The Minor in Second Language Education provides opportunities for undergraduate subject area majors to complete a sequence of courses that helps them prepare for careers as teachers of English to speakers of other languages (ESOL) in US schools and/or prepare them for roles as teachers of English as a foreign language (EFL) in international settings. If the undergraduate pursuing the minor desires to enter the ESOL teacher preparation track, the candidate may apply for the one year MCERT Program option. Completed courses in the minor that meet program requirements will be applied to the certification program requirements.
The Minor in Second Language Education includes coursework from the Department of Teaching and Learning, Policy and Leadership (TLPL). The curriculum provides a foundation in second language learning and pedagogy, cross-cultural issues and understanding, and curricular and pedagogical issues that support reading and writing in a second language context. Several of the courses include field components that provide candidates with direct experience in working with second language learners. The minor incorporates coursework required for Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) certification from the Maryland State Department of Education.
Students interested in the Minor in Secondary Education can apply at any time. In order to add the minor, a student must have a minimum 2.00 cumulative UMD GPA.
Students interested in learning more about the Minor in Second Language Education can contact the Office of Student Services via email.
Students currently registered in the Minor in Second Language Education should contact educminors@umd.edu for advising assistance.
The Minor in Second Language Education consists of 15 credits (5 classes). Please consult the undergraduate catalog for more information. The following courses are required:
| TLPL 440 (Fall Only) - Issues in the Education of Language Learners (3 credits) |
| TLPL 442 (Fall Only) - Foundations of Literacy & Biliteracy Development (3 credits) |
| TLPL 443 - Understanding Cross-Cultural Communication for Teaching English Language Learners (3 credits)* |
| TLPL 444 (Spring Only) - English Grammar Pedagogy for Teachers of English Language Learners (3 credits) |
| TLPL 441(Spring Only) - Pedagogy of Teaching English Language Learners (3 credits)* |
| * courses that include required field experiences |
All courses presented for the minor must be passed with a grade of "C" or better. A cumulative GPA of 2.5 is required for enrollment in the secondary education introductory methods course required for your subject area. No more than six of the required credits (two courses) may be taken at an institution other than the University of Maryland - College Park.
The minor incorporates coursework required for TESOL teacher certification from the Maryland State Department of Education; however, this minor does NOT satisfy ALL of the requirements for teacher certification. Undergraduate students wishing to become certified in TESOL are encouraged to apply to our five-year integrated Master's certification program in Second Language Education.
Admission to the Minor in Second Language Education is available on an ongoing basis.