Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Minor

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Overview

The Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) minor prepares those who are interested in teaching English to those who speak another language.

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 or bilingual programs, and in other contexts that do not require state certification. The linguistics program also offers a ten-course Linguistics Major-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, but can be combined with any major in the College of Arts and Sciences, School of Health Professions and the Haub School of Business. Students who minor in TESOL typically also often pursue a major or minor in the following areas:

What Can I Do with a Minor in TESOL?

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 English language teachers 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.

Course Catalog Information

Related Programs

Linguistics

As a linguistics major at Saint Joseph’s University, you will study how languages work, where they come from, how they are used in society, how they are learned and how they change over time. You have the option of concentrating in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) or Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).

English

An English degree from Saint Joseph’s University offers excellent training for a broad range of careers, from public relations to teaching to journalism and beyond. Employers continue to seek talented and articulate individuals who can analyze complex situations, and a degree in English will teach you how to write both creatively and persuasively. 

Education - Elementary and Middle School (Grades 4 - 8)

For students aspiring to be elementary and middle grades teachers, Saint Joseph's University's courses emphasize instructional techniques, adolescent development, and the role of schools in society, child and adolescent development, and instructional techniques. Our distinguished faculty will challenge you to confront critical questions, learn pedagogical theories and practices, and understand the development of young minds. This program leads to Level 1 Teaching certification in Pennsylvania. With Level 1 certification in elementary education, teachers can test into teaching at other grade levels.