Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) Certificate
The TESL Certificate provides undergraduate-level preparation to teach English to speakers of other languages. It is especially useful for people who want to teach in non-university settings internationally or limited situations in the U.S. The TESL Certificate also combines well with a major in a language-related field such as Applied Linguistics, World Languages and Literatures, Communication, Education, and other social sciences. Students may enroll in the program as undergraduates or as post-baccalaureate students.
Admission requirements
- Admission to Portland State University.
- English proficiency in spoken and written English if the student did not graduate from an English-medium secondary school (a TOEFL score report of 80 iBT or higher, an IELTS band score of 6.5 or higher, or a PTE Academic score of 53 or higher is required for proof of proficiency).
- One year proficiency in at least one foreign language if the student is a native speaker of English. (Note: If not fulfilled at the time of admission, this requirement can be fulfilled concurrently with the Certificate courses).
Course requirements
In addition to fulfilling minimum University requirements, the following courses are required:
Courses
28 creditsAll courses used to satisfy the certificate requirements must be graded C- or above. Courses taken under the undifferentiated grading option (P/NP) are not acceptable for department requirements. Before the end of the first quarter in the program, the student is required to consult with the departmental adviser to select the appropriate course sequence.