Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, Certificate
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 other 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
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 before it is added to their record.
A student pursuing an undergraduate certificate must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at ASU. Undergraduate certificates are not awarded before the completion of an undergraduate degree. A student who already holds 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 graduates who are interested in careers in this increasingly important field. It also serves as excellent preparation for students who wish 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
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.
- englishadvising@asu.edu
- 480/965-3168