English as a Second Language

Certificate Program

Adviser - Assistant Professor, Russell Arent

The certificate of completion in the teaching of English as a second language (ESL) is offered under the auspices of the interdisciplinary program in communication as an 18-credit program of study. It is designed for students who want to teach in situations that do not require Wisconsin public school teacher licensure, such as teaching English overseas or in adult literacy programs or tutorial programs sponsored by community service organizations or private companies. It can be a useful complement to training in other areas such as community and regional development, science and technology, or international business, wherever English is an important access language or a medium for training or cross-cultural communication.

This certificate of completion is not equivalent to a four- or five-year teacher certification program for students who want to qualify as teachers in public elementary or secondary schools in Wisconsin. UW-Green Bay does offer professional licensure in English as a second language that is approved by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. A full description of the ESL teacher licensure program and requirements at UW-Green Bay is available from the professional program in education.

To be eligible for the ESL certificate of completion program, students must either be candidates for a B.A. or B.S. degree or have already completed such a degree.

Requirements for the Certificate

English Fluency

Proof of fluency in oral and written English is required.

Required courses, 9 credits

• HUM STUD 160 Introduction to Language, 3 credits
• EDUC 315 Teaching English as a Second Language, 3 credits
• HUM STUD 321 Language and Society, 3 credits

Applications, 3 credits

One of these:

• COMN PRO 325 Applied Linguistics, 3 credits
• COMN PRO 327 Error Analysis and Treatment in Second Language Learning, 3 credits

Practicum Experience, 3 credits

• COMN PRO 497 Internship in Teaching English as a Second Language, 3 credits

Elective, 3 credits

One of these:

• COMN PRO 322 Modern Linguistics, 3 credits
• COMN PRO 325 Applied Linguistics, 3 credits
• COMN PRO 326 Modern Semantics, 3 credits
• COMN PRO 327 Error Analysis and Treatment in Second Language Learning, 3 credits

Other courses in linguistics or cultural context require consent of adviser.

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