About
Already a certified teacher? This program offers you the opportunity to add additional language-teaching licenses (ESL, Bilingual, World Language) to your teacher certification.
Why ECA Second Language?
- Flexible and accessible schedule of classes that include evening courses, online courses, and summer courses.
- Rigorous preparation for future employment with relevant field experience.
- Several options for majors, minors, and add-on credentials.
- Promotes multilingualism by exploring issues of learning and teaching in more than one language.
- Highlights the cultural, sociological, linguistic, and psychological diversity in U.S. educational institutions.
The Second Language program is available for students who plan to:
- Teach English to non-native speakers (English as a Second Language (ESL)).
- Teach in a classroom where two languages (English and another language) are used for instruction (Bilingual).
- Teach a world language.
How to Apply
Undergraduate Program
Follow the steps listed in the Second Language Education: Early Childhood – Adolescence Undergraduate Program Application (PDF). Applications must be received by April 30th for Summer admission, July 15th for Fall admission and December 15th for Spring admission. Refer to the Curriculum tab for more information regarding the program and admission criteria.
Post-Baccalaureate Program
Follow the steps listed in the Second Language Education: Early Childhood – Adolescence Post-Baccalaureate Program Application (PDF). Applications must be received by April 30th for Summer admission, July 15th for Fall admission and December 15th for Spring admission. Refer to the Curriculum tab for more information regarding the program and admission criteria.
Graduate Program
Please contact Dr. Tatiana Joseph, Program Chair and Assistant Professor for more information. This is a focus area in the Curriculum and Instruction MS Degree program. See C&I Master’s degree program. Applications must be received by December 15.
Contact Us
Questions about the program and/or admissions?
Maggie Kaczmarek
kaczmarm@uwm.edu
Contact a Second Languages Program Academic Advisor
Office of Student Services Advising
(414) 229-4721
soeinfo@uwm.edu
(Last names A – L) – Kristin Roosevelt
(Last names M – Z) – Nikki Claas
Second Language Education: Early Childhood – Adolescence Program Director
Curriculum
Undergraduate Program
Academic Catalog
Bilingual Program Requirements
English as a Second Language – Major Program Requirements
English as a Second Language – Minor Program Requirements
Admission Criteria
- English Composition: Achieve a placement level of 4 or higher on the English Placement Test, or complete ENGLISH 102 or an equivalent with a grade of C or better.
- Completion of CURRINS 300: Introduction to Teaching with a grade of C or better.
- Completion of COMMUN 103 with a C or better
- A 2.5 minimum cumulative GPA in all UWM and transfer courses at the time of admission application.
- A minimum of 48 credits (UWM and transfer credits) at the time of admission application.
- Applications must be received by December 15.
Undergraduate Program Application (PDF)
Post-Baccalaureate Program
English as a Second Language Program Sheet (PDF)
World Languages – American Sign Language Program Sheet (PDF)
World Languages – Chinese Program Sheet (PDF)
World Languages – French Program Sheet (PDF)
World Languages – German Program Sheet (PDF)
World Languages – Italian Program Sheet (PDF)
World Languages – Chinese Program Sheet (PDF)
World Languages – French Program Sheet (PDF)
World Languages – German Program Sheet (PDF)
World Languages – Italian Program Sheet (PDF)
Admission Criteria
- A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 on all coursework completed for undergraduate credit.
- Applications must be received by December 15.
Post-Baccalaureate Program Application (PDF)
Explore the Program Further!
Students who already hold a bachelor’s degree can earn their teaching certification by successfully completing our post-baccalaureate teaching certification program. It’s possible that coursework completed as part of your bachelor’s degree could be applied towards our program. Please complete the web form below to find out if any of your previous course work can be used to fulfill certification requirements.
Request for Transcript Evaluation Form
Graduate Program
Please contact Dr. Tatiana Joseph, Program Chair and Assistant Professor for more information. This is a focus area in the Curriculum and Instruction MS Degree program. See C&I Master’s degree program.
Admission Criteria
Applications must be received by December 15.
Add On License & Extension License
- Initial Certification
Multiliteracies, Languages, and Cultures Resource Library (MLC)
The MLC Resource Library provides interdisciplinary teaching materials for teacher candidates, practicing teachers, graduate students, and faculty of the School of Education who are MLC related. Those seeking instructional materials for student teachings, field placements, or course assignments, are able to access this library.
For more information, visit the Multiliteracies, Languages, and Cultures Resource Library (MLC) webpage.
Faculty

