Mar 28, 2024  
2015-2016 EIU Graduate Catalog 
    
2015-2016 EIU Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Elementary Education: Graduate Certificate in English as a Second Language (ESL) Instruction


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Certificate Program Mission: The Certificate in ESL Instruction is designed for educators who hold a valid teaching license, have previous coursework/experience in reading and language arts methods and want to develop their professional knowledge and skills in regard to teaching English as a second language to students (i.e., Pre-School to Grade 12).  Although this Certificate does not result in the ESL Endorsement with the State of Illinois, these graduate courses may be applied toward the requirements for the ESL Endorsement in Illinois, including ESL clinical experiences equal to 100 clock hours.

Certificate Admission Requirements: This certificate is available to licensed teachers who can provide documentation of prior coursework/experience in reading and language arts methods.  Non-licensed individuals who can document prior coursework/experience in reading and language arts and who want to develop their professional knowledge and skills in regard to teaching English as a second language will be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis. To be eligible for admission to the certificate program, applicants must meet all of the requirements for admission to the Graduate School that include verification of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution approved by Eastern Illinois University.  In addition, documentation of a minimum undergraduate cumulative grade point average of 3.0 within the last 60 hours of undergraduate study (or 3.0 GPA in the first 12 hours of graduate coursework) is required.  The applicant must submit an Application for Admission to the Graduate School and an Application for Admission to the Certificate Program through the Department of Early Childhood, Elementary and Middle Level Education.

Degree Audit: The graduate plan of study is the EIU Degree Audit, which is generated automatically in the Degree Audit Reporting System (DARS) at the time of degree or certificate candidacy. Modifications of the standard EIU Degree Audit are submitted by the graduate coordinator to the certification officer in the Graduate School at the time modifications are approved. The Degree Audit serves as an unofficial summary of requirements for the program. Degree and certificate candidates are advised to review the comprehensive summary of the Degree Audit process specified on the “Requirements for All Degree and Certificate Candidates” section of the Graduate Catalog. Individual programs may require candidates to submit plans of study in addition to the Degree Audit, candidates should consult with the program coordinator.

 

Curriculum Requirements


The Department of Early Childhood, Elementary and Middle Level Education Certificate in ESL Instruction requires 18 semester hours of study including both required and elective courses.  

Total Credits: 18

Courses Applicable toward a Specific Concurrent or Future Degree Program


Upon approval from the graduate coordinator, a minimum of fifteen graduate course credits completed for the certificate program may be applied to a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education at Eastern Illinois University to fulfill requirements for the emphasis in ESL instruction.  All courses applied to the certificate or degree program must be completed within the six-year time limit.  All other regulations established by the Graduate School pertaining to degree study will be applicable to the courses if used toward a concurrent or future degree program.

 

EIU seniors may enroll for courses under the “Reserve Graduate Credit” option; but will be required to meet the standard admission requirements to be admitted to the certificate program after completion of the baccalaureate degree.  Meeting the requirement to take courses under the reserve graduate credit option does not guarantee admission to the certificate program or the Master’s Degree in Elementary Education.

Courses Applicable toward Concurrent or Future Additional Certificate Programs


Each separate certificate program must include 9 semester hours of new coursework that cannot be shared with a concurrent or future certificate program. With department approval, up to 9 semester hours of coursework may be shared with a concurrent or future certificate program. Certificate candidates should check with program coordinators for department specific policies.

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