Undergraduate students may earn a certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) by taking the courses listed below (a total of twelve credits). In all cases, a student must complete 12 credits of coursework at OU and must satisfy the eligibility requirements described in Practicum Eligibility to obtain the certificate. Please note that these certificates are not equivalent to state certification. Interested students should contact Professor Sam Rosenthall, undergraduate advisor for Linguistics (370-2163), to determine their eligibility.

Undergraduate TESL Certificate Requirements

LIN 201 Introduction to Linguistics (4 credits)

Introduction to the modern study of human language. Emphasis on the analysis of sound and structure, variation and change, and linguistics universals.

ALS 418 The Teaching of English as a Second Language (4 credits)

Approaches, methods, and techniques of teaching pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary. The use of language tests and laboratory techniques.
Prerequisite: LIN 201

ALS 419 Practicum (4 credits)

Internship in an assigned ESL program under the guidance of a university instructor. Offered fall, winter, and spring. Availability in spring is limited. For eligibility requirements, see Practicum Eligibility.  May be repeated for up to 8 credits.  Click here for more on the practicum teaching program.
Prerequisite: ALS 418 and permission of instructor.

Practicum Eligibility

Eligibility for the Practicum (ALS 419 or 519) requires completion of ALS 418 or 518 with a grade of 2.0 or higher. Non-native speakers of English, in addition, must satisfactorily complete an oral and written examination of English.