Teaching English as a Second Language/Foreign Language (TESL/TEFL) Graduate Certificate

The Teaching English as a Second/Foreign Language (TESL/TEFL) Certificate Program consists of four core courses that will give you the foundation and knowledge necessary to work with English Language Learners (ELLs).

The Teaching English as a Second/Foreign Language (TESL/TEFL) Certificate Program consists of four core courses that will give you the foundation and knowledge necessary to work with English Language Learners (ELLs).

All TESL/TEFL credits may be applied to the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education (CLDE) Endorsement or the Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (MA TESOL) within 5 years of taking the first course.

These four courses are offered on a cohort basis beginning every even-numbered summer semester.

For details on program coursework, please visit the Academic Catalog.

Financial Aid Priority Date: March 1

Admissions Checklist

1. Complete the online UCCS Graduate Student application

2. Obtain three letters of reference

3. Submit one transcript from all institutions of higher education previously attended

4. Prepare a career goal statement

5. Current résumé (please include relevant paid work and volunteer experience where applicable)

6. Complete a background check or provide an unofficial copy of teaching licensure

7. Once application materials are in, you will need to interview with a faculty advisor for the program.

If you have questions about the program before or during the Admissions process or would like more programmatic information, call the Student Resource Office at (719) 255-4996 or education@uccs.edu.

Career Goal Statement: Please describe why you have applied to your respective program and want to be a professional educator. Please be sure to include personal and professional information that supports this decision. Your statement should be at least two pages in length, double-spaced. Make sure to include your name and the program you are applying to in your goal statement.

Official Transcripts: Domestic students: Have one official transcript of all higher education course work ever completed to date (undergraduate and graduate GPA must be included on transcripts), sent from the institution you attended directly to the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Office of Admissions (electronically or by postal services). 

Postal Services: 
UCCS Office of Admissions 
1420 Austin Bluffs Parkway
Colorado Springs CO 80918-3733

Electronically:
gradapp@uccs.edu

General Background Check for Admission

All College of Education applicants must complete a general background check as part of the admissions requirements:

1. Visit the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI)'s Criminal History Check website.

2. Click on “Individuals” & pay the fee

3. Print a copy of the background check and return it to the College of Education Student Resource Office as part of admissions materials

   • Current Colorado School or Agency employees who have already completed a background check for employment may provide a copy of their Colorado license or background check results.

International Applicants

English Proficiency must be demonstrated by providing evidence of an IELTS score of 6.5 or above, a TOEFL score of 550-(paper-based) or 80-(internet-based), or a Kaplan International Tools for English (KITE®) score of a minimum of 460. Students may make arrangements to take KITE® at the Global Engagement Office.

Applicants with any post-secondary coursework from an international higher education institution that is recognized by their country’s Education Ministry must submit a course-by-course foreign degree evaluation by a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES), AACRAO, or World Education Services (WES).

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, creed, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status in admission and access to, and treatment and employment in, its educational programs and activities.