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

Georgia State University
Degree Level Certificate
Total Credit Hours 15

Program Description

The online TESOL graduate certificate prepares students to teach English as a second or foreign language. Teaching English as a second language has been an expanding field for decades and continues to show persistent growth in job and educational opportunities. Because people globally continue to be interested in learning English and because local and national governments, non-governmental organizations and corporations continue to support English language education, potential career growth remains strong. The online TESOL certificate prepares you to:

  • Learn language teaching methodology and principles of second language acquisition.
  • Study the nature of language and the structure of English.
  • Gain insights into classroom teaching.

The TESOL Certificate is an entry-level credential for those who plan short-term stays overseas or who are interested in employment in schools for adults, private language institutes or nonprofit organizations that offer adult English language courses. You will take five online courses to earn the certificate.

Admissions Information

In addition to the general requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences, the Department of Applied Linguistics and English as a Second Language have the following requirements:

  • A typed statement of professional and academic goals that is no more than three pages in length. This should detail your professional and academic goals and include a description of teaching experience, language study and cross-cultural experiences, if any.
  • Two letters of recommendation.
  • Transcripts (one from each institution attended).
  • For non-native speakers of English, official scores on the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System). Institutional code 5251 should be used to report test scores.

When applying, select TESOL: Graduate Certificate from the list of programs. The listing for Applied Linguistics: Non-Degree is not the certificate program.

Program Accreditation

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges