The graduate certificate in teaching English as a second language (TESL) focuses on the applied aspects of English linguistics. The program offers courses in phonetics, grammar, second language acquisition, teaching ESL, and a practicum.
It prepares students to teach non-native speakers of English in the United States or abroad. Certificate courses fulfill, in part, requirements for an endorsement in English as a second language to the Virginia state teaching credential. Students who want to earn this endorsement should consult with an advisor.
The program is self-contained, but students can earn the certificate simultaneously with any graduate degree program. Part of the course work toward the certificate might be applied toward the degrees with permission of the director of the degre program. The TESL certificate is fashioned to complement the master’s degree in English with a concentration in linguistics.
Degree Requirements (Catalog Year 2012-2013)
In addition to meeting the following requirements for this certificate, students must meet the university requirements for all graduate certificates.
- Six required courses (18 credits): LING 520, 521, 522, 523, 525, 582
Total: 18 credits
Requirements may be different for earlier catalog years. See the University Catalog archives.