Non-degree Graduate Certificate in Adult ESL and Literacy Education

Students enrolled in the Adult ESL and Literacy Education graduate certificate program will begin their study with an introduction to the foundational philosophical, historical, and practical underpinnings of adult education practice. In alignment with the GSE’s mission to Advance Excellence and Equity in Education, students will examine the nature and scope of adult education through exploration of the social contexts, including analyses related to race, class, and gender. More specialized coursework in the program’s curriculum will delve deeper into topics including reading and writing instruction for adult basic education and GED and developmental college students, ESL and low literacy amongst adult learners, and how research, policy, and funding influence access to opportunities for adult learners. Students will exit the program with an understanding of the adult learner and the basis for effective practices to meet their needs.

For more information about the courses in this program, please visit the course catalog and online schedule of classes.

12 Graduate Course Credits

• 3 Credits – Introduction to Adult and Continuing Education or Understanding the Adult Learner
• 3 Credits – ESL, Low Literacy, and the Adult Learner: Mapping the Field
• 3 Credits – Effective Reading and Writing Instruction for Adult Basic Education
• 3 Credits – Effective Reading and Writing Instruction for GED and  Development College Students

Students are expected to maintain a “B” or better average as a non-degree student. Accepted students will have 5 years to complete the program. After completing all of the required courses in the program, students should contact the Office of Academic Services at the GSE. Students will receive official documentation of their completion, endorsed by the Rutgers University Graduate School of Education.

Earning a graduate certificate at the GSE allows candidates to advance their understanding of, and earn practical skills pertaining to, adult ESL and literacy education. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply, as earning a certificate can help students enter into a new specialization they’ve yet to explore, or advance or stay competitive in a space they already have knowledge in. The program offers a comprehensive look at the latest research in the field and in addition to leading to potential career benefits like advancement, role flexibility, or leadership responsibility, it can also serve as a pathway to a Master’s Degree in Adult and Continuing Education.

• Personal Statement: approximately 1-page in length that describes why the program is relevant to the applicant’s interests for career goals
• 1 Letter of Recommendation: describing the applicant’s potential to be successful in the program
• Official Undergraduate Transcripts
• Graduate Transcripts (if applicable)

Applicants are responsible for reviewing and confirming that they meet all requirements before the application is submitted. Rutgers Graduate School of Education will not  refund the application fee if an applicant is not accepted.

Current Rutgers University Students:

All applicants who are currently enrolled in a program at Rutgers University and wish to begin the certificate program while continuing their current program should contact the GSE Office of Student and Academic Services (OSAS) at academic.services@gse.rutgers.edu.

Non-Rutgers University Students:

1. Collect the materials required for admission
2. Submit your application online at http://gradstudy.rutgers.edu/
3. Submit supporting materials online
4. Any supporting materials that cannot be submitted electronically should be mailed to Graduate Admissions’ New Brunswick office. Their mailing address can be found here: https://gradstudy.rutgers.edu/about/contact-us

Tuition:

Click here for the New Brunswick Graduate tuition rates.