Program Description
The teaching English to speakers of other languages certificate program consists of key courses that provide students with the practical skills and confidence necessary to teach English as a second or foreign language anywhere in the world. This certificate can be added to any degree program and includes a supervised internship to gain valuable hands-on experience before graduation.
This certificate does not certify students to teach in Arizona public schools (K-12).
Program Requirements
The certificate program in teaching English as a second language requires 18 credit hours, of which 12 must be completed at the upper-division level. At least six credit hours must be completed from courses offered by The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Each course must be completed with a grade of "C" (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) or higher.
Core -- 6 credit hours
Theory/Methods -- 6 credit hours
Notes: ENG 404 is repeatable for credit and must be completed twice.
Linguistics Electives -- 6 credit hours
Choose one course from each group below.
Group 1:
Group 2:
Course substitutions may be used with approval of an academic advisor in the Department of English before enrollment.
Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this certificate.
Enrollment Requirements
Requests to declare this certificate are reviewed by the academic advisor in the academic unit offering the certificate. Students may be contacted to discuss the certificate prior to the addition of the certificate to the student record.
A student pursuing an undergraduate certificate must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at ASU. Undergraduate certificates are not awarded prior to the award of an undergraduate degree. A student already holding an undergraduate degree may pursue an undergraduate certificate as a nondegree-seeking graduate student.
Learning Outcomes
- Language learning and use expertise (L2-specific knowledge): Graduates of the undergraduate certificate program in TESOL will be able to recall and explain theories, research and key concepts in first and second language use and learning.
- Language expertise (linguistic knowledge): Graduates of the undergraduate certificate program in TESOL will be able to recall and explain structural and functional features of human language.
- Teaching expertise (pedagogical knowledge): Graduates of the undergraduate certificate program in TESOL will be able to recall and explain key concepts, theories and methods in second language (L2) teaching and will be able to develop teaching and learning materials.
- Real world expertise (context-specific knowledge and application): Graduates of the undergraduate certificate program in TESOL will be able to apply theories and key concepts in (a) language studies, (b) L2 use and learning, and (c) L2 teaching to real-world contexts (e.g., language teaching, materials development, or related professional practices).
Career Outlook
The TESOL certificate is useful for students interested in careers in this increasingly important field. It also serves as excellent preparation for students wishing to pursue graduate studies in the Master of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages program at ASU or in a similar program at another institution.
Students who combine this TESOL certificate with their major program of study may become more marketable to employers.
Students who complete this undergraduate certificate often decide to pursue employment in teaching abroad. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions.
Example Careers
Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions.
Education Teachers, Postsecondary
- Growth: 3.7%
- Median Salary*: 66930
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education
- Growth: 0.7%
- Median Salary*: 61690
English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary
- Growth: 1.2%
- Median Salary*: 74280
Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education and English as a Second Language Instructors
- Growth: -12.6%
- Median Salary*: 58590
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
- Growth: 1%
- Median Salary*: 62360
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
- Growth: 0.8%
- Median Salary*: 61810
Speech-Language Pathologists
- Growth: 19.3%
- Median Salary*: 84140
Interpreters and Translators
- Growth: 4.3%
- Median Salary*: 53640
Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary
- Growth: 1.4%
- Median Salary*: 76030
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
Program Contact Information
If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly.
For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.
Concurrent degree programs are specially designed academic programs which provide high-achieving undergraduate students the opportunity to complete two distinct but complementary bachelor degrees at the same time. Students must meet minimum admissions standards for both programs and be accepted individually by both colleges offering the concurrent program.
Students pursuing concurrent degrees earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. ASU offers students two ways to earn concurrent degrees: by choosing a predetermined combination or creating their own combination. Predetermined combinations have a single admissions application and one easy to follow major map. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor. Either way, concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
ASU students may accelerate their studies by earning a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in as little as five years (for some programs) or by earning a bachelor’s degree in 2.5 or 3 years.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master’s degree. These programs, featuring the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty, allow students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years.
Accelerated bachelor’s degree programs allow students to choose either a 2.5- or a 3-year path while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students can opt to fast-track their studies after acceptance into a participating program by connecting with their academic advisor.
This is only the first required math course. This program may contain additional math courses; See Major Map for details.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the General level: MAT 142
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Moderate level: MAT 117, MAT 119, MAT 170, MAT 210, SOS 101, CPI 200
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Substantial level: MAT 251, MAT 265. MAT 266, MAT 267, MAT 270, MAT 271, MAT 272, MAT 274, MAT 275
To add a minor, please consult with the academic advisor for your major.
To add a certificate, please consult with the academic advisor for your major.
A rolling deadline means that applications will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis until the semester begins. International students should be mindful of visa deadlines to ensure there is time to produce necessary visa documents. Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit application materials as soon as possible for consideration.
A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Graduate Admissions by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Graduate Admissions.
