ESL Instruction
Certificate
The Graduate Certificate in ESL Instruction allows teachers with an initial teacher license in Massachusetts to earn an endorsement for an additional license in English as a Second Language.
Program overview
A path to ESL licensure
Schools across the state of Massachusetts need more teachers licensed in English as a Second Language. Through this certificate, you’ll be able to build on your initial teacher license and earn an endorsement for an additional license in English as a Second Language through the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
You’ll choose to focus your studies on grades pre-K through 8 or 5 through 12 and gain expertise through subject-based knowledge and field experiences. This certificate will not only deepen your expertise to meet a broader range of students’ needs, but also create new professional opportunities within your career.
Schools across the state of Massachusetts need more teachers licensed in English as a Second Language. Through this certificate, you’ll be able to build on your initial teacher license and earn an endorsement for an additional license in English as a Second Language through the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
You’ll choose to focus your studies on grades pre-K through 8 or 5 through 12 and gain expertise through subject-based knowledge and field experiences. This certificate will not only deepen your expertise to meet a broader range of students’ needs, but also create new professional opportunities within your career.
- Massachusetts ranks as the best state to be a teacher, with some of the highest performing schools and best salaries in the country (U.S. News & World Report, 2025).
- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of teachers is expected to grow approximately 5% by 2031. Teachers who specialize in fields such as mathematics, science, and bilingual education or are willing to work in urban districts, rural areas, or states with increasing populations will be in greater demand.
- In 2024–2025, the staffing retention rate for teachers in Massachusetts was 89.7%, which is higher than the national average (Massachusetts Department of Education).
Admissions
Apply to the program
A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and real-world professional experience in your area of interest. Apply to take your career to the next level.
A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and real-world professional experience in your area of interest. Apply to take your career to the next level.
Our admissions process operates on a rolling basis; however, we do recommend the application guidelines below to ensure you can begin during your desired start term:
Domestic Application Guidelines
International Application Guidelines*
*International deadlines are only applicable if the program is F1 compliant.
Online application
Professional resumé
Unofficial, personal copies of transcripts from all colleges and universities attended; official transcripts are required at the time of enrollment
The Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) is a required assessment of all transcripts and documents. Please review the FCE requirements by country.
Please refer to the CPS Apply Now page to learn about additional materials that may be required
Program objectives
Prepare for success
This graduate certificate is designed to not only support your career in education, but also to help you more fully support your students.
Earn an endorsement for an additional license in English as a Second Language for grades pre-K through 8 or 5 through 12.
Gain comprehensive subject-based knowledge and practical field experiences in ESL instruction.
Address the critical need for more ESL-licensed teachers in Massachusetts by creating an essential pathway for professional development.
Deepen your expertise to effectively serve a diverse range of English language learners.
Connect with us
Want more information?
We’re here to answer your questions about this program, the application process, and more. Complete the form below to receive additional program details and speak with a member of our enrollment team.
Degree building
Stack your certificate
Earning a graduate certificate is a fast and affordable way to acquire specialized skills while building toward your master’s degree. Upon completion of this certificate program, you may be able to apply your credits to an eligible master’s program, saving time and money on your degree.
Some of the eligible master’s programs for this certificate include:
Contact an enrollment counselor to learn more about eligibility requirements.
Cost of attendance
Tuition and financial aid
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$18,240Tuition in USD
Estimated Total Tuition
This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2025-2026 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time. Select programs at select campuses offer additional scholarships of up to 25% off the listed price for domestic students studying on campus. For more detailed information, please visit Student Financial Services.
For students interested in pursuing financial assistance or educational loans, additional educational costs, known as Cost of Attendance (COA) components, can be included in the calculation of aid and loan eligibility. Components may include food, housing, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, personal expenses, and the cost of obtaining a first professional licensure. You can find comprehensive details on the Student Financial Services website. Please keep in mind that COA can vary significantly depending on academic program, enrollment intensity, and individual circumstances.
There are many ways to pay for your education, including scholarships, financial aid, and more. Connect with a financial counselor to learn about your options and make your dream a reality.
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