ɬÀï·¬

Woman in front of whiteboard

Graduate Certificate Teaching English as a Second Language

ɬÀï·¬

Red Location IconProgram Location
Off-Campus
(Lachine or Downtown)

Red Student IconStart Term
Fall & Winter Semesters

Red Book IconProgram Type
Coursework

Red Calendar IconSchedule
Part-Time

Red Clipboard IconCredits
15 Credits

Red Clock IconAverage Duration
1 Year

Ìý

Ìý

Red Student IconAdministered by
Department of Integrated Studies in Education (DISE)

Ìý

Have questions?

Cert.dise [at] mcgill.ca (Contact a Student Affairs Coordinator)

Ìý

The Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) Graduate Certificate is designed as professional development for in-service teachers and candidates with a background in education, language studies, linguistics, or related fields. It can also serve as preparation for an M.A. in Second Language Education.ÌýCourses are offered in a combination of online and face-to-face formats, and sequenced in such a way that students can complete the certificate in one year.ÌýPlease note that this is a part-time program and is only open to Canadian and permanent resident applicants.Ìý

Full Program Details from the Course Catalogue

Teaching English as a Second Language (Gr. Cert.) (15 credits)

Offered by: Integrated Studies in EdÌý(Faculty of Education) Ìý Ìý
Program credit weight: 15

Program Description

This 15-credit certificate is designed as professional development for in-service teachers and candidates with a background in education, language studies, linguistics, or a related field, or as preparation for application to our M.A. in Second Language Education. The five courses that comprise the certificate provide a solid background and offer in-depth study in the field of second-language education from a range of perspectives and with a focus on research and applications to teaching. Please note that this certificate does not lead to teacher certification.

The Graduate Certificate in TESL is designed to be available to students worldwide. Courses are offered in a combination of online and face-to-face formats, and sequenced in such a way that students can complete the certificate in one year. The maximum time for completion is five years. The first three courses are offered online, and can be undertaken anywhere an Internet connection is available. The final two courses are offered face-to-face either on-site at ɬÀï·¬ or at off-site locations with collaborative partners, if numbers warrant.

Please click here for information on additional requirements for students pursuing this online program:
/study/university_regulations_and_resources/graduat...

Required Courses (6 credits)

Course Title Credits
EDSL 500Foundations and Issues in Second Language Teaching and Learning3

Foundations and Issues in Second Language Teaching and Learning

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Introduction to various theories and methodological approaches to second language teaching from the perspective of contributing disciplines (e.g., linguistics, psychology, sociology and education). Overview of theory and research in second language acquisition, including factors affecting how second languages are learned, with applications in classroom contexts.

EDSL 512Grammar in Teaching English as a Second Language.3

Grammar in Teaching English as a Second Language.

Terms offered: Summer 2026

Analysis of English grammar at phonological, morphological, syntactic, semantic, and discourse levels. Applications are made to second language teaching and learning, focusing on integrating grammar into communicative language approaches.

Complementary Courses (9 credits)

3 credits from:Ìý

Course Title Credits
EDTL 607Language and Policy in Quebec Education.3

Language and Policy in Quebec Education.

Terms offered: Summer 2026

Structure and organization of education in Quebec considered from historical, political, language, social, administrative and legal perspectives. Enables students to contribute to the educational system in their roles as leaders of educational thought and change. All addressed through the development of professional competencies.

Or any 600-level EDSL course (500-level course may be taken with approval of the Graduate Program Director)

0 or 6 credits from:Ìý

Course Title Credits
EDSL 601Methods and Curriculum in Second Language Teaching 1.3

Methods and Curriculum in Second Language Teaching 1.

Terms offered: Summer 2026

Applications of current theories and models of second language development and their implications for teaching all language skills (reading, writing, speaking, listening), including lesson planning, materials selection and development, activities and assessment in various formal and community second language education settings. Principles and methods for formative and summative assessment.

EDSL 602Methods and Curriculum in Second Language Teaching 2.3

Methods and Curriculum in Second Language Teaching 2.

Terms offered: Summer 2026

Continuation of topics covered in EDSL 601 with further applications. Exploration of the kinds of information needed to make educational decisions in second language courses, different techniques for collecting that information, and ways for interpreting it.

