English as a Second Language Certificate of Graduate Study

Our online English as a Second Language (ESL) Certificate of Graduate Study program is designed for those who are interested in working with speakers of other languages. There is a critical need for highly qualified teachers who are trained to work with the growing numbers of English learners in K–12, college, and adult settings, both in the US and abroad. This program facilitates understanding of the unique needs and challenges of the English Language Learner Students will learn how to develop lesson and unit plans that integrate language and content for ELL students of various levels of English proficiency.

Planning for the Future

Upon successful completion of the ESL Certificate of Graduate Study program, students become eligible for state certification, which allows them to teach English as a Second Language in K-12 schools. Due to the accelerated timeline, students can complete state certification in nearly half the traditional time. By taking one additional course and fulfilling additional testing requirements, ESL COGS students may be eligible for the Bilingual/Bicultural Endorsement. Credits earned may also be applied towards the Master of Education program.

Information for New Jersey Teachers:

Teachers in the state of New Jersey may apply to the ESL program through the New Jersey Teacher Outreach Program (NJTOP®).

The New Jersey Department of Education (N.J. D.O.E.), not Rowan University, grants certifications based on requirements set by the state. While coursework for this program meets the academic requirements for N.J. D.O.E. certification, it is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all other certification requirements are met, including, but not limited to, appropriate type and level of license and years of experience. N.J. D.O.E. certification requirements are subject to change. Certification applications are evaluated, by N.J. D.O.E., based on the most current state requirements. For current N.J. D.O.E. licensure information, visit here.

Our English as a Second Language (ESL) Certificate of Graduate Study program requires the completion of 15 graduate credits (five courses).

An Inside Look at Coursework

Below, you will find a list includes a sampling of titles of coursework for the English as a Second Language (ESL) Certificate of Graduate Study program. For an official list of available courses, please visit the Rowan University Academic Catalog.  

• Issues of Language and Cultural Diversity in ESL/Bilingual Partnerships
• Linguistics and Second Language Acquisition for Teaching Languages
• Understanding Immigrant-Origin Students: Language, Culture and Mobility
• Planning, Teaching and Assessment in ESL Classrooms
• Integrating Language and Content in the ESL/Bilingual Education Classroom

Note: The course topics shown above are not official and are subject to change. For an official list of available courses please visit the Rowan University Academic Catalog.

The following is a list of items required to begin the application process for the program. There may be additional actions or materials required for admission to the program. Upon receipt of the materials below, a representative from the Rowan University Office of Admissions will contact you with confirmation or will indicate any missing items.

• Submit an application
• $65 (U.S.) non-refundable application fee
• Bachelor's degree (or its equivalent) from an accredited institution of higher learning
• Official transcripts from all colleges attended (regardless of number of credits earned)
• Current professional resume
• Two letters of recommendation
  • Letters of recommendation should be from professional administrators and include information, which attests to applicant's ability to pursue a graduate degree.
    • One letter from an individual familiar with your academic work
    • One should be from someone who can speak to your potential for teaching ESL
• Copy of NJ teaching certificate (Standard or CEAS only)
• Certificate Program Acknowledgement
• Essay
  • Topic: Professional statement that should be between 1–2 single-spaced pages and answer the following questions– Why do you want to teach English as a Second Language? How do you plan to impact English Language Learners, the school, and the community as an ESL teacher?
• Recommended minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (On a 4.0 scale)
• Evidence of ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) Scores - English
• Evidence of ACTFL Writing Language Proficiency (WPI) Scores - English
  • Consult with Rowan Global Admissions at global@rowan.edu for specific details regarding this requirement.
  • For in test information please visit languagetesting.com