Certificate in Adult English as a Second/Foreign Language

Program Overview

The certificate in adult English as a second/foreign language is designed for individuals who desire to teach, design, and coordinate English as a second/foreign language (ESL or EFL) education programs for adults in community colleges, study abroad programs, and profit and not-for-profit institutions offering adult ESL/EFL instruction. Objectives for the certificate include preparing instructors through:

  • Studying and discussing research related to contemporary adult ESL/EFL learning practices,
  • Exploring theoretical perspectives supporting innovative adult ESL/EFL methodologies and approaches to assessing/testing adult students' language learning,
  • Articulating the relationships and connections between assessment/testing of student performance and program evaluation,
  • Designing activities that support and enhance inclusive adult ESL/EFL learning environments that cultivate respect for different cultural and linguistic backgrounds,
  • Designing activities and materials to teach listening, speaking, reading, and writing to adult ESL/EFL students, keeping in mind integration of language skills, and
  • Making informed/appropriate decisions when choosing textbooks, teaching materials, and assessment/evaluation methods congruent with program and student needs.

Application Requirements

The items listed below are required for admission consideration for applicable semesters of entry during the current academic year. Submission instructions, additional details, and changes to admission requirements for semesters other than the current academic year can be found on The Graduate College's website. International students should review the International Admission Documents page for additional requirements.

  • completed online application
  • $20 nonrefundable application fee

         or

  • $60 nonrefundable application fee for applications with international credentials
  • baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university
  • official transcripts from each institution where course credit was granted
  • minimum 2.5 GPA in the last 60 hours of undergraduate course work 
  • minimum 3.0 GPA in all completed graduate course work (if applicable)
  • GRE not required
  • resume/CV
  • statement of purpose
  • two letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant's professional work, including at least one supervisor

TOEFL, PTE, or IELTS Scores

Non-native English speakers who do not qualify for an English proficiency waiver:

  • official TOEFL iBT scores required with a 78 overall and minimum individual module scores of 19
  • official PTE scores required with a 52
  • official IELTS (academic) scores required with a 6.5 overall and minimum individual module scores of 6.0

The student may qualify for English-based conditional admission if the minimum scores below are met:

  • official TOEFL iBT scores required with a 59 overall and minimum individual module scores of 14
  • official IELTS (academic) scores required with a 5.5 overall and
    • minimum individual module scores of 5.5

Course Requirements

Year 1
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHoursThird SemesterHours
ADED 53403ADED 53443ADED 53393
ADED 73423ADED 53383ADED 5384 or 53373
 6 6 6
Total Hours: 18