The online Graduate Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) helps to prepare educators to clear the language barrier for their students. This certificate program helps instructors of students from many culturally diverse backgrounds to ensure their students succeed in early childhood, K-12 or adult education classrooms. This program does not provide instruction in speaking English. It prepares educators to teach English to speakers of other languages and is not an English language program for second or other language learners. The Graduate Certificate in TESOL is meant for educational professionals who are not seeking teaching licensure, such as consultants, advocates, and those in administrative or government positions within the field of TESOL. It does not prepare students for a TESOL licensure endorsement. Students will obtain general knowledge about the learning styles of English as a second or other language students in English-speaking classrooms and best practices for improving their learning outcomes. This online graduate certificate does not lead to an initial teaching license nor any licensure endorsement in the state of Kansas.
Graduate Admissions Requirements
Applicants must meet both the University and departmental admission requirements to be considered for the program.
University of Kansas Graduate Admission Requirements
- All applicants must meet the requirements outlined in the Admission to Graduate Study policy.
- Bachelor’s degree: A copy of official transcripts showing proof of a bachelor's degree (and any post-bachelor’s coursework or degrees) from a regionally accredited institution, or a foreign university with equivalent bachelor's degree requirements is required.
- English proficiency: Proof of English proficiency for non-native or non-native-like English speakers is required. There are two bands of English proficiency, including Admission and Full proficiency. For applicants to online programs, Full proficiency is required.
Graduate Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Application Requirements
- A completed graduate application
- Application fee
- Official transcripts of all degree-granting post-secondary institutions you have attended and an official transcript for each degree earned
- A statement of purpose declaring the applicant's interest in the program and its relationship to the applicant's graduate course of study and/or career objectives
- Resume or CV
The Graduate Certificate in TESOL is comprised of 5 courses for 15 credit hours and can be completed in less than 1 year. The courses are delivered in an online 8-week format. The following courses are required.
Graduate Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) - Online
The Graduate Certificate in TESOL is comprised of 5 courses for 15 total credit hours and can be completed in less than 1 year. The courses are delivered in an online 8-week format.
It is each student’s responsibility to determine the licensure requirements in their state and to apply for the licenses or endorsements necessary to their career goals. Our department staff and licensure officer can provide individual support during the application process to help applicants understand their state’s requirements.
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| C&T 820 | Methods of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) | 3 |
| C&T 821 | Assessment in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) | 3 |
| C&T 822 | Second Language Acquisition for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Educators (TESOL) | 3 |
| C&T 826 | Linguistic Analysis for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Educators (TESOL) | 3 |
| C&T 807 | Multicultural Education | 3 |
| Total Hours | 15 |
At least 50% of coursework in the certificate degree must be at the 700 level or above.
At the completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate in-depth knowledge, skills and an understanding of critical concepts and principals specifics to the field of study.
- Identities, Communities, and Inclusive Learning Contexts.
- Facilitate and participate in collaborative professional activities.
