ESL (English as a Second Language) Certificate

The ESL Certificate curriculum functions as a bridge program for intermediate level non-native speakers of English who plan to enter two and four-year colleges in the United States. The certificate curriculum also serves as a skill building program for non-native English speakers who have already earned high school diplomas or higher level degrees, but whose goals include professional employment where advanced knowledge of the English language is essential. The academic focus is on the broad subject areas of writing and grammar, reading and vocabulary, communication, and U.S. culture. Many students who have earned the ESL Certificate from Western have successfully matriculated to two and four-year colleges and universities in the U.S., whereas other certificate holders have gained employment as college and K-12 faculty, as engineers in International companies, as law firm paralegals, as translators for local and federal courts, and as paraprofessionals in academia and the private sector. The ESL Certificate program provides a strong academic foundation upon which the motivated student can build a successful college and/or professional career.