2018-2019

Teaching English as a Second Language, Graduate Certificate

Department of English

College of Arts and Letters

We designed this program for teachers who wish to teach English language skills to adults in the U.S. and abroad.

    • Graduate certificate programs require a minimum of 12 credit hours. Many graduate certificate programs require more than 12 credit hours.
    • No more than one 400-level NAU course (3 - 4 units) may be used on a graduate certificate program.
    • No more than twenty-five percent of the units required for the certificate program may be transferred from another university.
    • A 400-level course (undergraduate course) completed at another university is not eligible for transfer credit.
    • A minimum grade point average of 3.0 must be achieved to obtain a graduate certificate. No more than three units of coursework with a Grade of "C" may be used in a certificate program.
    • A graduate student may pursue a graduate certificate concurrently with a graduate degree. Each graduate degree program must decide which, if any, certificate courses can be counted toward the graduate degree.
    • Students who are admitted to a graduate certificate program will be eligible for the official posting of the graduate certificate to their transcripts when all applicable coursework has been successfully completed and approved by the academic unit and the Graduate College.
  • Please be aware that federal financial aid is not available for some certificates, if the certificate is pursued and completed as a stand-alone certificate (i.e., not completed concurrently with a degree program).  See the “Details” tab for additional information.

In addition to University Requirements:

  • Complete individual plan requirements.

Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.

Minimum Units for Completion 18
Additional Admission Requirements Required

Purpose Statement

The TESL certificate provides foundational coursework on the nature of the English language and practical second-language teaching skills—including lesson-plan design, instructional-materials development, and assessment of language-skill learning. The certificate targets the needs of pre- and in-service teachers who work in a range of instructional settings with ESL or EFL students, and those working toward an Arizona ESL Endorsement. The TESL certificate prepares students for (a) careers that serve diverse student populations in need of second-language education and (b) further graduate study in applied linguistics and related fields.

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Knowledge of the social and regional diversity and history of the English language, the structure and uses of the English language
  • Ability to apply the knowledge described above to issues of English language teaching and learning
  • Ability to address issues of language learning in real world settings
  • Understanding of second language learning processes in their diverse cultural contexts
  • Understanding of the many issues relating to cross-cultural communication

Additional Admission Requirements

  • Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.

  • The NAU graduate online application is required for all programs. Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Graduate College.

    Admission requirements include the following:

    • Transcripts.
    • Undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale ("A" = 4.0), or the equivalent.


    Visit the NAU Graduate Admissions website for additional information about graduate school application deadlines, eligibility for study, and admissions policies.

    Ready to apply? Begin your application now.

    International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy.

    • Personal Statement or Essay
Certificate Requirements

  • This certificate may be pursued and completed concurrently with a degree program or as a stand-alone certificate. Federal financial aid cannot be used if the certificate is completed as a stand-alone certificate.

  • Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.