Graduate Certificate in Linguistics: Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
Catalog Year: 2025-2026
Banner Code: LA-CERG-LITE
This graduate certificate prepares students to teach non-native speakers of English in the United States or abroad. Certificate courses fulfill, in part, requirements for an endorsement in English as a second language to the Virginia state teaching credential. Students who want to earn this endorsement should consult with an advisor.
The certificate may be pursued concurrently with any of several degree programs offered through the College of Education and Human Development, the English Department, and the Modern and Classical Languages Department. Part of the coursework toward the certificate may be applied toward degrees in those departments.
This certificate program qualifies for Title IV Federal Financial Aid.
The University Catalog is the authoritative source for information on program requirements and courses. The Schedule of Classes is the authoritative source for information on classes scheduled for this semester. See the Schedule for the most up-to-date information and see Patriot web to register for classes. Requirements may be different for earlier catalog years. See the University Catalog archives.
Admissions
Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in Graduate Admissions. For information specific to the graduate certificate in teaching English as a second language, see Application Requirements and Deadlines.
Policies
Students pursuing this certificate must complete 18 credits, earning a minimum grade of 3.00 in each course.
For policies governing all graduate certificates, see AP.6.8 Requirements for Graduate Certificates.
(Formerly: LA-CERG-TESL)
Certificate Requirements
Total credits: 18
This certificate may be pursued on a full-or part-time basis.
Coursework
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| LING 506 | Introduction to Linguistic Analysis 1 | 3 |
| LING 521 | Applied Linguistics: Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) | 3 |
| LING 522 | English Grammar and Pedagogy | 3 |
| LING 523 | English Pronunciation and Pedagogy | 3 |
| LING 542 | Second Language Acquisition 1 | 3 |
| LING 624 | Practicum in TESOL | 3 |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
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This course may be waived if student is concurrently pursuing the English, MA with a concentration in linguistics.