Course Overview!

This post-baccalaureate certificate program provides focused training for individuals seeking careers in teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) or English as a Foreign Language (EFL). Designed for students holding a master's degree in a non-related field, the program prepares them to teach ESL in community colleges or universities in the U.S., or EFL abroad. The curriculum covers key theoretical and practical aspects of language teaching, including linguistics, pedagogy, curriculum design, and classroom management. It also incorporates practical experience through a practicum, enabling graduates to develop effective teaching skills. The program aims to produce competent and well-prepared ESL/EFL instructors ready for diverse teaching settings.

Course Structure

The program comprises a minimum of 24 units, including a required prerequisite course and a selection of courses covering various facets of ESL/EFL teaching. Required courses explore theories of teaching and learning, pedagogical grammar, language teaching methodologies, teaching ESL for academic purposes, language testing, practicum experience, and curriculum and materials design. Students then select three elective units from a list of courses covering topics such as dual language education, policies for emergent bilingual students, applied statistics, cognitive processes in special needs individuals, linguistics, composition and rhetoric, and the use of technology in language education. Successful completion of the WPE is required.