The TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certificate prepares students to teach English language learners (ELs) from children through adults. The four-class certificate is open to all undergraduate students, and credits earned may be applied to any undergraduate degree program.
The TESOL Certificate program is open to matriculated (degree-seeking) Plymouth State University students and to continuing education students. The Certificate does not provide New Hampshire K-12 ESOL certification.
Continuing education students submit an application, including an essay and a $25 application fee, to the Admissions Office. An official secondary school transcript with date of graduation or a satisfactory secondary school equivalency certificate (GED) is also submitted to the Admissions Office. Official transcripts of all post-secondary work attempted are required. A maximum of two courses could be transferred in to fulfill Certificate requirements. Applications are processed by the Admission Office and the Department Chair or designee. Transfer credits are processed by the Admissions Office.
Certificate courses are offered in a sequence beginning with Language Acquisition (LIDI 2955), which must be taken first. Anyone earning the Certificate could apply the credits earned in the Certificate toward a degree at Plymouth State University. The Department Chair or designee provides advising.
A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00 in the Certificate is required. Completion of all requirements is determined by the Degree Auditor. Transcripts stating completion of the Certificate are issued by the Registrar’s Office.
Completing the TESOL Certificate does not equal completion of State certification/endorsement in TESOL K-12.
Students in these Certificate programs may be eligible for federal financial aid. Students should contact the Financial Aid Team for more information. Please visit: Student Financial Services.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate Requirements | ||
| LIDI 2955 | Language Acquisition (SIDI) | 4 |
| TE 3305 | Foundations of Multilingual Multicultural Studies (DICO) | 4 |
| TE 4100 | TESOL Methods and Practice 1 | 4 |
| TE 4825 | Language Assessment | 4 |
| Total Credits | 16 | |
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TESOL Methods and Practice (TE 4100) requires a 30-hour field experience.
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Why study TESOL?
There is a growing need for teachers and para-educators trained in working with students who don’t speak English. The TESOL Certificate trains prospective teachers to meet this growing demand for ELL teaching positions in the United States and overseas. All classes are taught by professors who are trained, licensed and experienced English language teachers themselves.
