BYU's Department of Linguistics and English Language offers two minors in teaching English to speakers of other languages in order to accommodate prospective teachers with differing career goals. This section describes the TESOL minor. In contrast with the TESOL K-12 minor, described on a separate page, the TESOL minor does not require course work in bilingual/ESL education, student teaching, or parental involvement. The TESOL minor program does NOT lead to the state endorsement that qualifies people to teach English as a second language in the public schools of the United States. Rather, it offers students more general training in teaching English as a second or foreign language to adults and gives them the flexibility to choose an emphasis course in keeping with their professional interests.
TESOL minors are qualified for many overseas positions teaching English as a foreign language. They may also work in various ESL and bilingual education programs in the United States and other English-speaking countries. Possible teaching settings range from adult education classes to special courses for children.
*One credit hour of Ling 496R is equivalent to 50 actual teaching or preparation hours.
Select one of the following courses according to interest and desired emphasis:
Total Credits for TESOL Minor: 18 - 3 prerequisite hours, 11 core hours, 3 elective hours
Courses required for the TESOL minor are designed to be taken in the following sequence:
It is recommended that students pursuing the TESOL minor start with ELang 223 in fall, winter, or spring. Following one of the recommended course sequences below will allow the most timely progression toward completion of the minor:
Starting Fall Semester Length: Two semesters and two terms
Starting Winter Semester Length: Three semesters and one term
Starting Spring Term Length: Two semesters and two terms