English as a Second Language (ESL) Graduate Certificate Program

This program is offered fully online.

This graduate level certificate program is designed to prepare educators to meet the unique needs of English language learners in K-12 schools. Graduates of this certificate program will be eligible for the Michigan Department of Education’s English as a Second Language endorsement upon completion of one additional course (TEL 6220). 

This program is designed to meet the needs of teachers who:

• Are interested in becoming ESL teachers (requires MDE ESL endorsement).
• Want to meet both the language and content needs of their English language learners.
• Want to teach in schools with a significant population of English language learners.
• Desire to become a district ESL coach or coordinator (requires MDE ESL endorsement).

Why ESL at Western Michigan University?

• Program completion leads to a Michigan ESL endorsement.
• Western Michigan University’s ESL certificate program prepares educators to become K-12 English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers.
• Provides a comprehensive program to meet the needs of culturally- and linguistically-diverse students in K-12 settings based on current theory and research.
• Prepares educators to collaborate and engage in dialogue with content area and general education colleagues to better serve the academic and linguistic needs of English language learners.
• Equips educators with knowledge of effective instructional methodologies to address English learners’ academic and linguistic needs.
• Develops educators who are able to analyze and modify instructional materials and assessments depending on students’ English proficiency.

Admission requirements

• Bachelor's degree, initial teacher certification and prior teaching experience.
• One page statement explaining applicant interest in this certificate/endorsement program.
• Meet university requirements for graduate level admission.

Program requirements

Students will complete a planned program of study consisting of 21 credits of coursework for the graduate certificate and a total of 24 credits for the Michigan Department of Education’s ESL endorsement. An overall program grade point average of 3.0 or better is required to continue in this certificate/endorsement program. The required courses for certificate/endorsement include:

^{*Required additional course for the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) endorsement.}

Choose an elective from one of the following courses:

• LS 5100 Differences in Literacy, Language and Learning
• LS 6300 Teaching Reading in a Diverse Society