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Graduate Certificate in English as a Second Language (ESL) Education

If you want the skills to teach English as a Second Language (ESL) courses to diverse learners, this online graduate certificate program at Indiana Wesleyan University was designed for you. With this program, you can complete your English as a Second Language (ESL) Education certificate in just 12 months while benefitting from a 100% online format. Discover how IWU helps students achieve their professional goals in a flexible, faith-based learning environment.

Why Pursue My Certificate in English as a Second Language (ESL) Education Online at IWU?

There are several benefits to completing your English graduate certificate online at IWU. We provide comprehensive student services, from tech support to tutoring, and full-time chaplains, to help you succeed in this program. Our Christian faculty teach from the same biblical worldview valued on our campus, so that students can implement these principles in a fulfilling career. Plus, we lock in the cost of your education as soon as you begin classes, so you do not have to worry about tuition increases after you start learning.

What Will I Learn in This English as a Second Language (ESL) Education Certificate Program?

This English as a Second Language (ESL) Education certificate program is designed to help students build on their current teaching experience to learn how to create inclusive learning environments for students with diverse language needs. Course materials are delivered through virtual reality, video discussion, concept maps, demo videos, and other tech-driven applications. Course topics cover language acquisition in classroom instruction, the impact of culture in the classroom, assessment strategies, and more.

What Makes IWU Different?

Education Pioneer

IWU has provided education for more than 100 years.

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

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Tuition & Aid

15 Credit Hours

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$499/ Credit Hour

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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

Coursework for your online graduate certificate in English as a Second Language (ESL) Education covers how to:

  • Articulate the progress of language acquisition and development and the impact on the educational experience
  • Appreciate how primary culture is crucial in students’ adaptation to new school environments.
  • Create supportive learning environments and implement culturally appropriate activities that promote learning for English language learners
  • Apply formal and informal assessment strategies that include current methods to promote learner development
  • Serve as experts and advocates who support students, colleagues, and other stakeholders to benefit CLD/ENL students
  • Apply Christian perspectives and a biblical worldview to your career, decision-making, and service to your students

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.

EDEL-510,EDEL-520,EDEL-530,EDEL-540,EDEL-550

After Graduation

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Potential Careers

  • Department Chair in ENL
  • ENL Instructor or Teacher
  • Program Coordinator in ENL

Work in Various Industries

  • Industry

Program FAQs

Indiana Wesleyan University’s ESL faculty bring expertise in linguistics, curriculum design, and multilingual education. Dr. Mirta Ramirez-Espinola specializes in curriculum and instruction, literacy, and educational leadership, with a passion for mentoring educators. Dr. Elisabeth Van Beek holds a doctorate in education with a focus on linguistics and TESOL and specializes in culturally responsive teaching for multilingual learners. Dr. Kelsey Carroll focuses on instructional design and online learning, with expertise in developing effective ESL curriculum for adult learners. Faculty bring both academic research and real-world teaching experience into the classroom.
The program emphasizes research-based frameworks such as SIOP (Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol) and WIDA standards, which are widely used in K–12 education for teaching English learners. Students gain practical strategies for supporting multilingual learners in diverse classroom settings.
These ESL programs prepare graduates for careers as ESL teachers, English learner (EL) specialists, multilingual learner (ML) specialists, and English as a New Language (ENL) educators in K–12 schools. Graduates may also teach English as a second or foreign language in community programs, language institutes, international settings, or private education environments. Non-licensure pathways focus on roles outside traditional public school systems.
Key courses include EDEL-510, EDEL-520, and EDEL-530 for licensure pathways, which focus on language acquisition, instructional strategies, and assessment. For non-licensure pathways, courses such as EDEL-515, EDEL-545, and EDEL-535 emphasize teaching methods and curriculum development for English learners.
Graduates typically pursue roles as ESL or English learner specialists in K–12 schools or teaching positions in language programs and international settings.
Students complete clinical or field experiences in real classroom settings, allowing them to apply ESL teaching strategies with English learners under supervision.
Coursework is completed fully online. However, required clinical experiences are completed in person, typically in classroom settings.
Most courses are completed in approximately six weeks.
Students typically take one course at a time, allowing for focused, in-depth learning.
Courses are delivered primarily in an asynchronous format, allowing students to complete coursework on their own schedule.
Yes, transfer credit may be accepted depending on prior coursework and its alignment with program requirements. Each transcript is evaluated individually.

Yes. Christian faith is integrated throughout the program, including weekly devotional discussions that connect faith with teaching practice and service.
Yes. This ESL graduate certificate is designed to meet coursework requirements for ESL licensure or endorsement, helping educators qualify to teach English learners in K–12 settings.
This program is ideal for currently licensed teachers who want to add an ESL endorsement or expand their ability to serve multilingual learners in diverse classrooms.
Field-based experiences are embedded within coursework and may include classroom observations, student interactions, and applied assignments. These experiences are designed to be completed in the candidate’s current work setting whenever possible.
The program provides the academic preparation required for ESL licensure, including coursework aligned with Department of Education requirements. Students gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed on required ESL subject exams.
The program aligns with Indiana state requirements for ESL endorsement. Students seeking licensure in other states should review reciprocity guidelines and additional requirements.

Program Requirements

  • Submit a signed SILD FERPA Release Form.
  • 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.
    • Transcripts from foreign institutions may need to be sent to an outside agency for evaluation and determination of transferable credits, degrees, and GPA. If this outside review is necessary, students are responsible for the initiation of this evaluation and for any fees incurred during the process.
  • An undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or higher from the baccalaureate degree granting institution at which at least a minimum of 30 hours was completed.
  • Candidates need:
    • Supporting documentation demonstrating access to students with ENL needs to complete clinical experiences in a P-12 classroom.
    • A valid (but not necessarily current) state teacher’s license.
    • At least one year of teaching experience from an approved and accredited public, private, or parochial P-12 school in the United States or abroad.
  • Successfully complete the program requirements.
  • Possess a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above in all graduate work and a minimum grade of "B-" in each course.
  • Payment of all tuition and fees is required to receive a certificate.
Clinical Experience Requirements
  • Clinical or field experiences are required.
  • Candidates may complete field experience within their own classroom or school.
Licensure Testing
  • Candidates who wish to be recommended for the Indiana license endorsement for English as a New Language must satisfy all completion requirements and receive a passing score on the required Indiana state English Learner assessment.

Accreditation

Clinical Experience Requirements
  • Clinical or field experiences are required.
  • Candidates may complete field experience within their own classroom or school.
Licensure Testing
  • Candidates who wish to be recommended for the Indiana license endorsement for English as a New Language must satisfy all completion requirements and receive a passing score on the required Indiana state English Learner assessment.

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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