Graduate Certificate in English as a Second Language (ESL) Alternate Route

The graduate English as a Second Language (ESL) Alternate Route Certificate Program at WPUNJ offers courses, seminars, and field supervision leading to state certification in teaching English as a Second Language. Applicants to the English as a Second Language (ESL) Alternate Route Certificate Program must have a Certificate of Eligibility (CE) in ESL from the New Jersey Department of Education. Candidates can begin the program as non-degree students before being fully accepted, and must gain employment as a full-time ESL Teacher of Record to be accepted into this alternate route program. This 22-credit, two-year program is offered in a hybrid format which means that courses are offered on campus, on line, evenings and weekends. Candidates are coached in their classrooms by university supervisors and have an opportunity to reflect on and learn from their classroom experiences in online seminars each semester.

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and official transcripts from all institutions or higher learning attendedA cumulative minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scaleApplicants who do not need the minimum GPA requirement may supplement their application with additional evidence in support of their academic potential for successful completion of the certificate program. Meet the requirements for a NJDOE Certificate of Eligibility (CE) for ESL. Provide verification of full-time employment as an ESL Teacher of Record, or a letter of a promise of full-time employment with a start date within the first semester of classes. Complete a 50-hour pre-professional seminar/experience (at WPU, this is a zero-credit, fee-based course).