Programs in TESOL and Other Languages

We're thrilled you're interested in one of our programs!

Check out undergraduate and graduate programs in TESOL and other languages that UNI has to offer under the Department of Languages & Literatures.

Check out our:

TESOL programs
Spanish programs
French programs
Chinese programs
ASL undergraduate courses
FAQs - Are you wondering "What's the difference between ESL and TESOL?" or "Which program is right for me?" Be sure to read up on the FAQs.

FAQs

What's the difference between TESOL and English?

TESOL stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. Our TESOL programs include classes on linguistics, second language acquisition, and language teaching strategies. The main focus is on how people learn an additional language.

Our English programs focus on the study of literature, writing and rhetoric in English. Classes in English involve critical analysis and interpretation of texts as well as the creation of original creative works.

What's the difference between TESOL, ESL, and EL?

These acronyms are very similar and all refer to students who speak other languages but are learning English.

TESOL stands for teaching English to speakers of other languages. Using the term TESOL puts an emphasis on teachers and teaching practices. Also, using the phrase "additional language" rather than "second language" recognizes that English learners already have skills in their home language and sometime even speak multiple languages before they start learning English.
ESL stands for English as a second language. The state of Iowa commonly uses the acronym ESL to refer to classes where students are learning English. If you get your teaching license in Iowa, you will be considered ESL Certified or ESL Licensed and can teach ESL courses. This means you can teach students who are learning English.
EL means English learner and puts an emphasis on the students. ESL and EL might be used interchangeable to describe students and classes where the English language is taught to students who speak other languages.

What's the difference between a teaching license/certificate and an endorsement?

Our teaching license/certificate programs provide you with a well-rounded knowledge base to prepare you to become a teacher. Although you will specialize in a content area (e.g., TESOL), you will also receive training in general topics related to teaching (e.g., classroom management).

Our endorsement programs are for teachers who hold (or are seeking) a license in another content area or grade level and want to add the endorsement to that main license, giving them the ability to teach in an additional content area. Endorsement programs provide additional, specialized knowledge.

For example, you may be a certified History teacher who wants an additional endorsement in English as a second language (ESL), and you can apply for an endorsement program.

Another example: you may be a science education undergraduate student but are also passionate about English learners/ESL, so you choose to get a minor in TESOL so that you can teach both Science or ESL.

Which programs are fully online?

Currently, the department's only fully online program is the TESOL M.A. (we also have a parallel in-person TESOL M.A.).

Programs in TESOL and Other Languages

We're thrilled you're interested in one of our programs!

TESOL

Spanish

French

Chinese

ASL (American Sign Language)

FAQs