Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) minor and certificate
Prepare to teach English in community ESL programs, during study abroad, or after you graduate. The TESL minor and certificate is ideal for programs like JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching), the Peace Corps, or the Fulbright English Teaching Assistants program.
The TESL minor and certificate does not lead to state teaching certification or licensure. ESL teaching licensure is offered only at the graduate level. See the MEd and teaching license in second language education program for more details.
If you're interested, there is no fee or cost to apply, and it's non-binding, meaning you can change your mind at any time. Apply now!
TESL Minor/Certificate Virtual Info Session
Learn more and get your questions answered
(Attend 1 session)
- Thursday, September 21st - 9:00 a.m.
- Thursday, September 21st - 5:00 p.m.
- Thursday, October 12th - 10:00 a.m.
- Thursday, October 12th - 6:00 p.m.
Admissions information
Application deadlines
- August 1 for fall
- December 15 for spring
- April 15 for summer
A 2.0 GPA is required.
Current University of Minnesota undergraduate students: Both the TESL minor and the certificate will appear on your transcript. You will be able to obtain a paper copy of the certificate when you graduate. International students in a full-time academic program at the University of Minnesota are eligible to apply. For questions related to the minor application, contact Student Services Specialist Stephanie Fore, sfore@umn.edu.
Students outside the University of Minnesota: Apply through the College of Education and Human Development for the TESL certificate only. This certificate program is not intended for international students needing a visa to study in the U.S. For questions related to the non-degree certificate application, contact cehdinfo@umn.edu.
Current graduate students cannot apply to the TESL certificate program.
Curriculum
This program will begin to prepare you to become an effective ESL teacher. The TESL minor and certificate will also prepare you for further study in second language acquisition at the graduate level. You will learn the structure of the English language and best practices for teaching and learning a language in both formal and informal settings.
We generally recommend that students take the courses in the following order: CI 3610, 3611W, 3612, 3613, one per semester. It is, however, possible to take courses concurrently with one exception. The required linguistics course (CI 3610, LING 3001, or LING 5001) should be completed prior to enrolling in CI 3612 Introduction to Pronunciation and Grammar for ESL Teachers).
Contact Kendall King kendall@umn.edu with questions related to academics.
Current Students: Obtaining your certificate
Both the TESL minor and the certificate will appear on your transcript. You will be able to obtain a paper copy of the certificate when you graduate. International students in a full-time academic program at the University of Minnesota are eligible to apply. For questions related to the minor application or completion progress including APAS exceptions, contact Kendall King kendall@umn.edu.
Current students pursuing the TESL certificate in addition to a bachelor’s degree will have the certificate cleared concurrently with the degree. Once cleared, the paper certificate will be mailed to the diploma address listed six to eight weeks later. If you received your diploma but not your certificate, please contact cehdssup@umn.edu.
If you completed the TESL and have questions about the paper certificate or a duplicate copy, please contact the Office of the Registrar otr@umn.edu. CEHD does not manage the process of sending diplomas or certificates to recipients.
I highly recommend this program to anyone who is interested in living and teaching abroad! The faculty are amazing and my experience has been entirely positive. I am now spending a semester as an assistant English teacher in Spain!
Gabrielle Klinkenborg
TESL minor, 2022