Bring World Languages to Life for All Learners
With the graduate certificate in World Language Education, you’ll strengthen your expertise as a language educator and expand your impact in diverse educational settings. You’ll develop advanced skills in curriculum design, instructional strategies grounded in second-language acquisition research, and assessment practices that support meaningful language learning and student growth. Designed with working educators in mind, the certificate in teaching world languages is available online or in person.
Program Features
The World Language Education certificate is open to educators of any modern language, as well as program leaders in the field.
Online Flexibility
Earn your certificate in teaching world language online or complete in person. This certificate program is offered part-time and can be started in fall, spring, and summer semesters.
Licensure Pathway
For students interested in pursuing initial teaching licensure and/or a master’s degree in the future, the graduate certificate may be “stacked” with the Master of Education (EdM) in World Language Education.
Career Outcomes in World Language Education
The world language education certificate prepares you to develop into a skilled language educator ready to support diverse learners. After completing the program, you will be able to:
- Plan standards-based courses, units, assessments, and lessons
- Apply effective, research-based teaching and learning strategies
- Draw on key theories of second language acquisition to inform practice
- Use inclusive practices to support the success of all learners
Join Alumni in a Rewarding Career in World Language Education
Graduates of our certificate in teaching world languages go on to make meaningful contributions in a wide range of roles and school environments. BU Wheelock alumni work in positions such as:
- K–12 teachers
- Instructors for adult learners
- Teachers at private or international schools
- Curriculum specialists
- Program leaders
Featured Faculty
The faculty in BU Wheelock’s certificate in world language education bring deep classroom experience and specialized expertise in curriculum and assessment design, world language pedagogy, and the professional growth of language educators.
World Language Education Courses
Courses for the certificate in World Language Education examine second language acquisition theory, world language curriculum designing world language curriculum, methods of instruction, and inclusive education practices. You’ll take courses such as:
- Second Language Acquisition
- Teaching Methods in World Language Acquisition
- Curriculum & Assessment in World Language Education
- Inclusive Principles and Practices in World Language Education
Related Programs
EdM in World Language Education
Whether you are an aspiring educator or an advancing world language educator or leader, the EdM in World Language Education is open to educators of any modern language, and offers the option to pursue initial teaching licensure.
Curriculum & Teaching CAGS
Expand your impact as an educator with a certificate of advanced graduate study (CAGS) in curriculum and instruction. This post-master’s credential delivers training in planning, teaching methods, and outcome evaluation, and is open to educators working in world language education.
The Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) program trains professionals to teach children, youth, and adults who are learning English. Choose from one of two master’s programs or a graduate certificate.
- EdM in TESOL & Applied Linguistics (non-licensure)
- EdM in TESOL Multilingual Learner Education (licensure)
- TESOL Graduate Certificate
Admissions & Dates
Fall & Spring 2027
Aug 3, 2026
Application Opens
Spring 2027 Start
Dec 15, 2026
Application Closes
Fall 2027 Start
Jan 15, 2027
Priority Deadline
Fall 2027 Start
Aug 1, 2027
Application Closes
Connect with BU Wheelock to learn more about earning your graduate certificate in World Language Education. Learn about application requirements and deadlines, sign up for an information session, or start your application today.