Graduate Certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language

Teaching English as a Second Language

Who is this program for?

A graduate certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language is ideal for educators and language enthusiasts who want to develop specialized skills in teaching English to non-native speakers in diverse settings. This program is also valuable for those pursuing careers as ESL teachers, language program coordinators, or international educators in schools, universities, or community organizations.

Program Overview

The TESL Graduate Certificate (12 cr.) is designed to provide an introduction to the core pedagogical issues and practices in teaching English as a second or foreign language. A TESL (or TESOL) Certificate is a recognized teaching credential in many international educational contexts. The Graduate TESL Certificate curriculum requires 9 graduate credit hours of course work in the TESL program and a supervised teaching practicum (3 cr.). Contact the TESL Director, if you are interested in applying to this program.

Offered by the College of Arts and Sciences
Icon for Credit Hours
Credential
Graduate Certificate
Icon for Tuition
Tuition / Credit Hour
Resident $865.50
Non-Resident $2,109
Cost of Attendance

FIND OUT EXACTLY
What You'll Learn

Degree requirements, course descriptions and academic policies for all programs are detailed in the University Catalog.

Admission Requirements

Please view the Graduate School's Admission Requirements. If there are Additional Requirements listed below, those program-specific requirements also apply.

Application Requirements

Please view the application requirements for the Graduate School. If there are Additional Requirements listed below, those program-specific requirements also apply.

Application Deadlines

Domestic

  • Fall
    • 07/25/2025
  • Spring
    • 12/12/2025

International

  • Fall
    • 04/15/2025
  • Spring
    • 09/15/2025
Calendars & Deadlines
Funding Icon

Explore Funding Options

As a graduate student, there are additional opportunities for student funding. Once you are admitted into a degree-bearing graduate program at UK, you can apply for a wide variety of financial assistance, including assistantships and fellowships. These opportunities can be tied to your program’s availability, so you should inquire with your program director about opportunities available within your program!

View Funding Options
Students meet with student org representatives at an outdoor involvement fair.

Get Involved!

Students who get involved in activities outside of the classroom tend to do better academically and develop meaningful relationships with others at UK. Our network of student organizations and activities has something for everyone, from academic to professional to fun!

Learn About Student Organizations & Activities
Campus View

Get More Information

Complete the form to get the latest updates on this program, including special events and application deadlines.

Hidden Conditionals





Things to do on this form:
Take away "Term" for Transfers - "Unknown Term"? As well as "Not in High School"
And the same for "Online"

Possibly remove the "Readmit" option.
Feel like it would be pretty easy to see if the person already exists in our system and has a program enrollment record associated with them, which would shift them from "Freshman" or "Transfer" to "Readmit"
About You




Mailing Address





Program Interest






The University of Kentucky defines international applicants as those with citizenship other than the United States of America. Exception: Permanent Residents of the United States should complete a domestic application.

By submitting this form, you give University of Kentucky your consent to use automated technology to call, text, e-mail and send physical mail to you at the information above, including to your wireless number if provided, regarding educational services. Please note that you are not required to provide this consent to receive educational services. Privacy Policy and SMS Terms and Conditions.

* Denotes Required Field
This form is not currently active. Please contact an administrator if you believe you have come to this page in error.
Hidden Fields

Future Wildcat Contact Information
























Become a Wildcat

Discover your Future

At the University of Kentucky, we provide personalized support, innovative resources, and countless opportunities to help you turn your aspirations into achievements.

Take the Next Step

Apply Virtual Visit Funding Contact the Program
Request More Information