Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages: Higher Education Preparation (GC)
Catalog Year 2026-2027
The graduate certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages: Higher Education Preparation prepares graduate students to teach English learners in a variety of U.S. and international contexts, including at college/university level. Educators needing 18 credits could either take an additional 9 credits from the set of unrestricted electives or, in consultation with an advisor, pursue a second 9-credit graduate certificate such as the Teaching Writing graduate certificate.
Program Requirements
Common Core
Restricted Electives
Methods - Choose 3 Credit(s).
Introduction to theory and best practices of teaching second language listening and speaking to a variety of English learners in multiple contexts.
Prerequisites:
none
Introduction to theory and best practices of teaching second language grammar and vocabulary to a variety of English learners in multiple contexts - specifically focusing on content based teaching practices.
Prerequisites:
none
Introduction to theory and best practices of teaching second language reading and writing to a variety of English learners in multiple contexts.
Prerequisites:
none
Unrestricted Electives
Choose 6 Credit(s).
Study of current theories and practices in TESOL in connection to students' placement in a university-level ESL classroom.
Prerequisites:
none
This course aims to develop students' understanding of the interdisciplinary field of second language (L2) writing and, more specifically, the unique characteristics and instructional needs of L2 writers across multiple contexts.
Prerequisites:
none
Exploration of second language literacy as a situated social practice. Current second language literacy theories and practices are studied and applied to a variety of second language reading and writing instructional contexts.
Prerequisites:
none
Examination of a special topic or topics in the field of TESOL/Applied Linguistics. Course may be repeated.
Prerequisites:
none
Survey of language tests and other forms of related assessment that measure various second language abilities.
Prerequisites:
none
Examination of the social factors and conventions that inform language choices, how sociolinguistic and pragmatic norms differ among social, cultural, and language groups, and how language learners acquire these norms.
Prerequisites:
none
Degree Plan
The Degree Plan is a model for completing your degree in a timely manner. Your individual degree plan may change based on a number of variables including transfer courses and the semester/year you start your major. Carefully work with your academic advisors to devise your own unique plan. * Please meet with your advisor on appropriate course selection to meet your educational and degree goals.
First Year
Fall - 9 Credits
Introduction to theory and best practices of teaching second language listening and speaking to a variety of English learners in multiple contexts.
Prerequisites:
none
Introduction to theories and classroom practices that have shaped second language teaching and learning. Topics of study focus on prominent second language learning/acquisition theories, individual and sociocultural factors in language learning, technology-based resources that enhance language learning, as well as practical issues and applications of theory in a wide range of instructional contexts.
Prerequisites:
none
Elective Course in Major *3 credits
Spring - 9 Credits
Introduction to theory and best practices of teaching second language grammar and vocabulary to a variety of English learners in multiple contexts - specifically focusing on content based teaching practices.
Prerequisites:
none
Introduction to theory and best practices of teaching second language reading and writing to a variety of English learners in multiple contexts.
Prerequisites:
none
Elective Course in Major *3 credits
Policies
This certificate should not be used to prepare for licensure preparation. Please enroll in the TESOL K12 ESL Licensure Prep GC for licensure preparation.
Language Requirements
Students whose first language is English must have a minimum of two consecutive years of high school foreign language study or one year of college-level foreign language study or an equivalent. This requirement may be met in residence, but courses taken to fulfill it will not count toward the certificate.
Students whose first language is not English must have a minimum TOEFL score of iBT 80, IELTS 6.5, or Duolingo of 110 to be admitted to the program.
Application Requirements
A personal statement, not to exceed two pages, describing the applicant's (1) relevant background information and (2) current teaching and research interests, as well as (3) how MNSU's graduate TESOL program will support their academic and professional goals.
Resume
For additional policies relevant to all Minnesota State University graduate programs, consult the College of Graduate Studies.
