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Prepare to Teach English Language Learners

Bethel University’s online English as a New Language Licensure program prepares you to help non-native speakers improve their English skills and thrive in the classroom. Coursework for the ESL certification online (ENL Licensure) program emphasizes the unique needs of those for whom English is not a first language. You will gain valuable ENL experience and build a toolkit of resources for multiple teaching contexts such as push-in/pull-out and dual-language immersion.

Featuring a curriculum of key topics like ENL theories, leaner methods, linguistics and more, this ESL teacher certification program prepares you to work with English language learners and to obtain either elementary or secondary licensure, based on your initial license. It is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and can be completed in just one year. In this program, you will learn from seasoned faculty who offer the personal support and subject-matter expertise you need for success.

The fully online format of the ESL certification online program allows you to study on a flexible schedule that works for you. Upon completion, you will have the knowledge and skills to make a difference in the lives of ENL students and take the next step in your career.

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Accreditation

Bethel University’s English as a New Language program, which leads to licensure is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Bethel is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to grant bachelor’s and master’s degrees. The Higher Learning Commission is one of six regional accrediting agencies in the United States. Institutional accreditation evaluates an entire institution and accredits it as a whole.

Related Programs

Obtaining a License in Another State

The State of Indiana has a compact agreement with most states. That means that if you hold a valid Indiana license, it should be relatively easy to obtain a license in most states. It is important to obtain your Indiana license first. Other states may have different requirements than Indiana regarding coursework, testing or GPA.

To obtain information for out-of-state licensing, please contact the Department of Education within the state you are seeking licensure. Please visit the United States Department of Education website and select the particular state of interest for license requirements and application procedures.

For current information regarding out-of-state licensing, please visit the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) website.

Have questions? Please contact the Bethel University Education Department, Licensing Advisor.

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Request more information about this program and gain access to our knowledgeable enrollment team.
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Program Details

Next Start Date: 10/20/2024
Credit Hours: 12
Cost/Credit: 480
Transfer Credits: 0
Est. Completion Time: Less than one year
Accreditation: NCATE/CAEP

Course Requirements

Bethel’s English as a New Language Licensure program (ESL online) features a required core of teacher education coursework, which includes 12 of credits of licensure coursework.

  • ▸ English as a New Language Licensure

    • EDUC 515: Foundations of ENL: Theories, Laws, and Processes (3)
    • EDLT 521: English Language Learning (3)
    • EDUC 540: Introduction to Linguistics (3)
    • Based on your initial license, one of the following:
      • EDUC 533: Elementary English Learner Methods (3)
      • EDUC 534: Secondary English Learner Methods (3)
    Depending on learner method course chosen, licensure allows for ESL teaching certification at either the elementary or secondary grade level. Students may choose to complete the full M.Ed. program for qualification in K-12 settings.
Program consists of:

4

Total Courses
Earn your degree faster by transferring credits.
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Admission Requirements

Candidates for Bethel’s online English as a New Language Licensure program will need to submit the following:
  • Online graduate application.
  • Official transcripts for any undergraduate or graduate work.
  • A 300-word (or more) autobiography, including information about the candidate’s recent work in education, reason for seeking entry into the program and significant events in his or her career. Candidates should define their character in terms of basic values, commitment to graduate studies, their philosophy and their worldview.
  • An updated resumé.
  • Two letters of recommendation. A form is sent electronically for candidates to share.
  • A current Indiana teaching license.*

Candidates must also schedule an interview prior to admission.

* If a candidate’s license is expired, he or she may renew through the course of study.

Tuition and Fees

Bethel has long been touted for its value. We were ranked No. 2 on Washington Monthly’s Best Bang for the Buck-Midwest list, listed as one of the 50 Best Value Christian Colleges, and have made it to the top tier of U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Regional Universities-Midwest” list for fifteen consecutive years.

*Fees are charged per semester unless otherwise noted. Depending on transfer credits, the number of semesters required for completion will affect total cost.

*Transferring any graduate-level credits must be petitioned with the department for approval.

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Payment Plan

Bethel University has a monthly installment plan available through Nelnet Campus Commerce. Enrollment can be completed online by accessing the student billing link through MyBethel or by calling 800.609.8056. Students will be charged an enrollment fee of $40.

Total cost with max. transfer credits:

$5,850

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Financial Aid

Bethel University is committed to ensuring that all our students receive an affordable education.
We offer financial aid based on need, and military benefits and are proud to offer extraordinarily competitive tuition rates.
FAFSA Information
To learn more about your financial aid options or submit a FAFSA, please see our Financial Aid page.
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Transfer Credits

Bethel is committed to helping you make the most of your previous educational experiences. Visit our Transfer Credits page to learn more.
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Career Outcomes

Earning an ESL certification online prepares graduates for career advancement in roles such as the following. Career information from PayScale.com.

  • ▸ English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher/English as a New Language (ENL) Teacher

    ESL and ENL teachers are responsible for teaching the English language to students who are not native speakers. They help students speak, read, write and comprehend English, as well as understand American culture. The median salary for this role is $41,423.

Benefits of Learning Online

An online degree can open doors to your career while allowing you to study in a convenient, affordable format.
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Request Information

Learn more about this program and other online academic opportunities at Bethel. Once you complete this form, here’s what you can expect from us:
  • A friendly phone call. We’ll contact you within 24 hours, ready to answer all of your questions.
  • Personalized treatment. You’ll get immediate access to your own dedicated and knowledgeable enrollment counselor. They’ll ask you more about your goals at Bethel, and walk you through everything you need to know to apply.

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