Graduate Certificate in Second Language Instruction

This is an archived copy of the 2024-2025 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.shsu.edu.

The Second Language Instruction certificate is designed for national and international in-service teachers who work with students learning English as a second or foreign language in elementary, secondary, university, or adult education programs. Courses include training in theoretical and applied linguistics, second language teaching methodology, and the cultural aspects of language learning, teaching, and assessment.

This certificate has been approved by the Higher Education Coordinating Board and is awarded by Sam Houston State University.  

This Graduate Certificate is eligible to receive Title IV funding – Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Graduate PLUS loans by request. To be considered for aid, students need to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Additional information: Reference the Program Landing Page for additional information, such as cost, delivery format, contact information, or to schedule a visit.

Applicants seeking admission to the graduate certificate in Second Language Instruction must submit the following directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions:

Spring 2025

  1. Graduate Application
  2. Application fee
  3. Official transcript from the baccalaureate degree-granting institution
  4. Minimum undergraduate or graduate GPA of a 3.0, either overall or in the last 60 credit hours

Fall 2024

  1. Graduate Application
  2. Application fee
  3. Official transcript from the baccalaureate degree-granting institution
Graduate Certificate in Second Language Instruction
Specified Courses
BESL 5302Social and Cultural Language Influences On Learning3
BESL 5304Second Language Acquisition and Development3
BESL 5311Applied Linguistics in ESL/EFL Settings3
BESL 5313English as a Second/Foreign Language (ESL/EFL) Methodology3
Total Hours12

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) marketable skills initiative is part of the state’s 60x30TX plan and was designed to help students articulate their skills to employers.  Marketable skills are those skills valued by employers and/or graduate programs that can be applied in a variety of work or education settings and may include interpersonal, cognitive, and applied skill areas.

The Graduate Certificate in Second Language Instruction is designed to provide graduates with the following marketable skills: 

  • Culturally responsive teaching skills
  • Best practice instructional skills
  • Lesson design and planning
  • Curriculum development
  • Working with cultural and linguistically diverse families