The Graduate Certificate in TESOL is a 15-credit program open to individuals from any academic discipline interested in teaching English as an additional language (EAL). This program provides a sound theoretical foundation combined with the practical classroom experience necessary to pursue teaching opportunities in the United States or abroad.

Graduate Certificate students are an integral part of the AU TESOL community. They take their courses alongside MA TESOL students, participate in social and networking events, and complete some of the same practicum experiences. All certificate courses can be applied towards the MA TESOL degree, should certificate students choose to continue their studies.

The Graduate Certificate can be completed in as little as two semesters, with a fall or spring semester start. Most courses are offered in the evening. Certificate students will complete three required courses and two elective courses. 

Required courses:

• TESL 600: Principles of Linguistics
• Learn how all human languages are structured, and delve into how language is used in a variety of contexts for many communicative purposes. 
• TESL 601: English Language Teaching 1
• Begin exploring the TESOL profession through learner needs assessment, teaching methods, and materials for helping English learners develop communicative ability in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. 
• TESL 602: English Language Teaching 2
• Create content-based lesson plans that emphasize communicative ability in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. 

Sample elective courses: 

• TESL 624: Reading and Writing in the ESL/EFL Classroom: Build a range of skills in teaching reading and writing to English learners, from working with basic literacy to advanced academic literacy 
• TESL 627: Intercultural Approaches in TESOL: Develop intercultural communicative competence and discover how to integrate culture and language in English instruction. 
• TESL 641: Teaching Grammar: Create engaging, genre- and content-based English lessons that incorporate contextualized grammar instruction. 
• TESL 645: Curriculum and Materials Development
  Gain professional skills in designing instructional materials for target learner populations while also exploring the entrepreneurial side of freelance design. 

Practicum experiences include ongoing tutoring or teaching and classroom observations through our community partnerships, plus networking opportunities. 

Please see below for complete, official requirements.