Illinois Certificate in English as a Second Language and Bilingual Education
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TOTAL COST
$5,352*
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NEXT START DATE
Jan 12, 2026
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COMPLETION TIME
9 Months†
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AVG. SALARY PREMIUM
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SEMESTER CREDITS
18
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Our Enrollment Counselors are here to answer your questions and walk you through the enrollment process.
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 |
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Total Tuition 18 semester credits x $235 per credit |
$4,230 |
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Fees $50 Application Fee$100 Conferral Fee $972 Technology and Library Fee (18 Semester Credits X $54 per Credit) |
$1,122 |
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Total Program Cost |
$5,352* |
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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.
Focus of Study
Program Outcomes
- Design and implement appropriate curriculum and instructional practices to enhance knowledge and awareness of language development and acquisition, cultural factors, ethics, and linguistic variation issues. (AO3)
- Employ academic theories, standards, and frameworks to direct the selection and integration of content and research-based instructional strategies to support learning English within a discipline. (AO1)
- Promote the development of language acquisition skills by utilizing assessment instruments, incorporating technology, critically evaluating materials, and targeting specific learning outcomes. (AO4)
- Establish a culturally relevant environment by incorporating evidence-based instructional practices and resources, materials, and technology, and through the influence of social interaction. (AO2)
- Construct a framework for establishing and maintaining partnerships between the school, family, and community by advocating for academic and social growth for English learners within civic and global settings. (AO3)
- Research issues faced by new language learners by analyzing and evaluating instructional practices to better understand their academic and social needs. (AO1)
- Support continuous learning while fostering leadership skills through intentionally designed opportunities to engage in professional development. (AO5)
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 |
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BE5013 |
Foundations of ESL and Bilingual Education |
3 Semester Credits |
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BE5023 |
Assessment of ESL and Bilingual Students |
3 Semester Credits |
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BE5033 |
Methods and Materials for Teaching English as a Second Language |
3 Semester Credits |
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BE5043 |
Cross-Cultural Studies for Teaching ELLs |
3 Semester Credits |
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ES5063 |
Linguistics for TESOL |
3 Semester Credits |
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