The Postbaccalaureate TESOL Certificate Program

June 25–August 17, 2001

What does the Postbaccalaureate TESOL Certificate Program prepare someone to do?

Columbia University's American Language Program (ALP) offers a series of courses leading to a TESOL Certificate of Professional Achievement, which prepares qualified candidates to teach English as a second or foreign language in the U.S. or abroad.

Why teach English?

Qualified, well-trained English language teachers are increasingly in demand, both abroad and in the United States.

• English has prominent status as an international language

• the number of students studying English as a second/foreign language has increased

Why Columbia?

Columbia University's location in New York City and its commitment to international education create a unique environment for a certificate program in the teaching of English.

Certificate Program faculty are senior faculty in the ALP, one of the oldest and most respected English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) programs in the U.S. and abroad. Students enrolled in the program will have the opportunity to practice their teaching skills under the guidance of the this faculty.

How long does it take to earn the certificate?

Students may complete the program in a single, intensive, 8-week summer session.

Who are the courses designed for?

The courses reflect current theory and practice and are designed for a broad audience:

• recent college graduates seeking to prepare themselves to teach English while traveling abroad.

• professionals who are changing careers or returning to work

• current teachers who wish to improve their capacity to accommodate the increasing number of ESL students in their classrooms

• English teachers from abroad

What can I do with a certificate?

Those earning such a certificate will find a variety of employment opportunities for teaching English:

• abroad in adult language programs

• in independent language schools throughout the U.S.

• as private tutors

(Note: the program does not certify teachers to teach ESL in the public schools.)

What do I have to do to complete the program and obtain the certificate?

Students must complete the full six courses with a minimum average grade of B. Students who complete the program successfully will be awarded the certificate.

Do I have to enroll in the full program?

Students interested in practical training in teaching English, but not in the full certificate, may also register for courses in the Postbaccalaureate TESOL Certificate Program.

Graduate students in the Liberal Studies M.A. Program may take one or two courses for examination credit toward the M.A. degree and additional courses for R credit.

Columbia undergraduate students may only take courses in the program with the approval of their class dean or dean of students and the coordinators of the Postbaccalaureate TESOL Certificate Program.