Graduate Certificates in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

In addition to the M.A. in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, The MA in Bilingual Education and the Licensure Plus M.A.T. in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, Greensboro College offers seven unique graduate certificates designed to allow for specialization within the broader field of TESOL/BE. These programs lead to specialized certificates in working with multilingual and English learners, not to a degree, and are designed to prepare candidates to teach English to speakers of other languages in various professional contexts.

TESOL graduate with certificate

Each certificate is comprised of 4 thoughtfully curated courses from our broader curriculum, for a total of 12 graduate credits. Our MA students are invited to pursue a certificate in conjunction with their master’s, or the certificate can be earned as a stand-alone academic credential. All credits earned in the certificate programs can be applied to future studies in a graduate degree in TESOL.

Current students should apply for their certificate by completing the form found here.

Certificates are available in the following areas. Specific course requirements can be found by clicking here.

  • Graduate Certificate in the Pedagogy of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
  • Graduate Certificate in Teaching Adult Learners
  • Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education for Emerging Bilinguals
  • Graduate Certificate in Online ESOL Teaching and Technology
  • Graduate Certificate in Teaching English Abroad
  • Graduate Certificate in Applied Linguistics
  • Graduate Certificate in Bilingual Education

“I just finished my master’s and earned the certificate in teaching adult learners. I’m working with kids in an ESL classroom right now, but in a few years, I really want to find a job in a community college English program. The certificate coursework has given me confidence that I can change careers and still be an affective teacher.”

-Mark J.

Dr. Josh Fitzgerald, Greensboro College class of 2019

“I loved the GC Honors program and Greensboro College. I felt safe and a sense of genuine belonging at the college. I worked closely with my thesis advisor and professors who helped inspire me to define my path and passion of interest. That path has led me to complete my doctoral studies in Engineering Mechanics.”

- Dr. Josh Fitzgerald, Class of ’19, Mathematics Major

Dr. Josh Fitzgerald earned his master's from Virginia Tech University (studied astrodynamics) as well as earning an Engineering Mechanics Ph.D. He joined the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX as an Advanced Mission Design Engineer, optimizing trajectories for the Artemis II and III missions to return humans to the moon.