Certificate in Teaching College English

Total Credit Hours: 18          Format: Hybrid

This online certificate prepares majors from any discipline to pursue teaching opportunities with English Language Learners (ELLs) in corporate settings and in private language schools in the United States and internationally. It combines a theoretical foundation in Second Language Acquisition (SLA) with practical experience. No previous background in linguistics is required for admission. Some background in a second language is recommended. It may be combined with any degree program.

The courses are designed to accommodate different needs and learning styles through computer-based, online instruction using synchronous and asynchronous multimedia tools: Wimba voice boards, virtual classrooms, and online social environments such as Second Life. These approaches allow for flexibility in scheduling for students. Students will be trained in using all necessary technology and supported throughout the course by faculty.

This stand-alone certificate is available for students who are not currently enrolled at Valdosta State University, subject to application and successful admission. International students must demonstrate competence in English by meeting the TOEFL score prescribed by university admissions.

Program Coordinator: Dr. Anne Greenfield, email: algreenfield@valdosta.edu, phone: 229-333-5946 

Deparment of English

ADMISSION DEADLINES

• Fall Semester: July 15
• Spring Semester: November 15
• Summer Semester: April 15

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Visit the Deparment of English Website for Additional Admission Requirements

Online Graduate Application

• Application Fee (credit or debit card and e-checks accepted)
• Apply Online

Proof of Bachelor's & Master's Degrees

• Transcripts of coursework completed in-residence at VSU will be obtained by the Graduate School

VSU MEDICAL FORM

• The form must be completed and signed by the student/applicant.
• This form must be received prior to enrollment, NOT prior to admission.
• Applicants who are currently enrolled, and those who attended VSU in the past, are not required to resubmit the Medical Form

Verification of Lawful Presence 

• This is not required for individuals who do not qualify for in-state tuition or a residency waiver.
• This must be received prior to enrollment (if applicable), NOT prior to admission.
• Citizenship documentation is needed for any applicant who wishes to be considered for in-state tuition.
• Complete list of accepted documents and information on residency. 

Unless otherwise indicated above, all required documents must be received on or before the admission deadline for your file to be reviewed. It is the applicant's responsibility to allow adequate time for document delivery and to en-sure receipt of documents. Please allow at least 7-10 days for delivery by mail.

HAVE QUESTIONS?

• Call Us: 229-333-5694 
• Email Us: gradschool@valdosta.edu
• Visit Us: Converse Hall (Main Campus), Third Floor, Suite 3100

For additional program details contact the Program Coordinator: Dr. Anne Greenfield, email: algreenfield@valdosta.edu, phone: 229-333-5946. 

Completion Requirements

1. Students must complete an application for graduation one semester prior to their expected graduation date.
2. A 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) is required for graduation. No grade below a “C” will be credited toward the degree.
3. Students must successfully complete comprehensive written and oral examinations, or the thesis and oral defense.

T-5 Certification

Students wishing to obtain T-5 certification may do so after the completion of the M.A. program, provided they have a T-4 certificate and complete the professional education courses required for T-5 certification by the State Department of Education.

Completion/Graduation Requirements Page - English Program

Retention Requirements

1. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 for all graduate courses. 

2. Earning grades below “B” in graduate courses will result in the following consequences: Students admitted Fall 2011 and thereafter will be dismissed from the Graduate School if they accumulate three or more academic deficiency points unless otherwise indicated by individual program policy. A grade of “C” (although it may be credited toward a degree) equals one deficiency point. A grade of “D,” “WF” or “F,” or “U” (none of which will be credited toward a degree) equals two deficiency points. Candidates admitted BEFORE Fall 2011 and receiving two grades below “C” (“D”, “F”, “WF”,“U”) will be dismissed from the program. One grade below a "C" results in a warning.

3. If dismissed from the program, the student must wait a minimum of two semesters and obtain approval from the academic department, before applying for readmission. The academic program reserves the right to place specific conditions and contingencies on any offer of readmission. Readmission is not guaranteed and prior academic performance and conduct in the program will be considered. 

4. After admission, courses taken more than seven years prior to the semester of degree completion cannot be used to meet graduate degree requirements or admission to doctoral candidacy requirements unless otherwise indicated by individual program requirements. 

5. No more than 6 semester hours of academic work may be transferred from another institution into a master’s-level graduate program. This credit must be documented in the form of an official transcript at the time of admission. Transfer credit will be evaluated after admission by the academic department. To be eligible, credit must be no more than seven years old at the time of admission unless otherwise approved by the program.

6. Students must receive a grade of B or better in the fourth sequence course of a foreign language or a passing grade in a reading proficiency examination administered by the Department of Modern and Classical Languages.

7. Students entering the literature emphasis without an undergraduate degree in English or an English minor or its equivalent must complete the following requirements prior to enrollment in graduate-level coursework: ENGL 3060; ENGL 3210 and ENGL 3215; ENGL 3110 and ENGL 3120-all with a grade of "B" or higher in each and prior to enrollment in graduate-level courses. Students entering the rhetoric and composition emphasis without an undergraduate degree in English or an English minor or its equivalent must complete the following requirements prior to enrollment in graduate-level coursework: three hours of either 3210 or 3215; and three hours of either 3110 or 3120-all with a grade of "B" or higher in each and prior to enrollment in graduate-level courses.

Retention, Dismissal, & Readmission Policies Page - English Program