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Teaching English as a Foreign Language /Teaching English as a Second Language Graduate Certificate Program

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Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Certificate

Teach English in global and multicultural settings with the Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Certificate at the University of South Alabama. Offered at the undergraduate and graduate levels, this certificate prepares students to support English learners in the United States and around the world. At South, learning is hands-on and globally focused. This certificate connects language, culture, and opportunity—preparing graduates to teach, lead, and serve in diverse communities.

Important note: This certificate does not lead to kindergarten through 12th grade teacher certification.

What You’ll Learn

  • Effective strategies for teaching English to non-native speakers
  • Language development and cultural awareness
  • Practical classroom and instructional skills
  • Experience working directly with English learners

Hands-On Experience

Students complete a supervised practicum or internship that provides real-world teaching experience alongside professionals in the field.

You may also have the opportunity to participate in Virtual International Reciprocal Service Learning, offering virtual international teaching experiences that strengthen your résumé and global perspective.

Flexible Learning

  • Combination of online and face-to-face courses
  • Designed to fit alongside academic and professional commitments

Career Opportunities

Graduates are prepared for in-demand roles in the United States and internationally, including:

  • English language instructor abroad
  • Online English teacher
  • Adult English language educator
  • Language program assistant or coordinator

Opportunities exist across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Latin America, Oceania, and in U.S.-based adult education programs.

For Undergraduate Students

  • Add the certificate to a foreign language degree with a limited number of additional courses
  • Students minoring in applied linguistics may complete the certificate with two additional courses
  • Practicum experiences may align with study abroad and other academic areas
     

Pathway to Graduate Study

  • Select coursework may apply toward the English Language Teaching graduate program in the College of Education and Professional Studies

Link to Graduate Certificate page: https://www.southalabama.edu/colleges/ceps/tefl-tesl-graduate.html

 

▼   TEFL/TESL Certificate Requirements

The TEFL/TESOL Certificate will have 5 courses, and a minimum of 17 credit hours:

  1. ELT 345 Cross-Cultural Understanding **
  2. ELT 330 Methods and Materials for ESOL
  3. LNG 300 Introduction to Applied Linguistics
  4. LNG 400 Applied Linguistics
  5. Practicum or Internship (LNG 496 or program coordinator approved alternative)
    and
    One course in modern languages

*Students who qualify for Graduate Study for Advanced Undergraduates may take up to 12 hours of the equivalent graduate level courses in fulfillment of requirements for this certificate.

**EDF 315 Education in a Diverse Society may be substituted with permission of the Program Director if ELT 345 is not offered.

Course substitutions can be made at the discretion of the Program Coordinator. The undergraduate certificate is housed in the USA College of Arts and Sciences.

Dr. Laureen Fregeau and Dr. Eleanor Ter Horst are program co-coordinators. Please contact Dr. Fregeau (lfregeau@southalabama.edu) for additional information or to request course substitutions