English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Graduate Certificate
The United States is growing more diverse, as is the international global marketplace. A graduate certificate in English to speakers of other languages (ESOL) benefits those interested in teaching English language and content to non-native speakers of English.
Visit the program website for more information.
Listen to Podcast
Program Overview
The program provides in service teachers and prospective teachers with theories, strategies, techniques, skills, learning, and teaching approaches that are needed to be effective in teaching and supporting English learners. The program is embedded with elements of social and emotional learning, covers a series of courses to foster participants' discussion on language and cultural issues, technology, and e-learning integration.
In addition to the ESOL certificate from GVSU, courses also prepare licensed educators for the K-12 ESL endorsement delivered by the Michigan Department of Education.
Why Study ESOL at Grand Valley?
- GVSU offers a high quality ESOL program with experienced ESOL instructors.
- The program has been tailored and customized to meet the unique needs of schools and school districts as well as English learners and families.
- The courses are designed to assist participants to meet their own classroom/interest needs.
- The program integrates technology, social, and emotional learning strategies into the key courses with field hours to foster such learning.
- Ideal for the busy professional, this certificate can be completed in accelerated online or hybrid format.
Location & Format
Classes are a combination of online and in-seat on the Robert C. Pew Grand Rapids Campus. Online option for those living outside the region.
Formats:Coursework
The certificate requires 24 credit hours and covers topics such as language development, linguistic features, assessment, Michigan EL guidelines, aspects of social and emotional learning, instruction, race, class, and research methodology. The program is offered in a hybrid or online format. Please visit gvsu.edu/catalog for course details and descriptions.
Career Options
With the certificate or endorsement delivered by the Michigan Department of Education you can teach:
- K-12 students (ESL and native speakers of English)
- Overseas
- Community based literacy programs
- English programs for colleges or universities
- Any setting where English is learned as an additional language
Application Deadline
The program accepts applications year-round. All accepted applicants will be placed in the desired starting semester or the next available one.
Admission Requirements
- The Education programs have rolling admissions deadlines to ensure maximum flexibility for our applicants
- Up to 9 credit hours can be transferred from other institutions (many institutions only allow up to 6 transfer credits)
- Enrollment begins in mid-March for the following academic year to give students additional time to plan
- GVSU allows you up to 8 years to complete your graduate program (more time than most other institutions)
- You must submit an official transcript from your baccalaureate degree granting institution
Visit the Education page for criteria and procedures.
Helpful Links
For More Information
Graduate Education ProgramsRui Niu-Cooper, Ph.D., ESL/ESOL Program
Director
[email protected]
(616) 331-6669
Nagnon Diarrassouba, Ed.D.
[email protected]
(616) 331-6285
Program Director
Rui Niu-Cooper, Ph.D., ESL/ESOL
Program Director
(616) 331-6669
ARE YOU A GVSU ALUM?
When you became a Laker, you opened up a lifetime of learning, and now alumni like you can use your Laker Lifetime Learning (L3) account for classes that provide greater knowledge and new skills. Your account is waiting for you to use for future classes at GVSU. All you have to do is click on the button below to find out more.
Find Out More About Your Laker Lifetime Learning Account (L3)