UWM's TESOL certificate prepares students for a career teaching English to non-English speaking adults. TESOL is an internationally-recognized acronym that denotes the holder of the certificate has received specialized training in the methodologies of teaching English, second language acquisition, bilingualism, and multicultural awareness.

The use of English as a common language of communication has risen dramatically in the last few decades, and the demand for TESOL trained instructors is high in certain parts of the world. Asia, Central America, and South America are three particular hot spots where people have a strong desire learn English or improve their English language skills.

Students who love to travel often make a career out of traveling the globe, picking up jobs in various nations. Others stay closer to home and find similar positions in the U.S. teaching English to immigrants, visitors, foreign students, or others who have not learned English as their first language. TESOL is a dynamic profession that combines innovation and creativity with interactions in culturally-diverse communities.

The program is open to students from all majors and academic areas and has been especially attractive to students from linguistics, English, global studies, the foreign languages, and anthropology. Individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree can also enroll in this certificate as a stand-alone program. A similar program is also open to graduate students who wish to enhance their master's or PhD level classes with a certificate in TESOL.

Download our fact sheet to the right to learn more about this certificate.