This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels.
What can I do with a certificate in TESOL?
This certificate can help you find an entry level position teaching English in a language institute or an adult education program in the United States or abroad. For more information, see our Jobs link on our website.
How do I get admitted to the TESOL Certificate program?
Fill out the online application and submit to the ESL office. Apply as early as possible so you will have time to complete the requirements.
Download the Undergraduate Application.
Graduate students must utilize the Graduate Student Portal in MyUW to add, change, or discontinue any doctoral minor or graduate/professional certificate. To apply to this minor or certificate, log in to MyUW, click on Graduate Student Portal, and then click on Add/Change Programs. Select the information for the doctoral minor or graduate/professional certificate for which you are applying.
Academic requirements for the program are as follows:
For Undergraduates: Enrollment in any one of the required certificate courses and a degree program at UW-Madison.
For Graduate Students: Enrollment in any one of the required certificate courses along with enrollment in a graduate degree program at UW-Madison.
Native English speakers must show completion of four college-level semesters of one language (prior to or completed concurrently with certificate coursework).
Nonnative English speakers are required to show English language proficiency in the following ways:
- A minimum score of 50 on TSE or SPEAK or an iBy score of 26 on the speaking section of the TOEFL
- A minimum score of 100 on the iBT or 600 on the paper-based version of the TOEFL or 7 on the IELTS can be substituted for the TOEFL.
What courses must I take to complete the certificate?
For Undergraduate and Special students:
Undergraduate students must complete 15 credits of coursework. The coursework is as follows:
Foundation courses:
- Eng 314 Structure of English
- Eng 415 Introduction to TESOL Methods (must precede English 515 and 613-618)
Second Language Acquisition and Teaching courses:
- Eng 318 Second Language Acquisition
- Eng 515 Techniques and Materials for TESOL
- Eng 613-618 TESOL Workshops (students must take 3 credits of TESOL Workshops. Each Spring, three of the six one-credit courses are offered as a set in alternate years. Each workshop is 5 weeks long.)
For Graduate Students:
Completion of 12 credits of prerequisite courses and nine credits of graduate level courses as follows:
Prerequisite Courses
Foundation Courses:
- Eng 314 Structure of English
- Eng 315 English Phonology
- Eng 318 Second Language Acquisition
Social Perspectives on English elective courses (one elective is required):
- Eng 316 English Language Variation in the US (not currently offered)
- Eng 319 Language, Race and Identity
- Eng 414 Global Spread of English
- Eng 416 English in Society
- Eng 419 Gender and Language (not currently offered)
Required Graduate Level Courses
TESOL Foundation Course:
- Eng 415 Introduction to TESOL Methods (must precede Eng 515 and 613-618)
Courses on Second Language and Teaching:
- Eng 515 Techniques and Materials for TESOL
- Eng 613-618 TESOL Workshops (students must take 3 credits of TESOL Workshops. Each Spring, three of the six one-credit courses are offered as a set in alternate years. Each workshop is 5 weeks long.)
How long does it take to complete the certificate?
It normally takes 2 or 3 semesters to complete the program.
Can I complete the certificate in one year?
If you plan carefully and fit all the courses into your schedule, it is possible. Courses are listed to satisfy the requirements of both graduate and undergraduate certificates. Please note that some courses are given only in the fall or only in the spring. A possible schedule for an undergraduate student starting in fall is:
Fall Semester:
- English 314
- English 415 (This course must precede 515 and 613-618)
- English 318
Spring Semester:
- English 515
- English 613-618 (Offered Spring only)
- Elective course 416, 316
A possible schedule for a graduate student starting in fall is:
Fall Semester:
- English 314
- English 318
- English 315 (Offered Fall only)
- English 415 (This course must precede 515 and 613-618)
- Elective course 416, 316
Spring Semester:
- English 515
- English 613-618 (Offered Spring only)
- Elective course 414, 416, 319
How many hours of instruction will I get in the TESOL Certificate program?
Undergraduate students will have 225 hours of instruction upon completion of the certificate. Graduate students will have 315 hours of instruction. Other TESOL Certification programs typically require only 100-120 hours of instruction, this ensures students are well-equipped and competitive in their job search.
In addition, students will have over 20 hours of a student teaching assignment required as a part of the English 515 practicum.
What kind of practical training and classroom experience will I get in the TESOL Certificate program?
Students will gain useful practical teaching experience during the following courses:
English 415 Intro to TESOL Methods: Tutoring
English 515 Techniques and Materials for TESOL: Teaching Practicum
English 613-618 TESOL Workshops: Practical training for teaching language skills such as reading, writing, grammar, pronunciation and oral skills.
Which classes from my TESOL Certificate would apply if I chose to continue for a MA later?
The MA in Applied English Linguistics will allow you to transfer up to six credits from the TESOL program.
When and how do I get my certificate?
Students must notify the TESOL Certificate Coordinator by sending an email to asktesol@english.wisc.edu prior to the end of the semester in which they expect to complete their certificate requirements. Once degrees are verified and certificate requests are processed and posted by the registrar, students can pick up their certificates or request they be mailed. Your certificate completion will be posted on your official transcript.