Special Study in TESOL
Certificate
About this program
The Certificate in Special Study in TESOL introduces you to teaching English to speakers of other languages in the U.S. or abroad. Designed for undergraduates, this program helps you build entry-level skills for classroom or tutoring roles. You’ll learn basic teaching methods, practice lesson design, and gain hands-on experience. This certificate does not lead to a K–12 credential but prepares you for work in adult and international settings.
Program Curriculum and Requirements
Program Scope
Designed to serve SF State undergraduates, this certificate is an introduction to the TESOL field with courses that provide foundational skills and knowledge in language acquisition and pedagogy needed for an entry level positions as an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher, tutor, or instructional aide in a variety of settings in the US and language teaching contexts around the world.
This certificate does not provide a California Teaching Credential, but it supplements other teaching preparation and could be applied to being an instructional aid in public schools or to teaching or tutoring adults in private schools and language institutes that do not require teaching credentials.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate knowledge and pedagogical skills for the teaching of English language or literacy.
- Articulate a philosophy of teaching and create appropriate English lessons for multilingual English language learners.
- Produce critical reflections on English teaching practices and materials, for how they embody educational values of ethics, social justice, diversity, and globalization.
Admission to the Certificate Program
If you currently ARE a matriculated undergraduate student with a minimum GPA of 2.8 at SF State, and you wish to apply for admission to the program, you do not need to apply to the University, but you must submit a certificate of admission application, statement of purpose explaining your interest in the certificate (1 page), and unofficial transcripts. Certificate application, statement of purpose and unofficial transcripts can be submitted to the Department of English office in HUM 484 or emailed to english@sfsu.edu.
Non-matriculated students may complete the certificate through Open University through the College of Professional & Global Education. Before starting the certificate courses, please submit to the Department of English office in HUM 484 or email the following documents to english@sfsu.edu.
- A statement explaining your interest in the Certificate (1 page)
- Unofficial copies of transcripts from each college or university last attended
The deadline to apply for fall semester has been extended to July 31; the deadline to apply for spring semester is December 1.
Please note: For matriculated undergraduate students, you cannot take more than one course for the certificate program through Open University or the College of Professional & Global Education. Also, certificate students who are not enrolled in a B.A. program are not eligible for financial aid.
Coordinator
Priya Abeywickrama
Phone: (415) 338-3095
Email: abeywick@sfsu.edu