Graduate Certificate in English as a Second Language at Temple University

Temple University

United States of America, Philadelphia

University Rank:#721

The English as a Second Language at Temple University is a Graduate Certificate program designed for students who want to build the knowledge and skills required for careers in this field. Delivered on campus at the university's main campus in Philadelphia, United States of America, the program is taught in English and takes 1 year to complete. Students study in a Full Time environment while preparing for future professional opportunities. The next intake starts on August 28, 2027.

About Graduate Certificate in English as a Second Language

The English as a Second Language Graduate Certificate will prepare you to effectively work with English language learners as classrooms across Pennsylvania and the region become increasingly diverse. Upon successful completion, you will be eligible to earn the Pennsylvania Department of Education's Program Specialist: ESL Certificate.

Through this program, you will develop a foundation in English usage, linguistic awareness and second language acquisition. Coursework will train you to adapt and develop instructional materials for English language learners, as well as administer and interpret a variety of formative and summative assessments. You'll become knowledgeable about support services for English language learners while developing cultural awareness and sensitivity.

Courses are taught by Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) professors with K through grade 12 teaching experience to ensure that you will be guided by experts in the field and receive a high-quality education. Each course includes fieldwork, so students have frequent opportunities to employ their new concepts and skills by teaching English language learners. In addition, graduate students can apply these course credits to Temple University's MSEd in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).

The ESL certificate can be added to any valid Pennsylvania Instructional I or II teaching certificate. However, to obtain a position as an ESL teacher in a public school, you must be certified in early childhood education, middle grades English or secondary English. If you are certified in other middle grades or secondary content areas, you should take the Praxis II for English to add this credential.

Delivery Method

Students may begin this 12-credit certificate program during the fall, spring, or summer sessions in one academic year (September–May), over one, 12-week summer session and the fall term (May–December), or over the spring term and one, 12-week summer session (January–August). It is not recommended that students take all four courses during one, 12-week summer session. To accommodate practicing teachers and professionals, classes for in-person sections of the courses are held once a week in the evening.

Courses are offered in an asynchronous, online format. This program can be completed on a part time basis and must be finished in four years. Each course has a mandatory fieldwork component. Students can complete their fieldwork requirements in their own schools or they can receive field placement assistance from the College of Education and Human Development's Office of Field Placement and Professional Experiences.

Requirements and Admission Criteria for Graduate Certificate in English as a Second Language at Temple University

Entry Requirements

University degree requiring four years of study.

Request one certified copy of official transcripts from every college and university you have attended, even if only one course was taken. International degrees must be assessed for equivalency with a U.S. degree based on the characteristics of the national educational system, the type of institution attended and the level of studies completed. A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is ordinarily required for admissions consideration. If unofficial transcripts are submitted during the application process, submission of official academic records will be required by the end of your first term of graduate study if you are admitted and subsequently enroll at Temple University.

English Requirements

PTEMin 53
IELTSMin 6.5
TOEFLMin 79

Tuition and Fee Information for Graduate Certificate in English as a Second Language at Temple University

Application Fee 60

How to Apply for Graduate Certificate in English as a Second Language at Temple University

There are important details to keep in mind as you complete and submit your application to Temple University.

1. Apply using one of two methods.

Choose one of the following two methods to apply.

1. Online Application

Submit an online application and pay the nonrefundable $60 application fee online using either a credit card or a bank account drawn on U.S. funds.

2. Paper Application

Download the PDF application and save it to your device. (Adobe Acrobat is required for access.) You can write on the form, save the final version, and then print for mailing. If you have questions while completing the paper form, refer to the application instructions. Before mailing, enclose a check or money order made payable to Temple University, in the amount of $75, drawn on a U.S. bank. The application fee cannot be refunded.

2. Ensure you use the same name on your application and standardized tests.

Use the exact same name on your application that you used when registering for your standardized tests. Slight differences in your name can cause your application to go unmatched with your reported test scores and delay the processing of your application.

3. Submit all supporting credentials.

Submit the documentation you have been gathering for your application. You can find the correct mailing address or alternate electronic submission information on the degree program’s "Contacts" page in the Graduate Bulletin. All application materials, including portfolios and exhibits, become the property of Temple University and will not be copied, forwarded to another institution or returned.

4. Contact the department with any questions.

If you have any questions about your application, contact the program or department directly. Admissions decisions are made by the department based on your complete application profile, which includes grades, test scores, recommendations, statement of goals, research interests, past employment, portfolio and more.

5. Check the status of your application.

Remember that your application is reviewed only after it is complete. You can check the status of your application and materials by returning to the application system through which you applied.

Graduate Certificate in English as a Second Language at Temple University

Temple University

United States of America, Philadelphia