English as Second Language (ESL) Graduate Add-on Licensure

Empower Multilingual Learners.

Designed with flexibility and practicality in mind, UNC Pembroke’s ESL licensure program equips educators to support English learners using culturally responsive strategies and research-based practices. Open to both undergraduate and graduate students, the program includes six courses (18 credit hours) that can be applied toward either the “A” or “M” teaching license.

Courses are offered in the late afternoon or evening to accommodate working professionals, and the full program can be completed in as little as two years. Whether you're an experienced teacher or preparing to enter the field, this flexible, high-impact program gives you the tools to create inclusive classrooms and make a lasting difference in the lives of multilingual learners.

Additionally, all four of these graduate courses may be applied toward either the Thesis or the Licensure concentration of the Master of Arts in English Education; candidates for the Master of Arts in Teaching (Middle Grades Language Arts or English 9-12 Concentrations) may only apply toward their degree one course selected from ENG 5810, ENG 5830 or ENG 5850.

All candidates for an add-on license in English as a Second Language must also complete Praxis II in English as a Second Language (0361).

An MAT student can opt to complete the ESL Add-on program while completing the MAT, but must do so with the understanding that doing so will require nine additional hours of graduate coursework beyond the requirements of the MAT alone.

View Program Requirements