University of Nebraska Kearney

English as a Second Language Endorsement 

Endorsement:  ESL Endorsement
Degree Level: Graduate
Credit Hours: 21 credit hours
Delivery Format: Online
Prerequisites: Bachelor’s degree and a standard teaching certificate 

The online English as a Second Language (ESL) Endorsement provides teachers with current approaches to teaching ESL students.  The program focuses on instructional methods, curriculum, and teaching materials that promote the mastery of English in order for students to achieve academically in all content areas.  All coursework is presented online.  This program is a 21 credit hour graduate supplemental endorsement which can be applied towards a Master of Curriculum and Instruction degree. The ESL Endorsement is approved by the Nebraska State Department of Education.  Students pursuing certification in other states must check with their State Department of Education for certification requirements.  To pursue this degree, students must have a Bachelor’s degree and a standard teaching certificate.  

Computer hardware, software and skills required: 

 Basic computer literacy is required to succeed as an online student. To decide if online learning is for you, click on http://www.unk.edu/acad/continuing_ed/ecampus/index.php?id=4788. To determine if you have the minimum hardware and software needed, log on to http://www.unk.edu/acad/continuing_ed/students/index.php?id=6213.

Required Courses = 21 credit hours 

ENG 803 - Descriptive Linguistics
FORL 800 - Curriculum Development & Research
FORL 810 - Second Language Acquisition
FORL 870P - TESOL
TE 816A* - Practicum in Education
TE 825 - English Language Learners:  Culture, Civil Rights & Advocacy     
TE 826 - Content Methods for Strategies for Teaching ESL

*Prior to enrolling in TE 816A, students must be approved by the KASE Office and Department Chair.  In addition, students must have taken at least 15 credit hours in the endorsement before they can do the practicum.

The University of Nebraska at Kearney is a mid-sized comprehensive public university. UNK is one of four institutions in the University of Nebraska system. In a typical year, UNK draws students from 47 states and 50 foreign countries with a total enrollment approaching 7,200 students.

Affordable - UNK has one of the lowest tuition rates in the country. For tuitions rates, click here.

Accredited Programs - UNK is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools and by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.