Graduate Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
Program Overview
The TESOL graduate certificate is designed to meet the needs of:
- current and future educators, who want to effectively teach English in a wide variety of settings, including: PreK-12 diverse classrooms, adult language programs, businesses, community colleges, and international schools
- speech/language pathologists and school psychologists, who desire additional information to assist them to better distinguish language differences from language delay and language impairment
- school administrators, who are interested in creating or improving English as a Second Language Programs in their school or district
- current or future educational policy makers, who wish to enhance their understanding of the unique needs of the English language learner and the most up-to-date research in second language acquisition
What Will You Learn?
The need for knowledgeable and effective TESOL educators is growing both nationally and internationally. In addition to learning how to advocate for effective and responsive education for English language learners from diverse communities, the TESOL graduate certificate will provide students with:
- potential professional certification (for the State of Missouri and reciprocal licensure states) in TESOL education with additional coursework
- a deep understanding of the challenges faced by English language learners
- specific skills and knowledge needed to successfully teach English language learners
- experience teaching and interacting with linguistically and culturally diverse communities
training in analytical and critical thinking methods
Tuition, Fees and Time Frame
Knowing what to expect is important when planning for college costs. For more information, check our Tuition and Fees page.
Classes are 7 weeks. 6 start dates a year lets you start on your terms. 18 credit hours required in total. 4-6 optional additional hours in practicum placements to receive your State of Missouri Licensure.
FAFSA eligible. Graduate Scholarships available. No application fees or entrance exam required.
Duration
~18 Months
Admissions Requirements
Admission to any of the graduate programs in TESOL requires meeting all qualifications for acceptance to the Missouri Western State University Graduate Program.
- Submission of application for admission to the MWSU Graduate Program.
- Completion of an undergraduate degree in education, or a closely related discipline, from an accredited undergraduate institution.
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75.
- Statement of Purpose: A one-page narrative, which describes his/her purpose for seeking admission to a graduate program, as well as what he/she hopes to gain from the experience.
- The GRE is not required.
Program Graduation Requirement
- Earn a minimum overall GPA of 3.0, with no more than 6 credit hours of C in all required coursework.
University Graduation Requirements
- Satisfactorily complete all required coursework in the program;
- Earn a minimum of 15 credit hours.
Program Course Requirements
The following courses are required for this Graduate Certificate:
For Students Seeking the Graduate Certificate Only, but not State of Missouri Licensure:
| Course Number | Course Name 1 | Course Hours |
|---|---|---|
| TSL 559 | Policy, Curriculum and Instruction for ELLs | 3 |
| TSL 560 | Methods of Teaching ELLs | 3 |
| TSL 562 | ELL Assessment | 3 |
| TSL 632 | Introduction to Linguistics | 3 |
| TSL 661 | Second Language Acquisition | 3 |
| TSL 664 | Language and Culture | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: 18
- 1In addition to the courses listed, students will be required to take an Orientation Workshop (EDU 500).
For Students Seeking the Graduate Certificate and State of Missouri Licensure:
| Course Number | Course Name 1 | Course Hours |
|---|---|---|
| TSL 559 | Policy, Curriculum and Instruction for ELLs | 3 |
| TSL 560 | Methods of Teaching ELLs | 3 |
| TSL 562 | ELL Assessment | 3 |
| TSL 632 | Introduction to Linguistics | 3 |
| TSL 661 | Second Language Acquisition | 3 |
| TSL 664 | Language and Culture | 3 |
| TSL 665 | Practicum in ELL: Elementary 2 | 2 |
| TSL 667 | Practicum in ELL: Secondary 2 | 2 |
Total Credit Hours: 22
- 1In addition to the courses listed, students will be required to take an Orientation Workshop (EDU 500).
- 2TSL 665 Practicum in ELL: Elementary and TSL 667 Practicum in ELL: Secondary require prerequisites of EDU 311 Secondary Reading Techniques, EDU 315 Psychology and Education of the Exceptional Child and EDU 430 Teaching Students with Reading Deficits or EDU 521 Teaching Students with Reading Deficits.
