Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Certificate

Students entering the University of San Diego and/or declaring a major during 2020-2021, should follow information contained in the printed course catalog (also known as the "catalog of record") published on April 1, 2020. Access the catalog of record at https://catalogs.sandiego.edu.

The Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) is comprised of 15 units of graduate level coursework designed to provide candidates with the knowledge, skills and dispositions needed to effectively teach English to English Language Learners.

Certificate candidates will acquire a working knowledge of linguistics, first and second language acquisition and the cultural and social contexts of learning listening, speaking and writing skills in English with speakers of other languages. TESOL certificate candidates will examine the latest theories, research and applications in TESOL and acquire the knowledge and cultural competencies to assume leadership roles in their areas of expertise. Two features that distinguish this certificate from other certificate programs are: one unit of practicum experience that candidates receive will be in various educational, public, private and community settings where English is taught and two units of a three-unit course will provide an international context and experience where candidates will learn about language, culture, education and traditions of a nation other than their own through international travel.

As a result of earning a TESOL certificate, graduates will have the expertise to be employed in various education settings as English as a Second Language (ESL) instructors in language institutes, in private and public international schools, businesses, nonprofit agencies and community agencies. A TOEFL score of 83 (Internet based) is required for admission of international students. National and international candidates seeking the TESOL certificate will need to meet the regular graduate admissions criteria for the corresponding master’s degree in TESOL, Literacy and Culture with the TESOL certificate option.