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College of Letters and Science Second Language Acquisition Certificate

Graduate Certificate

BREAK DOWN BARRIERS WITH A GRADUATE CERTIFICATE

Get the professional credential and confidence you need to excel in teaching English as a second language. The fully online Second Language Acquisition graduate certificate at UW-Stevens Point equips teachers in sound methods for breaking down linguistic and social barriers and making an impact in the classroom.

Students will learn from experienced teachers. Learn how best to support non-native English speaking students and guide them toward academic success. In addition, gain advanced standing in the K-12 field. Best of all, your practicum experience in the program can be completed in your current classroom, on your schedule!

GET STARTED TODAY!

Set to launch in the fall of 2025, this online program is designed to meet the needs of teachers with a passion for supporting non-native English speaking students.

Are you ready to learn more? Sign up for an information session!

Rather chat one-on-one? Connect with xxx with your questions.

3
3-CREDIT COURSES
100Percent
ONLINE
55,000
ESL students in WI

Why Study Second Language Acquisition at UW-Stevens Point?

Meet the high demand for ESL-certified teachers! Advance your career with our fully online program. Your practicum can often be completed within your current classroom, allowing you to gain hands-on experience without disrupting your work schedule.

Online but Connected

Our model offers the convenience and flexibility necessary for working professionals to balance their professional commitments with their studies.

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COURSES

Courses Required in the Certificate:

  • Foreign Language Education (FLED) 544 – Teaching English as a Second Language (3 credits)
    • Theories of second language acquisition; methods, techniques, planning, organization, assessment, and field experiences in teaching ESL.
  • FLED 597 – Practicum (1 credit)
    • Supervised practical experience as tutors, teacher’s aides, etc.
  • FLED 740 – Second Language Acquisition (3 credits)
    • Introduction to theories for second language acquisition including an overview of the study of linguistics and English grammar.
  • FLED 741 – Teaching ESL Reading and Writing (3 credits)
    • Theory and practice teaching composition and literature in K-12 ESL classrooms.

APPLICATION INFORMATION

  1. To apply for admission to graduate study at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, please submit the following:
    • A completed UW System Online Graduate Application. Be certain to list all colleges and/or universities you have attended. You may also obtain a written graduate application by calling the UWSP Admissions Office at 715-346-2441, by writing the Admissions Office at 2108 Fourth Avenue, Stevens Point, WI 54481, or by filling out the information request form.
    • $56 graduate application fee. Wisconsin statutes require that the application fee accompany your application for admission. The fee is nonrefundable, and your application will not be processed until the application fee has been received. Checks or money orders should be made payable to the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. If you are applying electronically you can pay with a credit card when you submit your application.
    • Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended (both undergraduate and graduate). Arrange to have official transcripts from each institution you attended sent directly to the Admissions Office. If you attended UW-Stevens Point as an admitted student in the past, you do not need to request your UW-Stevens Point transcripts from us. We will request UW-Stevens Point transcripts on your behalf. The transcript from the college from which you graduated must indicate that you earned a bachelor’s degree. Transcripts from each institution are required before your application can be processed. (Please note: We do accept electronic transcripts sent through Docufide and Connect.edu).
  2. ​Successful admission to graduate study requires admission to a specific graduate degree program. A copy of your completed application, as well as a copy of each of your transcripts, will be sent to the program coordinator of the graduate program you have chosen. Many of our graduate degree programs require additional materials such as letters of reference, personal interviews, standardized test scores, verification of certification, etc. The graduate program coordinator will contact you for any additional material needed to determine your acceptability to the program.

EARN YOUR MASTER’S DEGREE

The Second Language Acquisition Graduate Certificate serves as a stackable credential within a Master’s in Education, enabling you to progress seamlessly towards an advanced degree and further expand your expertise and opportunities in education!

MEET YOUR FACULTY

English Department faculty at UW-Stevens Point pride themselves on the attention they give individual students to help them further and widen their interests, develop their strengths and overcome their weaknesses.

Rebecca Stephens

  • Professor
  • Department Chair, English
715-346-3208

David Roloff

  • Professor of English
715-346-4341

James Berry

  • Associate Professor of English
  • Language Study Interdisciplinary Certificate Coordinator
  • UWSP Summer ESL Program Coordinator
715-346-4757

Erica Ringelspaugh

  • Assistant Professor of English
  • Connections Project coordinator
715-346-2334