English Language Teaching Graduate Certificate Programs

Updated: Jan 1, 2024

When adding first, second, and third languages, English is the world's most widely spoken language. It is the language of international commerce and is the choice for many in the developing world. Many countries teach English from a young age, but this is not always the case.

An English Language Teaching Graduate Certificate is the perfect addition to your highly-developed command of the language to teach children and adults who need English language skills. Specialties of this area may be labeled as ESL (English as Second Language), ELL (English Language Learners), TESOL (Teaching English as Second Language), TESL (Teaching English Second Language), and TEFL (Teaching English Foreign Language). This can be aimed at immigrants to the United States, or at teaching English as a foreign language abroad.

What Are the Online English Language Teaching Graduate Certificate Requirements?

Schools that offer English Language Teaching graduate certificates expect applicants to demonstrate full eligibility. While admissions requirements vary by school, most will ask that you fulfill the following:

A bachelor's degree in a relevant subject, such as English language
A master's degree also in a relevant subject
A GPA of 3.0 or above. Some schools may ask for 3.5. A GRE may be requested if your GPA is less than 3.0
Supporting transcripts from all colleges attended
If you do not speak English as a first language, admissions will require that you take formal certification in a recognized standard such as PTEA, IELTS, and TOEFL. Some accept ELS112 and DuoLingo
Bilingual proficiency often required
Letters of recommendation (2 or 3) from academic sources. Employer references may be accepted in some circumstances
Resume or CV
Application fee
A statement of intent or short essay explaining your interests

What Type of Classes Are Included in the English Language Teaching Graduate Certificate Curriculum?

English Language Teaching graduate certificate programs are comprised of mandatory core courses that can often be completed in just a few semesters (around one year). The curriculum often includes courses such as:

Introduction to Teaching English as a Second Language
Second Language Instructional Approaches
Computer Assisted Learning
Listening and Speaking in a Second Language
Second Language Reading & Writing Skills
Adult Literacy in Minority Communities
English Grammar & Linguistics
Teaching Methods
Curriculum Development & Assessment Methods
Cultural Dimensions of English as a Second Language
Research Methods in Language Teaching
Literacy & Culture
Internship

What Type of Careers Can I Pursue with an Online English Language Teaching Graduate Certificate?

A graduate certificate in English Language Teaching opens the following career options:

ESL Teacher: The most obvious choice and the main reason most people study this subject, teaching “English as a Second Language” (ESL) to non-native speakers here in the U.S. (both adults and children).
Private English Tutor: Travel the world and work as you go offering private tutoring sessions to students and adults looking to expand their language skills.
Linguistic Research: Language requires as much research and investigation as any other academic discipline. Etymology and lexicography are both useful when you speak multiple languages.
TEFL Academic: Alternatively, work to study, develop, and implement methods of “teaching English as a Foreign Language” (TEFL) for those in countries where English is not the main language. Break down barriers to teaching and learning the language.
Translator: If you are fluent in multiple languages, you could work as a translator in a wide range of industries such as diplomatic services, publishing, and others.
Program Director: Develop curricula and oversee logistics issues for learning programs specifically for teaching the English language to non-native speakers.