Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Minor

What is the Minor in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages?

Saint Joseph’s Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) is a six-course minor that provides essential training for the task of teaching the English language. You’ll be prepared to teach English at home or abroad in private language schools, community centers, bilingual programs and in other contexts that do not require state certification. Saint Joseph's linguistics major also offers a TESOL concentration.

Ways to Study TESOL at Saint Joseph's University

The TESOL minor is often paired with a degree in English, education or a foreign language. However, this minor can be combined with any major in the College of Arts and Sciences, School of Health Professions or the Haub School of Business. Students who minor in TESOL also typically pursue a major or minor in the following areas:

• Linguistics
• Early childhood, PK-4
• Elementary and middle school grades 4-8
• Secondary education grades 7-12
• Elementary/special education dual major
• Special education studies minor
• Foreign Languages such as Spanish, Italian or French

What Can I Do with a TESOL Minor?

While completion of a TESOL minor does not certify you to teach English as a second or foreign language, it does offer undergraduates numerous professional and volunteer opportunities. TESOL can be combined with any number of majors or minors and enhances your applications for fellowships such as the Fulbright Program. The coursework also provides a general background for related graduate study and equips you to serve as an English language teacher in the United States and in other countries.

How Will Saint Joseph's University Prepare Me for a Career Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages?

Students who are interested in TESOL might be interested in studying linguistics, including areas such as dialectology and forensic linguistics. A minor in TESOL incorporates important pedagogical training that prepares you to teach English with both cultural and linguistic sensitivity. This minor opens doors to opportunities to travel, live and work around the globe.