Pair your globally minded major with a minor in teaching English as a second language (TESL) and increase your career opportunities.
Why Minor in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL)?
The TESL minor prepares you to teach English to non-native speakers of English, either in community programs in the United States or in an overseas location.
You'll gain an understanding of how languages are acquired; increase your knowledge of English forms, meanings and uses; and develop the skills you need to teach English.
Note: The minor does not lead to state teaching certification or licensure. ESL teaching licensure is offered only at the graduate level.
Why Study Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) at CSUN?
Committed to Your Success
We are committed to our students' success and are focused on equity and inclusion. Our faculty members are dedicated to excellence in teaching, research and service, with the knowledge that an appreciation of linguistic and cultural diversity is a crucial aspect of an inclusive society.
Experienced Teachers
You'll receive advanced training in the theoretical and practical aspects of English instruction through courses taught by experienced CSUN faculty. Coursework deals with the specific approaches to teaching English to people whose native language is not English.
A Strong Foundation
You'll gain a basic knowledge of linguistic theory in phonetics, phonology, morphology and syntax, plus a basic knowledge of TESL theory, practice, methodology and assessment. And you'll understand the relationship between language use and culture.
What You'll Learn
To begin, you'll take core courses in language, grammar and linguistics, such as:
- Fundamentals for TESL
- Approaches to Linguistic Analysis
- Grammar for Teaching English as a Second Language
- Language Development and Acquisition
You'll then choose elective courses, such as:
- Advanced Expository Writing for Teachers
- Sociolinguistics
- Intercultural Communication
- Comparative Structures of Spanish and English