Certificate in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)

The English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Graduate Certificate provides professional development for educators interested in being more effective in teaching English Language Learners (ELLs) and allows candidates to apply for a South Carolina add-on ESOL certification. An add-on ESOL certification allows educators to teach ELLs. The ESOL graduate certificate is targeted to educators of ELLs who have incomplete ESOL certification and to general education teachers who are interested in effectively teaching ELLs.

The ESOL graduate certificate includes five (5) 3-credit graduate courses. Candidates who complete the program will meet the coursework requirements of the South Carolina add-on ESOL certification. Other additional requirements must be met to obtain the South Carolina add-on ESOL certification (for example, documented second language learning experiences or South Carolina ESOL content area examination).

Student Learning Outcomes

With a strong emphasis on research-based and evidence-based practices, candidates who complete the requirements for the ESOL graduate certificate will be able to:

1. Evaluate the effects of schooling, testing, and school placement for ELL academic success.
2. Identify states of second language learning, elements of language structure and ELL language proficiency characteristics and needs and plan instruction accordingly.
3. Plant instruction that incorporates research-based strategies to teach language and content to ELL.
4. Use assessment data to plan instruction for ELLs.
5. Reflect on teaching philosophy related to ELLs.

Admission to Study

Applications for graduate study should be directed to the Office of Graduate Studies at Coastal Carolina University.

Admission Requirements

Applicants for admission to the Certificate in ESOL program must meet the following criteria:

1. Completion of the application form and payment of the application fee.
2. Evidence of having received a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution in this country or its equivalent at a foreign institution based on a four-year degree program.
3. Submission of an official transcript from each post-secondary school or college previously attended (all prior undergraduate academic study must be represented as well as any graduate study).