English as a Second Language (ESL)
Iowa Teaching Endorsement #104
The English as a Second Language (ESL) graduate endorsement program helps practicing teachers to build skills and knowledge for helping others improve their abilities to use English and thereby to function successfully in K-12 classrooms. Begin in the Fall.
Complete in two years
Earn your endorsement in four consecutive terms -- completing 18 graduate credits in six courses.
Delivered online
Utilize Zoom and Blackboard to complete your endorsement in a flexible, convenient way.
$586 per credit
All students pay the same tuition and fees: $586 per credit hour and a $46 technology fee per course.
Strengthen skills
- Designed for practicing teachers to strengthen skill sets in language, pedagogy, and the social and cultural contexts of language acquisition and use.
- ESL practicum provides supervised teaching experiences at the K-6 and 7-12 levels, preparing you to teach in the K-12 systems.
- Fulfills requirements for Iowa Teaching Endorsement #104 - K-12 English Language Learners
- Project UNITED Scholarships covering tuition for 18 credits may be available. Learn more about the scholarship.
Ready to earn your endorsement? Questions about what courses you may need? Simply fill out our interest form and our dedicated Student Support Specialist will reach out to you within one business day to help:
- Answer any questions you have about the program
- Confirm your eligibility
- Determine if you have credits or prior experience that can be applied toward the program
- Navigate the streamlined enrollment process

Mallory DeSantiago
Student Support Specialist
mallory.desantiago@uni.edu
319-273-2863
Already a student at UNI? Current students can add this certificate to their degree program.
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Take the next step.
Earning a micro-credential at UNI is an affordable and accelerated way to enhance your skills and career opportunities. Once you submit the 'Get Started' form, our student success specialist will connect with you to create your plan of study - ensuring you know exactly what courses to take to meet your goals.
Complete our 'Get Started' above and our dedicated support staff will work with you to create a specific plan of study to match your goals.
As an endorsement student, you'll submit an enrollment request form each semester for the courses you need.
Stack your certificate into a master's degree.
Our English as a Second Language (ESL) program is just the beginning - students pursuing this endorsement for graduate credit can apply the credits toward our Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Master of Arts degree.