English as a Second Language (ESL) Alternate Route Certificate Program

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The graduate English as a Second Language (ESL) Alternate Route Certificate Program at WPUNJ offers courses, seminars, and field supervision leading to state certification in teaching English as a Second Language. Applicants to the English as a Second Language (ESL) Alternate Route Certificate Program must have a Certificate of Eligibility (CE) in ESL from the New Jersey Department of Education. Candidates can begin the program as non-degree students before being fully accepted, and must gain employment as a full-time ESL Teacher of Record to be accepted into this alternate route program. This 22-credit, two-year program is offered in a hybrid format which means that courses are offered on campus, on line, evenings and weekends. Candidates are coached in their classrooms by university supervisors and have an opportunity to reflect on and learn from their classroom experiences in online seminars each semester.

View required courses and course descriptions in the University Course Catalog
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Application Deadline

August 1st: Fall semester
December 1st: Spring semester
May 1st: Summer semester
*Applications received after the deadline will be reviewed on a space available basis

*International students are advised to apply by:
April 1st: Fall (September intake)
November 1st: Spring (January intake)
December 1st: Summer (May intake)

Contact Us

Professor Alison Dobrick, Program Director

Phone: 973-720-2331 Email: [email protected]

Admission Requirements

In addition to the University’s admission requirements, candidates must:

  • A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and official transcripts from all institutions or higher learning attended
  • A cumulative minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale*
    • *Applicants who do not need the minimum GPA requirement may supplement their application with additional evidence in support of their academic potential for successful completion of the certificate program. 
  • Meet the requirements for a NJDOE Certificate of Eligibility (CE) for ESL. For more information on the requirements for the CE, click here. 
  • Provide verification of full-time employment as an ESL Teacher of Record, or a letter of a promise of full-time employment with a start date within the first semester of classes. 
  • Complete a 50-hour pre-professional seminar/experience (at WPU, this is a zero-credit, fee-based course).

General Information for Applicants:

  • All face-to-face courses are offered in the late afternoon or evening.
  • About half of the courses are held online.
  • Students can complete courses in two years.
  • Students can begin courses as a non-degree graduate student while they are awaiting their CE.
  • Certificate of Eligibility for ESL is required to take Seminar credits.