Illinois Certificate in English as a Second Language and Bilingual Education

  • TOTAL COST

    $5,352*
  • NEXT START DATE

    Jan 12, 2026
  • COMPLETION TIME

    9 Months
  • AVG. SALARY PREMIUM

  • SEMESTER CREDITS

    18

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    Certificate in English as a Second Language and Bilingual Education

    Designed especially for Illinois educators, this certificate program includes the required coursework you need to obtain your English as a Second Language (ESL) or Bilingual Education endorsement. You’ll learn research-backed strategies that help you support English language learners in a variety of educational settings, including theories of language acquisition and best practices that promote cultural understanding. You’ll be equipped with knowledge around student assessments, desired learning outcomes and instructional resources to help your students meet Illinois ESL standards. 

    Along with the 18 credit hours you need to earn your ESL or Bilingual Education endorsement in Illinois, this certificate also gives you the opportunity to complete an optional five-week internship to fulfill the ESL/Bilingual Education certification’s clinical hours of experience requirement. If you already have the required teaching experience, this internship may be waived. 


    Why ACE?

    Low-Cost, High Quality

    You deserve a great return on your educational investment, and we deliver master’s degrees at a total average cost of $10,000. We also award over $1.2M in scholarships and grants each year.

    Quality You Expect

    We are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Our faculty work in the industries where you work and are committed to your success, contributing to our 85% graduation rate.¹ Our curriculum equips you with practical strategies you can apply right away, as well as skills to help you advance your career.

    Flexibility You Need

    Our virtual campus and convenient start dates provide you the flexibility you need to achieve your goals at a time and place that works with your busy schedule. Our student support services are available 24/7 and tutoring is included at no additional cost.

    1Source: Student Right to Know


    Tuition

    We believe in full transparency with our total cost of attendance. No hidden fees. No surprises along the way.

    Total Cost Illinois Certificate in English as a Second Language and Bilingual Education

    Total Tuition

    18 semester credits x $235 per credit

    $4,230

    Fees

    $50 Application Fee
    $100 Conferral Fee
    $972 Technology and Library Fee
    (18 Semester Credits X $54 per Credit)

    $1,122

    Total Program Cost

    $5,352*

    Find a plan that fits your budget.


    Program Details

    The graduate level Illinois Certificate in English as a Second Language and Bilingual Education is intended for Illinois educators interested in working with students who are bilingual and/or English Language Learners. By applying current research and best practices, educators learn strategies to support students as they learn English and master subject-specific content. Courses completed as part of this program may transfer to the M.Ed. Teaching English Learners or Teaching English Learners Certificate.

    Majors

    Focus of Study


    Start Dates

    With flexible start dates, you can begin your program when it’s best for you.

    January 12, 2026 Term

    Jan 09, 2026

    Payment Due

    Jan 09, 2026

    Application Due

    Jan 12, 2026

    Term Start

    Jan 16, 2026

    Unregister/Cancel Deadline

    Feb 15, 2026

    Term End

    February 02, 2026 Term

    February 23, 2026 Term

    April 13, 2026 Term

    May 25, 2026 Term

    June 15, 2026 Term

    July 13, 2026 Term

    August 24, 2026 Term

    September 14, 2026 Term

    October 05, 2026 Term


    Courses

    Here are just some of the courses you’ll take when working towards this program. Visit the College Catalog to see all courses.

    ED5123

    Diverse Learners

    3 Semester Credits

    BE5013

    Foundations of ESL and Bilingual Education

    3 Semester Credits

    BE5023

    Assessment of ESL and Bilingual Students

    3 Semester Credits

    BE5033

    Methods and Materials for Teaching English as a Second Language

    3 Semester Credits

    BE5043

    Cross-Cultural Studies for Teaching ELLs

    3 Semester Credits

    ES5063

    Linguistics for TESOL

    3 Semester Credits


    Admission Requirements

    ACE General Admission Requirements

    International Transcript Requirements

    English as a Second Language Applicants

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