Second Language (ESL) and English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teacher
• Teacher of languages other than English
• Test preparation instructor (TOEFL, IELTS, etc) 
• Curriculum developer/designer
• Instructional designer
• Program director/coordinator
• PhD study in second language acquisition (SLA), applied linguistics, second language studies (SLS), or language education

TESOL Courses

Students in the TESOL certificate program will explore the nature and structure of language, key factors affecting second-language acquisition, and communicative approaches to teaching English as a second or foreign language. In this program, you’ll take four courses:

• Applied Linguistics: Language and Linguistics Survey
• Structure of English
• Second Language Acquisition
• Foundations of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Pedagogy

Scholarships Available

Admissions & Dates

Connect with BU Wheelock to learn more about the graduate certificate in TESOL. Learn about application requirements and deadlines, sign up for an information session, or start your application today.