Online Certificate
English as a Second Language and Bilingual Education

All-in price:
$5,100
View Tuition Details
Application due date for January 9, 2023 term:
January 6
Estimated time to completion:
8 Months
Request Info Apply Now
All-in price:
$5,100
View Tuition Details
Application due date for January 9, 2023 term:
January 6
Estimated time to completion:
8 Months
Request Info
Apply Now

Meet the needs of English language learners.

Using current research and best practices, the online certificate in English as a Second Language and Bilingual education prepares you to support students as they learn English and master subject-specific content. You will develop a working knowledge of the theories of language acquisition and strategies to promote cultural understanding in a variety of educational settings.

#4

in the nation for most Master's of Education degrees conferred in ESL and Bilingual Education*.

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How you'll get there.

  1. You will take a total of six courses, exploring topics including cross-cultural studies for teaching English language learners, assessment of ESL and bilingual students, and methods and materials for teaching ESL. Each course is five weeks long, and most students take one course at a time.
  2. If you choose to continue your education, most of the credits earned in this certificate program transfer toward our M.Ed. in Teaching English Learners, M.Ed. in English as a Second Language and Bilingual Education or it can fulfill requirements toward your focus of study in one of ACE’s Ed.D. programs.

What you can expect along the way.

  • Quality instruction ACE is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and we’re the #4 nationwide conferrer of M.Ed. degrees.*
  • Flexible class format Our asynchronous online classes enable you to plan your coursework around your life. Each course is 5 weeks long with outlined expectations each week.
  • Relevant coursework Our classes teach practical and immediately applicable skills. What you learn at ACE today can be immediately applied in your classroom tomorrow.
  • State-approved Some courses in the English as a Second Language and Bilingual Certificate are recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education as meeting the coursework requirements for an English as a Second Language endorsement and Bilingual Education endorsement.  

What it costs

Our tuition and fees have nothing to hide. The total cost you see is your all-in price, without hidden fees, add-ons, and even textbooks. See if you can say the same about other institutions. Go ahead — we’ll wait.

Total Tuition

18 semester credits
x $235 per credit

$4,230

Fees

$50 Application Fee

$720 Technology & Library Fee
($40 per credit)

$100 Program Conferral Fee

$870

Total Program Cost1

$5,100

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Partnerships save you more.

ACE has more than 1,750 education partners that provide a discounted rate and other partner benefits.

Learn about ACE partnerships.

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Meet your department chair.

Tiffany Hamlett, Ph.D.

Tiffany Hamlett, Ph.D.

Chair, Teaching and Learning,
Department of Teaching and Learning

Read Bio

Keep exploring.

Quality Without Question

We are, and have always been, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. This accreditation guarantees that our programs meet certain levels of quality standards.   

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Courses

Certificate in English as a Second Language and Bilingual Education

Explore the classes you'll take to fulfill this program's 18 semester credit requirement. For more information, a complete list of requirements, and course options, see the College Catalog.

ESL/BL/TESOL Courses (15 semester credits)

3 semester credits

An essential course for all educators, this course provides students with an understanding of the historical, political, social, cultural, and educational concepts and issues that affect linguistically and culturally diverse students in the educational system. A review of local, state, and federal policies regarding entitlement and appropriate school services for English language learners, and important program models are analyzed. Current theories of Second Language Acquisition (SLA), bilingualism, and socio-cultural theories are explored for their pedagogical implications and specific program models within and outside the U.S. are examined for their contributions to student academic achievement.

3 semester credits

Students in this course explore issues of assessment of second language learners within the larger framework of historical, social, cultural, and political contexts. Utilizing a variety of theoretical models related to second language acquisition and academic achievement, students 1) analyze the ways that second language students are diverse, 2) discuss equitable assessment of diverse learners, and 3) evaluate existing instruments for second language learners. Students examine and review relevant state standards for content matter learning and language proficiency, and examine how those are assessed in mandated, large-scale assessment and in classroom assessment (traditional and alternative).

