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Graduate Certificate in English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher Training

Gain the essential skills to support English Language Learners with a graduate-level, non-licensure certificate from IWU. Our fully online program prepares you to excel in using assessment, differentiated instruction, and technology-rich practices to help your students thrive.

Why should I pursue English as Second Language Teacher Training at IWU?

Choosing to advance your skills at IWU means you gain graduate-level expertise with the flexibility of a fully online program designed for working educators. You will apply what you learn directly through field experiences integrated into your courses, all while being guided by expert faculty committed to your success. Our curriculum is built on a foundation of Christian principles, preparing you to serve with ethical leadership and compassion in diverse classrooms. This non-licensure certificate program provides a rigorous academic path to deepen your understanding of supporting English Language Learners within a strong, supportive learning community.

What will I learn in this ESL Teacher Training Graduate Certificate program?

In this program, you will learn to apply second language acquisition theories to create culturally responsive learning plans for P–12 English Language Learners. You will develop skills in using appropriate assessments and analyzing data to make instructional decisions that help diverse students succeed. The curriculum emphasizes the importance of collaborating with fellow educators, families, and school personnel to build strong support systems for every learner. Through supervised teaching experiences and reflective practice, you will grow as a professional and learn to apply Christ-like leadership to advocate for your students and their communities.

What Makes IWU Different?

Education Pioneer

IWU has provided education for more than 100 years.

Rooted in Christ

Christ-centered support, resources, and services to online students, staff and faculty.

Superior Support

Discover online student resources to help along your journey.

Tuition & Aid

21 Credit Hours

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$525/ Credit Hour

Net Price Calculator

Financial aid is available in the form of grants, loans, scholarships, veterans’ benefits, and employer reimbursement.

Financial Aid Tuition & Fees Info

Applicable fees for resources and services will be assessed throughout the program. Tuition and fees for prerequisites and required elective courses are in addition to the charges shown on the program cost sheet. Your tuition rate will remain the same as long as you remain continuously enrolled in the same program. The estimated cost of attendance is available on the financial aid webpage. Cost sheets may be requested from an enrollment counselor by calling 866.498.4968 or emailing iwuenroll@indwes.edu.

What You'll Study

Our practice-focused curriculum is aligned to TESOL standards to prepare you for effectively serving P–12 English Language Learners. Upon completion, you will be able to:

  • Explain the stages of language acquisition and development in diverse student populations.

  • Design culturally responsive instruction and learning plans using appropriate modern technologies.

  • Administer and interpret assessments to make data-driven decisions for your students.

  • Model ethical, Christ-like leadership while collaborating with colleagues and families.

Indiana Wesleyan University

Courses in this Program

These courses contain the program-specific knowledge. Upon completion, you should have the tools to conquer your new career with confidence. For a full list of courses and prerequisites required to complete your degree, please visit the course catalog. Click on a course below to view the description.

EDUT-563,EDEL-515,EDEL-545,EDEL-535,EDUT-573,EDUT-583,EDUT-520

After Graduation

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Potential Careers

  • ESL Instructor or Teacher
  • Program Coordinator in ESL


Work in Various Industries

  • Industry

Program Requirements

All applicants must have:

  • Earned a baccalaureate or graduate degree from a college or university that is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by both the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) verified on original transcripts sent by the institution directly to Indiana Wesleyan University
  • A criminal history background check that meets School of Integrated Learning and Development guidelines
  • Submit a signed FERPA Release Form

*NOTE: Applicants should be aware that Indiana State Legislation has mandated that expanded background checks are required for those working with students in Indiana schools. Applicants will also be required to adhere to any additional State Mandates required for educators.

Though candidates will be required to submit an initial background check that is acceptable to the university as a part of their application materials, that successful background report will only serve to gain admittance to that academic program.

School corporations are governed by a locally elected Board of Trustees who set policy for their school corporation. All accepted students should understand that additional background checks will most likely be required by school corporations before participating in clinical experiences.

  • Complete all course requirements with a minimum GPA of 3.00 and no grade lower than a "B-."
  • Successfully complete all field and clinical experience requirements in the courses.
  • Payment of all tuition and fees is required to receive a certificate.

Clinical Experience Requirements

  • All candidates must complete field experiences throughout the program.
  • All coursework must be completed with a minimum grade of no less than "B-" in each course.
  • All clinical placements will be made by the Office of Clinical Experiences, unless otherwise outlined in the course curriculum.
  • Failure to complete or removal from a clinical experience may result in the candidate not passing the course and/or being permanently withdrawn from the program.
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Accreditation

Clinical Experience Requirements

  • All candidates must complete field experiences throughout the program.
  • All coursework must be completed with a minimum grade of no less than "B-" in each course.
  • All clinical placements will be made by the Office of Clinical Experiences, unless otherwise outlined in the course curriculum.
  • Failure to complete or removal from a clinical experience may result in the candidate not passing the course and/or being permanently withdrawn from the program.

Take the Next Step

Discover the way forward and pursue your goal of teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) to students with diverse cultural backgrounds. Contact us today to learn more about this English as New Language graduate certificate program at IWU!

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