What is TESOL?
The Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) minor assists in the preparation to teach English to non-native speakers. You’ll be introduced to topics in linguistics, grammar, theory and methods of language teaching, as well as curriculum development. You’ll also develop a greater awareness of world languages and cultures. Combine this minor with studies in education or English teaching to pursue certification, or with other languages, social work or justice studies to pursue graduate studies or teaching positions in a variety of settings,either in the United States or around the world.
Why study TESOL at UNH?
The TESOL minor at UNH is a great fit if you’re interested in teaching the English language at home or abroad. As a student of the linguistics program and the College of Liberal Arts, you’ll have access to language and linguistics organizations, and outreach programs working in the surrounding communities. The college is home to the English as a Second Language Institute.
Potential career areas
- Adult education
- English language programs
- Interpreting
- Peace Corps
- Private language tutoring
- Social work
- Teach for America
Students interested in the TESOL minor should fill out the below "intent to minor" form, and send it to Professor Kim (soohyon.kim@unh.edu). Note that this form is for information tracking purposes only, and a Certification of Minor Completion will need to be completed for the minor to show up on your transcript.
Curriculum & Requirements
The TESOL minor is a set of courses that are related to teaching English to speakers of other languages. This minor primarily is for students who are interested in teaching English to speakers of other languages, whether that be teaching English abroad or teaching ESL students in U.S. public schools (K-12). It is also appropriate for students who are going into social work or other professions that require regular interaction with nonnative English speakers.
The TESOL minor will not certify students to teach in New Hampshire public schools (K-12). For that purpose, students must complete the ESL certification program that is offered at the graduate level by the Education and English departments. However, the coursework in this minor will provide a very good foundation for students who want to later pursue ESL certification or an M.A. in TESOL at UNH or another institution.
For more information about the TESOL minor, please contact Soo Hyon Kim, soohyon.kim@unh.edu, 603-862-5290.
Students must receive a C- or better in each course and achieve a 2.0 GPA in the five courses.
No more than eight transfer credits will be accepted.
The TESOL minor requires the following five courses:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| ENGL 715 | Teaching English as a Second Language: Theory and Methods | 4 |
| ENGL 716 | Curriculum, Materials and Assessment in English as a Second Language | 4 |
| Select one of the following courses on the structure of English: | 4 | |
ENGL 791 | English Grammar | |
ENGL/LING 405 | Introduction to Linguistics | |
| Select two of the following approved TESOL electives: | 8 | |
EDUC 550 | Language and Linguistic Diversity in Schools | |
ENGL 791 | English Grammar 1 | |
ENGL/LING 405 | Introduction to Linguistics 1 | |
ENGL/LING 719 | Sociolinguistics Survey | |
ENGL 752 | History of the English Language (WI) | |
ENGL/LING 790 | Special Topics in Linguistics (when offered on a TESOL-related topic (WI)) | |
LLC 791 | Methods of Foreign Language Teaching | |
Special topics courses that are related to TESOL 2 | ||
| Total Credits | 20 | |
- 1
Whichever was not taken before
- 2
The TESOL coordinator can provide you with a list of available courses for a particular semester.
