University of Wisconsin–Madison
A W crest banner on Bascom Hill is pictured among the colors of the fall leaves at the University of Wisconsin-Madison during autumn on November 8, 2021. (Photo by Bryce Richter / UW-Madison)

TESOL CERTIFICATE

The 15-credit TESOL Certificate prepares students to teach English in diverse settings globally. The certificate includes more than 225 hours of TESOL-related coursework and professional preparation, including a 10-week ESL teaching practicum. During the practicum, students teach approximately 20 hours of English language instruction under the supervision and mentorship of one of our teaching faculty members, gaining valuable hands-on experience and the opportunity to apply pedagogical theory and best practices in an authentic classroom setting.

You’ll find our former students teaching English in Spain, Turkey, Tasmania, Thailand, Colombia, Ecuador, Korea, China, and many other places around the world. Find information about the requirements for our 15-credit undergraduate certificate.

Teaching English Abroad

UW students walk up Bascom Hill in front of the Education Building during the first day of classes for the fall semester at the University of Wisconsin-Madison on Sept. 4, 2024. (Photo by Bryce Richter / UW–Madison)

Undergraduate Students

Enrollment in any one of the required certificate courses and a degree program at UW-Madison.

Students study in Morgridge Hall on the first day of the fall semester at the University of Wisconsin–Madison on Sept. 3, 2025. (Photo by Taylor Wolfram / UW–Madison)

Special Students

Enrollment in any one of the required certificate courses and a degree program at UW-Madison.

First Day Class 2024

Graduate Students

IMPORTANT: The UW English Dept. is winding down the Graduate TESOL certificate. December 1st 2025 is the deadline for graduate students to enroll in the program. 

A new PhD Minor in TESOL will soon be established for graduate students interested in earning a credential in the field of English language teaching.