TESOL- Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

Program Overview

The Programs in TESOL at Cleveland State University offer professional training to students planning to teach English as a foreign (EFL) or English second language (ESL) in a range of educational settings. Options include:

• M.Ed in TESOL for those intending to teach overseas, in community college ESL programs, or in private schools.
• Endorsement in TESOL to add to an existing Ohio teaching license for teaching in public schools.
• TESOL certificate that prepares students to teach English as a foreign language abroad or English as a second language to immigrants and refugees locally. 

Those who get trained in TESOL can have multiple career paths open to them, including:

• K-12 ESL/English learner (EL) Teacher
• Online English Instructor
• Adult ESL Instructor
• Higher Education ESL/EL Specialist
• EFL Teacher Abroad
• Corporate English Trainer

Flexibility

• 100% asynchronous online instruction
• Easy to transfer credits
• Enroll in the spring, summer, or fall semesters
• Part-time flexibility
• 8-week express courses 

Why TESOL at CSU?

• Differentiation of course materials based on  students'  current or future career goals
• Course instructors with varied classroom experience (K-12, ESL, EFL, college) who are up to date with current research and issues in TESOL
• Teaching internship opportunities at local educational settings in Northeast Ohio

Program Director: Elena Andrei, Ed.D. - e.andrei@csuohio.edu 

Prospective Undergraduate Students

Prospective Graduate Students

Program Objectives

Learn about the nature of language and the psychological processes involved in first (L1) and second (L2) language acquisition; Develop awareness of the process of language variation and change in different social environments; Increase knowledge and sensitivity to diverse cultures; Apply past and current theories of second language acquisition in the L2 classroom; Develop skills to implement current teaching methods in L2 education; Improve their ability to prepare L2 materials using available technology

Admissions Requirements

Graduate Students:

• Application for Graduate Admission and $30 application fee;
• One official copy of transcripts from all institutions where you obtained a bachelor's degree;
• A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or above is required if degree is 1+, GPA 3.0 if degree is 6+

International Students: Must obtain a TOFEL score of 65 (interest-based) or 525 (written exam), or equivalent in IELTS or ITEP proficiency tests. Students will have the opportunity to take ESL courses in the English Language Institute at CSU to improve their skills. Completion of the advanced level with a grade of 80% or above in CSU's Intensive Language Program. Students with extended teaching experience may petition to waive EDC 500 & EST 573.

• For more information on admission requirements
  • Visit the Levin Student Services Center (LSSC) Advising Office JH 170, 216.687.4625 or
  • The Assistant Professor and TESOL Program Director: Elena Andrei, Ed.D. e.andrei@csuohio.edu or 216-687-2148.

TESOL Program Options

TESOL Certificate (15 Credits):

Acquaints students with the basic knowledge and skills necessary to teach English as a second or foreign language. CSU offers both an undergraduate and graduate certificate in TESOL. All courses are cross listed and can be taken at either level. Learn more about the undergraduate and graduate TESOL certificates in the CSU Catalog. 

TESOL Endorsement (15 Credits):

Students must complete the TESOL specialization courses and pass OAE content exam (021), English to Speakers of Other Languages. This option is only available to individuals who already have a valid Ohio state provisional, professional, or permanent teaching certificate or license. Each class is offered once a year, All classes are currently offered online asynchronous. Please note that TESOL endorsement courses can be taken at both undergraduate/post-baccalaureate level or graduate level. Learn more about the undergraduate and graduate TESOL endorsements in the CSU Catalog.

M. ED.  - Literacy Development and Instruction - TESOL Specialization (Specialization 21 Credits):

Students may complete a Master of Education in Literacy Development and Instruction with a TESOL specialization. The specialization consists of 7 courses (21 credits) and includes coursework in second language learning, instructional methods in TESOL, and assessment in ESL settings. Learn more about this degree and specialization in the CSU Catalog.