Note: These two courses are taught on-site at ɬÀï·¬ in an intensive (6-week) summer institute with a practicum component.

0 or 6 credits from:Ìý

Course Title Credits
EDTL 635Applied Methods in Second Language Education.3

Applied Methods in Second Language Education.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

The development of appropriate strategies for the teaching of second languages in diverse, contemporary contexts in a variety of programs types and levels. Addressed through the development of professional competencies. Parts of this course may be undertaken in school settings.

EDTL 636Adv. Applied Methods in Second Language Education.3

Adv. Applied Methods in Second Language Education.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

The development of appropriate strategies for the teaching of second languages in diverse, contemporary contexts in a variety of program types and levels. Mobilization of digital technologies and relevant Quebec Ministry of Education professional competencies for teachers.

Ìý

Eligibility (Admission Criteria)

Applicants should meet the following requirements:

  1. Possess anÌýundergraduate degree.
  2. AÌýminimum CGPA of 3.0 out of 4.0, or a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.2 out of 4.0 in the last two years of full-time studies.ÌýInternational applicants can look upÌýgrade equivalencies on ɬÀ﷬’s Future Graduate Students website.
  3. Formal or informal teaching experience.
  4. Proficiency in English.ÌýApplicants to graduate studies whose mother tongue is not English and who have not obtained an undergraduate or graduate degree from a recognized foreign institution where English is the language of instruction, or from a recognized institution in Canada or the US (anglophone or francophone), must submit documented proof of proficiency in oral and written English.
  • IELTS with a minimum overall band of 7.0; (with a minimum writing score of 7.0); or
  • TOEFL:iBT (Internet-based test) – total score of 92 with a minimum score of 22 each for the Writing and Speaking sections and a minimum of 20 each for the Reading and Listening sections and PBT (paper-based test) – 580
(The Department reserves the right to evaluate the applicant's language proficiency before initial registration and at the time of application.)

Ìý

Application Process & Required Documents

All applications are done throughÌý. The application steps and instructional video are on the University'sÌýFuture Graduate Students website. The following documents must be part of your application: (Note that all uploaded documents to the portal must be in PDF format.)

  1. A completeÌýapplication formÌý(accompanied by your application fee payment).
  2. A current working CV/resume.
  3. A copy of yourÌýunofficial transcriptsÌýfrom all previous university-level studies (undergraduate and graduate).Ìý Official transcripts are required to be submitted byÌýthose who gain admission to the program. (Instructions on sending official transcripts will be sent upon acceptance.)
  4. Letters of Reference:ÌýWithin the online application, applicants must provide valid institutional e-mail addresses forÌýtwo (2) referencesÌý(past or current);Ìýone from a university-level instructor and the second from a professional who has supervised you in a formal or informal education or youth sector position. If you have experience working in a formal school setting, one letter must be from a school or school board administrator qualified to assess your professional abilities. ɬÀï·¬ will contact the referees directly to submit their letters of reference.
  5. Personal StatementÌý(2-page maximum, double-spaced, Times New Roman 12pt font, 1 inch margins). Applicants should demonstrate a clear motivation for pursuing their graduate certificate. Moreover, this letter of intent shouldÌýspecifyÌýyour relevant academic and professional experience,Ìýthe importance of subject matter expertise, as well as your commitment to the teaching profession and its societalÌýimpacts.
  6. English Language Proficiency Test Score (if applicable):ÌýPlease arrange for test scores (TOEFL, IELTS) to be sent to ɬÀï·¬ directly from the testing agency. You must indicate the ɬÀï·¬ institution code: 0935.

Ìý

Application Deadlines
Complete applications must be received by the date indicated below.
  • ÌýFall admission (Canadian applicants): June 1Ìý

Due to the part-time nature of the Graduate Certificate TESL, this program is not offered to international students.

Ìý

What to Expect After Submitting your Application

Recommended candidates will receive a "Recommendation of Acceptance" email according to the schedule below, confirming that their application has been reviewed and is being transmitted to ɬÀï·¬'s Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (GPS). Successful candidates will be contacted via email with an official offer of admission. Candidates are then required to confirm their acceptance via their . Fall Semester admissions can expect a confirmation in July.

Back to top