GC: ESL - English as a Second Language, Pa.

About

 This graduate certificate is awarded through the graduate teacher education program as internal recognition for having obtained a specilaized area of coursework in English as a second language in education. Practitioners may complete 16 semester hours of course work for the certificate only, or as part of their master's in education degree. Candidates who complete this graduate certificate are eligible to apply to add the Pennsylvania Department of Education English as a Second Language (PK-12) certification to their current teaching license.*

Certificate Requirements

To qualify for the graduate certificate in ESL, candidates must complete sixteen required semester hours (SH). 

Required (16 SH)


  • EDSL 551 Methods of Teaching ESL/FL (3)
  • EDSL 541 Foundations of English as a Second Language (3)
  • EDSL 571 Language Acquisition & Grammar (3)
  • EDSL 581 Language and Culture (3)
  • EDSL 591 ESL Assessment & Support (3)
  • EDSL 611 Professional Development Portfolio (1)


*Note:  PDE also requires all instructional and educational specialist preparation programs to include the following by January 1, 2011: 1. At least 9 credits or 270 hours regarding accommodations and adaptations for students with disabilities in an inclusive setting (instruction in literacy skills development and cognitive skill development for students with disabilities must be included); and 2. At least 3 credits or 90 hours regarding the instructional needs of English language learners.  This requirement can be satisfied by coursework taken outside of the Certificate program, including prior coursework.  These course requirements are not listed in the Certificate program, but are listed as exit requirements for those wishing to pursue PDE Reading Specialist Certification.