3 semester credits

This course provides teachers methods for providing language and content instruction to second language learners. Students consider historical and current English as a second language (ESL) program models and second language acquisition theories, pedagogy, and methodology. Relevant federal, state, and local learning and assessment standards are reviewed and applied to their teaching. Students are guided in creating and presenting teaching units and lessons based on various methods, approaches, and techniques. Students discuss the selection, use, and evaluation of books, multimedia, technology, and other materials. Students examine the application of relevant learning and assessment standards to their teaching of second language learners.

3 semester credits

With the increase of limited-English-proficient students in urban environments, this course examines the impact of culture on society and the educational system, and the importance of culture in addressing the needs of immigrant students. It explores the dynamic processes of acculturation and cultural conflict. Students examine the role of culture in the American educational system and how ethno-linguistic groups contribute to the dynamics of the classroom. Students examine behavioral expectations and learning styles of students from different backgrounds, how that changes the classroom dynamics, and how teacher expectations can affect perceptual judgments of students. Students learn how to design culturally relevant instruction to further the academic success of diverse groups, and learn ways to foster collaborative and dynamic learning environments.

3 semester credits

Students in this course cover the following essential dimensions of linguistics and the acquisition of language: language and the brain, first and second language acquisition, major components of linguistics (phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and sociolinguistics), cognition and learning, and communicative competence. Emphasis is placed on implications for ESL and bilingual education teachers.

Teaching/Learning Core Courses (3 semester credits)

3 semester credits

This course reviews data related to the effectiveness of educational initiatives emphasizing evidence-based instructional design models used to assess and instruct students with diverse learning needs. Special attention is given to inclusion of traditionally underrepresented learner populations, i.e.; special education, LEP, economically disadvantaged, and ethnic minorities.

Admission Requirements

Certificate in English as a Second Language and Bilingual Education

ACE General Admission Requirements

  • Complete and submit all application components including the admission application, the enrollment agreement, and the payment agreement.
  • Submit the nonrefundable application fee.*
  • Provide official transcripts from a regionally accredited institution indicating successful completion of the level of education required for entry to the program.**

*The application fee is valid for one year from date of submission.
**Additional evidence may be required to fulfill state requirements, including but not limited to verification of professional experience, test scores, or an interview.

Program Admission Requirements

  • ​​Bachelor's or Highest Post-Baccalaureate degree earned from a Regionally Accredited Institution    
  • Minimum grade point average cumulative 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for full admission
  • Minimum cumulative grade point average 2.0 on a 4.0 scale for provisional admission

A Note About Licensure:

Students who complete certificates that are approved to lead to licensure, endorsement, or certification may be subject to additional requirements for the receipt of initial licensure, endorsement, or certification in the state in which they intend to teach or administrate.

Students are strongly encouraged to check licensure requirements in the state in which they intend to teach or administrate to determine whether they are eligible for licensure, endorsement, or certification. It is vitally important that students know and be continually aware of the requirements for licensure in their state. State licensing requirements and licensing agency information may be found here

1This is an estimated value of the cost for tuition and fees. Amounts may vary depending on number of transfer credits applied to the selected program hours or program pathway credit hours, the pace and satisfactory completion of the selected program or program pathway credit hours, receipt of, or eligibility for, institutional or non-institutional scholarship and/or grant amounts, and adjustments to tuition or fees as described in the Catalog Right to Modify Tuition section.

State of California Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF)

It is a state of California requirement that a student who pays his or her tuition is required to pay a state-imposed assessment two dollars and fifty cents ($2.50) per one thousand dollars ($1,000) of institutional charges, rounded to the nearest thousand dollars, for the California Student Tuition Recovery Fund. For more information and to see if you must pay the state-imposed assessment for Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) click here.

For information on international transcript requirements, see the Admissions Information section of the College Catalog.

For English as a second language applicant information, see the Admissions Information section of the College Catalog.

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