Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Graduate Certificate

Explore the world through language with a graduate online Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages certificate (TESOL). This affordable and convenient online certificate provides graduates with the ability to teach in various settings to a variety of international students. Students can earn a certificate without coming to campus.

Looking for more education-related degrees? Check out our other fully online options! Want more info about this degree? Our enrollment coaches are standing by to assist you. Click here for more info! This is your life, plus college!

The University of Southern Mississippi is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). For the complete accreditation statement and additional information, please visit www.usm.edu/university/accreditation.php.

Course Requirements

Course	Credits
Teaching Second Languages: Theory into Practice	3 hrs.
Applied Linguistics in Second and Foreign Languages	3 hrs.
Second Language Acquisition Theory and Practice	3 hrs.
Sociocultural and Sociolinguistic Perspectives in Language	3 hrs.
Practicum in Second or Foreign Language	3 hrs.

Additional Note

Please note that the above information is meant to be a guide and is not official. For further information regarding courses for this degree, see the University Bulletin. Please be aware that not all course choices listed in the University Bulletin are available online. However, sufficient online options are available to complete this degree.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this program eligible for financial aid?

No, currently the certificate programs are not eligible for financial aid.

Does this program lead to initial licensure or an upgraded license in Mississippi or any other state?

Licensure requirements and approval are determined by each state’s licensing board. For general information about professional licensure, please review the Online Programs & Professional Licensure Page. If you have professional licensing questions regarding licensure relative to one of our online programs, please read our Professional Licensure Disclosure and then fill out the Professional Licensure Inquiry Form. If you have other questions regarding licensure, please email professional licensure.

What are the costs?

As a student enrolled in a certificate program, you are not eligible for financial aid. To find pricing information, click here. For detailed tuition information, click here.

Do I need any special equipment or software?

Students can access the class through the internet from any computer with internet access. Most courses require use of word processing or spreadsheet software (Microsoft Office is preferred).

What if I still have questions?

If you still have questions, please visit our FAQ page, or take a moment to fill out our form at the bottom of the screen, and we will reach out to you!

Admission Requirements

The following is required from all graduate applicants:

In addition to meeting the Admission Requirements and Procedures, the master’s program applicant in the Teaching of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) emphasis must present the following items:

A current resumé.
A statement of purpose written in English (300-500 words) that explains your professional goals and why you want to pursue graduate study in language teaching. The statement can include particular interests, academic accomplishments, travel abroad, teaching experience, or other relevant preparation.
For international students whose native language is not English, official scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) are required. Successful applicants should have a score of 83 on the Internet-based test, with no section lower than 19. Information on the TOEFL is available at http://www.toefl.org. The school will also accept an IELTS score of a 6.5 with no sub-test score below a 6.
Three Letters of Recommendation.

Program Requirements and Academic Policies:

Students in the TESOL emphasis whose first language is English must meet a foreign language requirement by completing nine hours of undergraduate foreign language study or the equivalent, with an average of “B” or better.

The comprehensive examination consists of a successful defense of a portfolio.

For other requirements and expectations, see General Degree Requirements and General Academic Information.

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