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Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, Certificate


At a Glance: program details

  • Location:
  • Additional Program Fee: No
  • Second Language Requirement: No
Do you have an interest in languages and people? Are you interested in making an impact locally and globally? Gain valuable teaching experience and prepare for a variety of jobs that give you opportunities to see the world.

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
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
  Bright Outlook

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

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