English as a Second Language Certificate of Graduate Study

The Certificate of Graduate Study in English as a Second Language (ESL) prepares you to work with English Language Learners (ELL) in K–12, college, and adult settings - both in the US and abroad. The program is recognized by TESOL/CAEP, a national accreditation body for ESL teacher education programs in the United States. Upon successful completion, students become eligible for state certification, which allows them to teach English as a Second Language in K-12 schools. 

You can take advantage of our accelerated timeline and complete state certification in nearly half the traditional time. By taking one additional class and by fulfilling the additional testing requirements, some students may also be eligible for the Bilingual/Bicultural Endorsement. 

Students may also apply the credits earned from the COGS in ESL to Rowan’s Master’s in Educational Leadership (M.Ed.) program. 

Teachers in the state of New Jersey may apply to the Certificate of Graduate Study in English as a Second Language (ESL) program through the New Jersey Teacher Outreach Program (NJTOP®). For more information about NJTOP, click here.

This is a part-time accelerated program requiring the completion of six graduate-level courses or 15 graduate semester hours. It is possible to complete this program in only 3-4 consecutive semesters. By taking one additional course and fulfilling additional testing requirements, ESL COGS students may be eligible for the Bilingual/Bicultural Endorsement. Credits earned may also be applied towards the Master of Education program.

Specific objectives for the ESL Certificate of Graduate Study program include:

• The development of multifaceted understandings of the unique needs, challenges, and experiences of English Language Learner (ELL) students in order to advocate for their success.
• The development of lesson and unit plans that integrate language and content for ELL students at various levels of English proficiency.
• The ability to instruct ELL students using cutting-edge, research-based teaching methods.

• 5 Courses / 15 Semester Hours
• Foundation Courses: No
• Graduation / Exit / Thesis Requirements: No

Note: The courses listed above are not official and are subject to change. For an official list of available courses please visit the Rowan Global section tally.

The following is a list of items required to begin the application process for the program. There may be additional actions or materials required for admission to the program. Upon receipt of the materials below, a representative from the Rowan Global Admissions Processing Office will contact you with confirmation or will indicate any missing items.

• Completed Application Form
• $65 (U.S.) non-refundable application fee
• Bachelor's degree (or its equivalent) from an accredited institution of higher learning
• Official transcripts from all colleges attended (regardless of number of credits earned)
• Current professional resume
• Two letters of recommendation
  • Letters of recommendation should be from professional administrators and include information, which attests to applicant's ability to pursue a graduate degree.
    • One letter from an individual familiar with your academic work
    • One should be from someone who can speak to your potential for teaching ESL
• Copy of NJ teaching certificate (Standard or CEAS only)
• Certificate Program Acknowledgement
• Essay
  • Topic: Professional statement that should be between 1–2 single-spaced pages and answer the following questions– Why do you want to teach English as a Second Language? How do you plan to impact English Language Learners, the school, and the community as an ESL teacher?
• Recommended minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (On a 4.0 scale)
• Evidence of ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) Scores - English
• Evidence of ACTFL Writing Language Proficiency (WPI) Scores - English
  • Consult with Rowan Global Admissions at global@rowan.edu for specific details regarding this requirement.
  • For in test information please visit languagetesting.com