Effective Fall 2027
Cal State LA offers two post-baccalaureate TESOL certificate options for students seeking graduate-level preparation for working with multilingual learners. The two certificates serve different professional populations and levels of preparation.
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in TESOL for Educators — 12 units
The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in TESOL for Educators provides focused graduate-level academic and professional preparation for current and prospective educators who work with multilingual learners. It is designed particularly for teacher candidates, credential students, practicing teachers, and other educators who seek additional preparation in second language acquisition and evidence-based approaches to supporting English language development across educational settings.
The curriculum focuses on second language acquisition, TESOL methods and pedagogy, pedagogical grammar, and English for academic purposes.
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) — 18 units
The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) provides comprehensive foundational graduate-level preparation in the theory, research, and practice of teaching English to multilingual learners. It is designed particularly for students whose principal academic or professional preparation is outside TESOL or applied linguistics and who seek specialized preparation for teaching English in U.S. or international educational contexts.
The curriculum addresses second language acquisition, TESOL methods and pedagogy, pedagogical grammar, English for academic purposes, language assessment, sociolinguistic perspectives, and supervised teaching practice. The certificate consists of the six required core courses of the M.A. in TESOL.
Interested in a TESOL Certificate?
Many students who pursue TESOL certificates are already enrolled at Cal State LA and wish to add TESOL preparation to an existing degree, credential, or other academic program.
Current Cal State LA students interested in adding a TESOL certificate should first contact the Chair of the Department of Applied and Advanced Studies in Education for information about eligibility and the appropriate process for adding the certificate to their academic record.
M.A. in TESOL Students
M.A. in TESOL students should also consider requesting an applicable TESOL certificate before they graduate. Because TESOL certificate coursework overlaps substantially with the M.A. in TESOL curriculum, students who meet the applicable certificate requirements may be eligible to earn a certificate in addition to the M.A.
Students completing both an M.A. and a certificate must submit a separate certificate application in addition to their graduation application. Students should therefore make arrangements to add and apply for the certificate before their M.A. degree is awarded.
Application Information
New students apply to Cal State LA through Cal State Apply and must meet both University and program admission requirements. Current Cal State LA graduate or credential students should contact the TESOL Graduate Advisor before applying to determine the appropriate application process.
Program availability and eligibility for international applicants may vary by semester. The University Catalog is the official source for current curriculum and certificate requirements.