Online English as a Second Language Graduate Certificate
Graduates of our online ESL certificate program will be prepared to develop lesson and unit plans that integrate language and content for students with various levels of English proficiency.
Why choose Rowan Online's ESL certificate program?
A flexible ESL online certificate
Our online English as a Second Language (ESL) Certificate of Graduate Study program is designed for those who are interested in working with speakers of other languages in K–12, college, and adult settings, both in the US and abroad. Students in this program will learn how to develop lesson and unit plans that integrate language and content for students with various levels of English proficiency. Upon successful completion of the ESL Certificate of Graduate Study program, students become eligible for state certification, which allows them to teach English as a Second Language in K-12 schools.
By taking one additional course and fulfilling additional testing requirements, ESL COGS students may be eligible for the Bilingual/Bicultural Endorsement. Credits earned may also be applied towards the Master of Education program.
2025-2026 Academic Year
Credits, Cost & Completion Time
Credits
Per Credit
Months to Complete
Application Deadlines
Fall Module A Entry Deadline
Spring Module A Entry Deadline
Summer Module A Entry Deadline
Start Dates
Fall Module A Start Date
Spring Module A Start Date
Summer Module A Start Date
Studying ESL online at Rowan
Review course topics, tuition information and application requirements—all key pieces of Rowan’s online ESL graduate certificate program.
What You'll Learn
Rowan’s online English as a Second Language Certificate of Graduate Study program requires the completion of 15 credits (five courses).
Online ESL courses
- Issues of Language and Cultural Diversity in ESL/Bilingual Partnerships
- Linguistics and Second Language Acquisition for Teaching Languages
- Understanding Immigrant-Origin Students: Language, Culture and Mobility
- Planning, Teaching and Assessment in ESL Classrooms
- Integrating Language and Content in the ESL/Bilingual Education Classroom
Note: The course information above is not official and is subject to change. For an official list of available courses, please review the Rowan University Academic Catalog.
Information for New Jersey teachers
Teachers in the state of New Jersey may apply to the ESL program through the New Jersey Teacher Outreach Program (NJTOP®). For more information about NJTOP, click here.
The New Jersey Department of Education (N.J. D.O.E.), not Rowan University, grants certifications based on requirements set by the state. While coursework for this program meets the academic requirements for N.J. D.O.E. certification, it is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all other certification requirements are met, including, but not limited to, appropriate type and level of license and years of experience. N.J. D.O.E. certification requirements are subject to change. Certification applications are evaluated, by N.J. D.O.E., based on the most current state requirements. For current N.J. D.O.E. licensure information, visit here.
The Rowan Online Experience
You don’t have to step away from your career to earn a graduate certificate. Rowan Online offers asynchronous courses, active faculty engagement, part-time coursework and a platform that helps you stay connected to your peers and instructors when the time is right for you.
Admission Requirements
To begin the admission process for Rowan’s online ESL graduate certificate program, you must submit the following application materials. Once you apply, a representative from the Rowan University Office of Admissions will reach out to confirm your application or notify you of any missing information. There may be additional actions or materials required for admission to the program.
- Completed online application
- $65 (U.S.) non-refundable application fee
- Bachelor's degree (or its equivalent) from an accredited institution of higher learning
- Official transcripts from all colleges attended (regardless of number of credits earned)
- Current professional resume
- Two letters of recommendation
- Letters of recommendation should be from professional administrators and include information, which attests to applicant's ability to pursue a graduate degree.
- One letter from an individual familiar with your academic work
- One should be from someone who can speak to your potential for teaching ESL
- Letters of recommendation should be from professional administrators and include information, which attests to applicant's ability to pursue a graduate degree.
- Copy of NJ teaching certificate (Standard or CEAS only)
- Certificate Program Acknowledgement
- Essay
- Topic: Professional statement that should be between 1–2 single-spaced pages and answer the following questions– Why do you want to teach English as a Second Language? How do you plan to impact English Language Learners, the school, and the community as an ESL teacher?
- Recommended minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (On a 4.0 scale)
- Evidence of ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) Scores - English
- Evidence of ACTFL Writing Language Proficiency (WPI) Scores - English
- Consult with Rowan Global Admissions at global@rowan.edu for specific details regarding this requirement.
- For in test information please visit languagetesting.com
Tuition and Aid
Tuition for Rowan’s online ESL graduate certificate program is $877 per credit. This graduate rate reflects the high-quality instruction, faculty support and accessibility Rowan offers its students.
ESL Careers and Outcomes
As a student in our English as a Second Language Certificate of Graduate Study program, you will strengthen your skills and better position yourself to pursue a variety of careers in the field of Education. Check out the projected career outlook for a variety of job opportunities in Education.
Upcoming virtual information sessions and events
Have questions about earning a graduate certificate online? Rowan Online offers virtual info sessions that provide a closer look at the educational leadership degree program and Rowan as a whole. Hear from faculty, connect with admissions representatives and learn how the program supports scholar-practitioners through applied research and flexible coursework.
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