English as a Second Language Certificate of Graduate Study

Program Information
The Certificate of Graduate Study in English as a Second Language (ESL) prepares you to work with English Language Learners (ELL) in K–12, college, and adult settings - both in the US and abroad. The program is recognized by TESOL/CAEP, a national accreditation body for ESL teacher education programs in the United States. Upon successful completion, students become eligible for state certification, which allows them to teach English as a Second Language in K-12 schools.
You can take advantage of our accelerated timeline and complete state certification in nearly half the traditional time. By taking one additional class and by fulfilling the additional testing requirements, some students may also be eligible for the Bilingual/Bicultural Endorsement.
Students may also apply the credits earned from the COGS in ESL to Rowan’s Master’s in Educational Leadership (M.Ed.) program.
Teachers in the state of New Jersey may apply to the Certificate of Graduate Study in English as a Second Language (ESL) program through the New Jersey Teacher Outreach Program (NJTOP®). For more information about NJTOP, click here.
This is a part-time accelerated program requiring the completion of six graduate-level courses or 15 graduate semester hours. It is possible to complete this program in only 3-4 consecutive semesters. 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.
Specific objectives for the ESL Certificate of Graduate Study program include:
- The development of multifaceted understandings of the unique needs, challenges, and experiences of English Language Learner (ELL) students in order to advocate for their success.
- The development of lesson and unit plans that integrate language and content for ELL students at various levels of English proficiency.
- The ability to instruct ELL students using cutting-edge, research-based teaching methods.
- 5 Courses / 15 Semester Hours
- Foundation Courses: No
- Graduation / Exit / Thesis Requirements: No
Course Number | Title | S.H. (Credits) |
---|---|---|
Required Courses: 15 S.H. | ||
BLED 40510 | Issues of Language and Cultural Diversity in ESL/Bilingual Prorams | 3 |
BLED 40512 | Linguistics and Second Language Acquisition for Teaching Languages | 3 |
BLED 40520 | Planning, Teaching, and Assessment in ESL Classrooms | 3 |
BLED 40515 | Understanding Immigrant-Origin Students: Language, Culture, and Mobility | 3 |
BLED 40522 | Integrating Language and Content in the ESL/Bilingual Education Classroom | 3 |
Note: The courses listed above are not official and are subject to change. For an official list of available courses please visit the Rowan Global section tally.
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 Global Admissions Processing Office will contact you with confirmation or will indicate any missing items.
- Completed Application Form
- $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
- Letters of recommendation should be from professional administrators and include information, which attests to applicant's ability to pursue a graduate degree.
- Copy of NJ teaching certificate (Standard or CEAS only)
- 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
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Career Outlook
Our program provides you with the resources to help understand the unique needs and challenges of the ELL and learn to develop strategic currirulum that will put them on the path to success. Opportunities for ESL positions are varied and prevalent throughout the US and abroad - and across every educational level.
Additional Information
The chart below details available entry terms for the English as a Second Language Certificate of Graduate Study program as well as corresponding application deadlines. Submitting the Application Form is only the first step to beginning the admission process. All of the required materials listed above must be received on or before the application completion deadline for your desired entry term to be considered for admission to that term. We encourage you to complete the application form and begin submitting your materials at least one month before the deadline indicated.
Entry Term | Application Deadline |
---|---|
Fall - Module 1 | July 1 |
Spring - Module 3 | November 1 |
Summer - Module 5 | April 1 |
At Rowan University, we pride ourselves on being vigilant and frugal about tuition. We work hard to provide quality education while seeking to reduce the barrier that college costs can present students.
RatesWe know paying for tuition can be a challenge. That is why Rowan provides students with the financial resources needed to put their education first by offering grants, loans, work-study, and scholarships.
More InfoThe chart below details available entry terms for the English as a Second Language Certificate of Graduate Study program as well as corresponding application deadlines. Submitting the Application Form is only the first step to beginning the admission process. All of the required materials listed above must be received on or before the application completion deadline for your desired entry term to be considered for admission to that term. We encourage you to complete the application form and begin submitting your materials at least one month before the deadline indicated.
Entry Term | Application Deadline |
---|---|
Fall - Module 1 | July 1 |
Spring - Module 3 | November 1 |
Summer - Module 5 | April 1 |
At Rowan University, we pride ourselves on being vigilant and frugal about tuition. We work hard to provide quality education while seeking to reduce the barrier that college costs can present students.
RatesWe know paying for tuition can be a challenge. That is why Rowan provides students with the financial resources needed to put their education first by offering grants, loans, work-study, and scholarships.
More Info