Graduate Academic Certificate in
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
The deadline for Spring admission is October 15th. The deadline for Fall admission is June 15th.
Click here for a checklist to help with the application process
Even if you're pursuing a major in another department, you will benefit from earning our TESOL certificate (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages).
Education, foreign language, anthropology, and speech and hearing majors find the certificate particularly helpful as it equips them with a skill set that expands their educational and employment options and further distinguishes them from the competition. Professional and technical communication majors should also consider earning a TESOL certificate (the coursework counts toward the degree's required cognate) as it deepens their understanding of writing and editing and enhances their ability to work with global audiences.
Click here for information about gainful employment data!
Why study TESOL?
English is a global language and ranks as one of the most desirable languages to learn. Because of this, trained professionals in the field of Teaching English as a Second Language are currently in high demand and will continue to be so in the future.
A student with a Graduate Academic Certificate in TESOL has many options professionally: teaching English overseas or in the U.S. as a professional, designing curriculum and ESL programs, and working in government agencies. Our TESOL certificate also prepares international students to return to their own country and teach English.
Is it really worth the extra course work?
Absolutely! In a competitive job market
you should take every opportunity to expand your knowledge and broaden your skill set. The TESOL Certificate will appear on your official university transcript, so you can provide your employer proof of completion.
Course Requirements
The course requirements for the Graduate Academic Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) through the Linguistics Program in the College of Information are as follows:
Required Courses:
*LING 5040 - Principles in Linguistics - Needed prerequisite if your degree does not have a background in Linguistics
LING 5080 - Teaching English as a Second Language
LING 5090 - Pedagogical English Grammar
LING 5060 - Second Language Acquisition
LING 5340 - Practicum in Teaching English as a Second Language
If you are not a current UNT student, you will need to apply to the Toulouse Graduate School. More information can be found here: Apply Now | University of North Texas | University of North Texas (unt.edu). If you are a current UNT student, you will need to fill out a concurrent application to pursue the GAC at the same time as your degree. Details about the form can be found at the link listed above, with the form itself available through this link: https://tgs.unt.edu/webform/application-concurrent-graduate-academic-certificate-programs.
If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact an advisor at ci-advising@unt.edu.
Information on federal requirements for disclosure can be reviewed here.
Academic Certificate Completion Form and Request to Receive Your Certificate
Once you complete your course work, please submit the Request for Graduate Academic Certificate of Completion form to receive your certificate.