Are you a current UMBC student who is interested in teaching English to speakers of other languages? Do you seek adventure abroad? Or would you like to help learners of English in your local community?
Whether you are a current undergraduate or graduate student, the UMBC Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) program offers a variety of pathways to a certificate or master’s degree that will open doors to careers in a variety of settings such as
Information for
Graduate Students
Current UMBC graduate students in any master’s or doctoral program may apply to add the post-baccalaureate certificate in teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL PBC) as an additional specialization. No prior experience in languages, linguistics, or education is required.
Students complete four courses that offer foundational training in TESOL. The certificate is perfect for graduate students in various subjects and fields who would like to teach abroad or work in a variety of organizations that serve learners of English.
How to apply:
Undergraduate Students
Two pathways to teaching English to speakers of other languages are available to undergraduate students: the Accelerated Bachelors’/Master’s Program and the Post-baccalaureate Certificate (TESOL PBC).
Accelerated Bachelor's/Master’s Program
Undergraduate students in any major with a GPA of at least 3.0 may apply for the Accelerated Program to begin graduate study early by taking up to nine credits of graduate-level TESOL program courses that may be counted for both the bachelor’s and master’s degree. More information about the Accelerated Program is available here.
The MA TESOL is an internationally recognized graduate-level professional credential in English language teaching. Holders of this degree work in teaching and leadership roles locally and worldwide. The general MA TESOL prepares graduates for work in college/university settings and a range of private, community, government, and non-profit contexts. A P-12 certification option is available for individuals who plan to teach in public schools. A thesis option is also available for those who wish to pursue policy or research work, including future doctoral study in applied linguistics, education, or related fields. Read more about the master’s degree options here.
How to Apply:
Post-baccalaureate Certificate (TESOL PBC)
The four-course graduate-level certificate offers foundational training for individuals seeking to enter the field of English language teaching. It provides preparation for teaching abroad or working in a variety of organizations that serve learners of English.
Degree-seeking UMBC undergraduates in any major who are not pursuing an accelerated bachelor’s/master’s program and who are within seven credits of graduation may seek permission to take individual graduate courses. As such, undergraduate students may begin taking courses towards the post-baccalaureate certificate.
Up to three courses may be taken while an undergraduate. After graduation, a student may then apply to be admitted to the TESOL PBC. See the admissions criteria for details. Provided that the three graduate TESOL courses were not counted towards an undergraduate degree, the courses may be applied to the TESOL PBC. The student then takes one final graduate TESOL course to complete the certificate.
How to Apply:
© TESOL Program, Department of Education, UMBC, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore MD 21250
Phone: +1 410 455-3061 • tesol@umbc.edu
