About English as a Second Language
As a UW English as a Second Language student, you will learn about cultural differences, the theories behind second language acquisition and methods for teaching ESL while also gaining first-hand experience observing and teaching ESL lessons. The program culminates with an internship that will give you experience working with ESL learners in PK-12 classrooms and adult learning settings. Read our FAQs if you have questions
Get your questions answered and learn more about UW's ESL certificate program.
If you are currently enrolled in a graduate program at UW, you can add the ESL graduate
certificate to your transcripts!
Required Documents
Upload unofficial copies of transcripts (official copies should be sent to UW Admissions)
How To Apply
Please visit our program admission page for more details, the online application, program change form and more!
What Can You Do with an English as Second Language Graduate Certificate?
An ESL graduate certificate equips you with skills to better support English language learners and enhance your overall teaching. With growing demand for ESL educators, it can open doors to new job opportunities, career advancement and roles in both K–12 and adult education settings.
- Spanish teacher/ESL
- ESL teacher
- DLI teacher (Dual Language Immersion)
- Mainstream classroom teacher
- Principal
- Assistant professor
- Instructor of English Language Learning
- International student advisor
Absolutely! Wyoming Department of Education data shows that English language learners have increased by 20.94% in the state since 2010, driving a demand for highly qualified English as a Second Language educators. More and more school districts are adding Dual Language Immersion programs and value teachers with these credentials.
The certificate program can lead to K-12 ESL Endorsement from the Wyoming Professional Teaching Standards Board to add to you elementary or secondary teaching license. This additional credential will expand your marketability as an educator who is an expert in ESL teaching and learning. Undergraduate students can take these courses as electives to add the endorsement to their future teaching license.
Yes, you can! This program is designed with flexibility in mind. Courses are offered on-campus or online, and many of our participants are active in-service teachers or preservice teachers.
“I would encourage anyone and everyone to get out there and take the ESL endorsement. It’s beneficial for mainstream teachers and ESL teachers to have strategies and methods to bring into your classroom to best suit the needs of all your students."
- Shelby Jorgenson | B.S. '15
