Graduate Studies

Graduate Certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL)

 

Certificate Description

This certificate is designed to provide training in the knowledge and skills necessary to teach English as a second or foreign language.  It is applicable to licensure in teaching ESL in Minnesota for those who have also completed a teacher preparation program.  Completion of the certificate requires 20 credits, which includes 2 credits of an internship in TESL.  Licensure may require additional credits depending on student background and state in which licensure is sought.

Admission Requirements

  1. Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution.

For those students NOT admitted to a Graduate Program, submit the following:

  1. Completed Application for Admission to Graduate Study form indicating Graduate Special under "Program Admission Requested".
  2. Completed TESL Certificate Application form.
  3. Undergraduate and other transcripts sent directly from the institution to the Graduate Studies Office.
  4. Non-refundable $20.00 fee for first-time applicants to Minnesota State University Moorhead.
  5. GPA requirement for entrance is 2.75 on a 4.0 scale

Certificate Requirements (20 Credits)

TESL 551 English Structures (3)
LANG 557 Second Language Acquisition and Language Teaching (3)
TESL 670 Designing ESL Courses (3)
TESL 654 Pedagogical Grammar (3)
TESL 625 Social, Cultural, and Political Contexts of Language and Literacy (3)
TESL 675 Assessment in TESL (3)
ED 694V Internship (2)          

Licensure Requirements (optional)

  • ED 694V Internship (1-10) (additional internship credits may be necessary depending upon state where licensure is sought)

  • Foreign Language Study (1 year college level study or equivalent required for MN license)

  • Check with individual state boards for other requirements related to licensure in other states.

Electives (optional)

TESL 690 Special topics (1-4)

Request Additional Information

Certificate information:

Application information:

Linda Houts-Smith
Minnesota State University Moorhead
1104 7th Ave. S.
Moorhead, MN 56563
(218) 477-2020
e-mail: houtsli@mnstate.edu
Graduate Studies Office
Minnesota State University Moorhead
1104 7th Ave. S.
Moorhead, MN 56563
(218) 477-2344
e-mail:  graduate@mnstate.edu
Application for Admission to Graduate Study