Academic Program

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Langauges, Adult International

Certificate

The Certificate in Adult/International TESL is designed for those who intend to teach English as a Second Language (ESL) or English as a Foreign Language (EFL) to adult learners, either domestically or abroad. The certificate is issued by the University of Cincinnati. Certificate graduates are qualified to work in international language schools or in community ESL programs for adults. Graduates who also hold advanced degrees (e.g., Masters of Arts, Masters of Science, Masters of Education) may be qualified to teach in community college ESL programs or domestic and international postsecondary language institutes.

Admission Requirements

  • Applicants to the Certificate in Adult/International TESL must possess a Baccalaureate (i.e., university) degree from an accredited college or university. The Baccalaureate degree can be in any relevant major area. It does not need to be in the area of education.
  • Applicants must possess a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.8 at the undergraduate level leading to the Baccalaureate degree. International applicants whose transcripts show a different grading scale must present the US equivalent.
  • Two current letters of recommendation addressing the applicant's academic or professional background and/or potential for success in the Certificate Program. Letters written within the 3 year-period preceding admission are acceptable.
  • Official transcripts must be presented (or UC "on campus" transcripts can be requested if the degree is from UC) of all the undergraduate and graduate course work completed, including degrees granted and dates of degrees. International applicants need to present a translated English certified copy of transcripts. Consult with the International Student Services Office at UC at 556-2879 or http://www.isso.uc.edu for a list of certified translators in the Cincinnati area. Overseas applicants may consult the American embassies in their areas.

Applications are reviewed every quarter; students may begin coursework in January, March, June or September.

Applicants must submit the following:

  • University of Cincinnati Graduate Certificate application with a check for the application fee of $15 made out to the University of Cincinnati
  • Graduate Supplemental Form
  • 2 letters of recommendation
  • Transcripts
  • TOEFL scores (if required; see guidelines above)
  • A brief statement of purpose that outlines your past/current teaching experience and career goals

International Admission Requirements

International students whose native language is not English are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and to have a minimum score of 550 (paper version) or 213 (computer version) across areas or 79-80 (internetbased test); a minimum score on the Test of Written English (TWE) of 4.5. Applicants who fall into one or more of the following categories are exempt from the TOEFL requirement:

  • nonnative English speakers who hold degrees or diplomas from postsecondary institutions in English-speaking countries (e.g., the United States, Canada, England, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand);
  • nonnative English speakers who earned at least a 6.5 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam or at least a B on the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) exam;
  • nonnative English speakers who have successfully completed at least a two-year course of study in which English was the language of instruction;
  • nonnative English speakers who have taken the TOEFL test within the past two years and obtained and can submit satisfactory scores.

Requests for a TOEFL waiver should be sent to the Senior Assistant University Dean of the Graduate School with appropriate documentation. See http://www.grad.uc.edu/ for details.

Financial Aid

There are some partial graduate tuition scholarships (University Graduate Scholarships) available every year. These are available on the basis of previous academic record. It is important to apply each academic year to obtain this scholarship. Summer quarter requires a separate application. Applications are available from the School of Education office (615 Teachers College at UC Clifton Campus) or by calling the office at 513-556-3600.

Curriculum


NB 1.: Students are strongly encouraged to consult their advisors for their credit hour and practicum location choice. Students who have three or more years of teaching ESL/EFL experience may take 3 practicum hours. Students who have less than three years of ESL/EFL teaching experience must take a minimum of 6 practicum hours. Students who have no teaching experience or wish to add teaching experience in another context may take up to 15 practicum hours. However, the additional practicum must be in addition to other required courses, not in lieu of them.

NB 2.: Please note that the international part of the practicum is optional and voluntary. That is, the Literacy/TESL program provides opportunities for students who wish to have international practicum experience, but does not make it a requirement. Students who wish to have this experience may do so in close consultation with their advisors and the program.

Degree Requirements

The Certificate Program is comprised of a minimum of 24 quarter credit hours. Additional elective or practicum credits are permitted but not required. 9 credit hours are transferable to the M.Ed. Program in Literacy/TESL (Adult/International Strand). Students who are admitted to the M.Ed. Program after completing more than nine credit hours in the Certificate Program may not be able to apply those additional credits toward the M.Ed. For information on admission to the M.Ed. Program in Literacy/TESL, please refer to the information guide for that program. Please note that the Certificate in Adult/International TESL does not qualify graduates to teach in Preschool to Grade 12 (P-12) schools in the US. For information about Literacy/TESL programs that prepare individuals to teach in elementary, middle, and secondary schools, please refer to the information guide for the Ohio TESOL Endorsement On-line.