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

The School of Education offers this certificate to promote and foster the teaching of English to speakers of other languages as an integral component of education in a global society. The Graduate TESOL Certificate is intended for students in the MA program in Teaching International Languages; students interested in expanding the professional applications of other degrees and credentials by preparing for positions teaching English in the US and abroad; international students interested in teaching English as a Foreign Language in other countries; foreign/second language teachers at the secondary level; individuals who already hold graduate degrees but seek specialized professional preparation in the field; individuals pursuing a Designated Subjects Adult Education Credential (Academic Subject: English as a Second Language); and individuals in related business enterprises (e.g., language institutes, English training in commercial settings).

Admission:

There are no course prerequisites for admission to this certificate program and the GRE is not required. However, to qualify for admission to the program, students must meet all University and departmental standards, policies, and procedures, including:

1. An acceptable bachelor's degree.

2. An undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0 in the last 60 units.

3. An application on file with the Office of Graduate Studies.

4. A TOEFL score of at least 550 (213 on the computer-based test) for speakers of other languages with less than three years of successful, full-time study in an English-speaking country; an essay rating of at least 4.

5. Three letters of recommendation.

6. Approval by the Graduate TESOL Program Coordinator. Students must file an approved certificate program plan upon admission.

Course Requirements for the Certificate: 18 units

The following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, are required of all candidates for this certificate.

6 courses required:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
Specially designed and supervised field experience activities through coaching or mentoring, appropriate to the level of expertise and profession. Participants enhance competencies related to instruction, curriculum, assessment, and management. 9 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 15.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (002815)
Survey of innovative approaches to foreign/second language teaching. An overview of theory and practice in the field, highlighting methods for the development of comprehension and communication skills. Humanistic techniques, teaching the cultural context of language use, and language testing are also included. 3 hours seminar. (002891)
This course provides language professionals with an opportunity to examine the cultural dimensions of language teaching and learning. Students investigate context and culture in language teaching, explore ways of addressing culture-related standards, and engage in an in-depth review of research in this area. They also apply their knowledge and skills to enhance interaction and instruction in language classrooms for all learners. 3 hours lecture. (020007)
Theories of language acquisition and applications of research. This course focuses on linguistic, psychological, sociocultural, historical, and legal bases of foreign language and English as a second language. 3 hours seminar. (002888)
Assessment, diagnosis, and evaluation of foreign/second language skills and proficiency. Emphasis on formal and informal assessment techniques. Course is intended primarily for Language Development and Bilingual Specialists, foreign language and ESL teachers. 3 hours seminar. (002889)
Articulation of curriculum theory and practice in foreign languages and English as a second language. Focus on examination of instructional programs, techniques, and materials as well as classroom organization. 3 hours seminar. (002890)

Additional Program Information:

1. Advising is required. Students may not complete more than 9 units toward the Graduate TESOL certificate before applying for admission to the program. No more than 3 units of transfer work are allowed.

2. A grade point average of 3.0 on all course work within the program, with no grade below a B-, is required.

3. Students intending to complete the MA in Teaching International languages concurrently should meet with the Graduate Coordinator upon application to the Graduate TESOL Certificate program. Admission to the certificate program does not necessarily qualify students for admission to the Teaching International Languages or any other graduate program. Students may, however, apply course work from the Graduate TESOL Certificate toward the MA in Teaching International Languages, consistent with program and University policies and procedures.

Catalog Cycle:17