Undergraduate Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

A TESOL certificate is the most commonly recognized qualification around the world for those wishing to provide English as a Second Language (ESL) courses and other services to non-native speakers. TESOL certificate holders normally gain employment in traditional and/or specialized language schools, non-profit, university, and community organizations, language institutes, and in virtual settings. They also often earn positions as, Human Resources trainers, curriculum designers, social media content creators, and entrepreneurs. 

 

NOTE: All who are interested are welcome to enroll in this program. You do not have to be a World Languages major or minor or a full-time student currently enrolled at Southeastern to enroll. If you have a general interest in traveling the world and meeting new people from different cultures and linguistic backgrounds then this is the ideal credential for you! 

 

Course Requirements

The following courses are required to earn the certificate:

ENGL 312: Advanced Grammar. Credit 3 hours. Prerequisite: ENGL 102 or 102H. Study of structural and functional grammars, modern syntax, morphology, and usage. Special attention to the applications of grammatical knowledge to writing, teaching, and the study of literature. (Fall, Spring)

ENGL 414: Introduction to Linguistics. 414/524. Credit 3 hours. Prerequisite: ENGL 102 or 102H (prior completion of ENGL 312 recommended). Junior standing or permission of the Department Head. Survey of major elements and schools of modern linguistics. Special attention to the applications of linguistic knowledge to writing, the teaching of first and second languages, and the study of literature. (Summer, Spring)

COMM 210*: Communicating in the Classroom 210. Credit 3 hours. The course offers prospective teachers a study of basic communication skills and how they relate to the teaching and learning process. Students cannot receive credit for both COMM 210 and 211. This course competency-based clinical practice required. (Fall, Spring) 

COMM 410: Intercultural Communication 410/510. Credit 3 hours. Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission of Department Head. A course designed to explore the various studies, theories, problems, and opportunities related to cross-cultural communication. Application of findings intended to enhance the student’s knowledge of cross-cultural communication and to facilitate the student’s communication abilities. (Summer, Fall, Spring)

FLAN 401*: Foreign Language Methodology Credit 3 hours. Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission of the Department Head. This course examines second language acquisition theories and provides students with different methodologies for the instruction of foreign languages. Beginning with an overview of traditional and current foreign language teaching methods, the course focuses on current pedagogical trends. It presents a number of techniques designed to develop the students’ skills pursuant to language and learning theories, learning objectives, and the role of teachers and students. Competency-based clinical practice required. (Varies)

FLAN 404*: Experiential Learning, Development & Application 404. Credit 3 hours. Prerequisite: French, Spanish, Italian, German, or Latin 201 or permission of Department Head. This course focuses on second language skills applied to real-life situations. Emphasis will be placed on learning through experience or service in civic engagement projects such as translation and interpreter assistance for individuals, businesses, charity organizations, and health facilities in both university and community settings, teaching, tutoring, after-school partnerships with area schools, and studyabroad service-learning projects. Student participation and performance will be assessed through formal observation by faculty in both the classroom and the field and through evaluation of a final portfolio that will contain artifacts pertaining to the students’ work in the classroom and in the field as well as narrative reflections on progress made. Education candidates complete a competency-based clinical practice for this course. Course may be taken twice for a total of six credit hours. (Varies)

 

Online course options available!

To get started with the enrollment process:

  1. Complete this form if you would like to add the TESOL certificate to your degree program. If you are not currently enrolled at Southeastern as a student, click here to start the enrollment process. 
  2. Obtain the appropriate Department Head and Dean signatures 
    1. NOTE:: If you are already a major in the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences you will only need to obtain your Department Head's signature. 
  3. Bring it to the Department of World Langauges and Cultures (TEC 2020) for the remaining signatures

 

 If you have any questions please contact us at worldlanguages@southeastern.edu. We are always happy to help!