Temple University's Graduate Certificate in Secondary Education English prepares individuals with a background in English, literature, or writing to become certified teachers for grades 7 through 12. Designed for career changers and aspiring educators with bachelor's degrees, the program offers a streamlined path to initial teacher certification in English language arts.
Students develop the skills and knowledge necessary to teach reading, writing, and language through diverse literary genres and multimodal texts. The curriculum emphasizes inclusive, standards-aligned instruction and explores literature and language's social, historical, and cultural contexts. The program is ideal for those who want to inspire adolescents to think critically, write clearly, and engage deeply with texts and ideas.
Courses are offered part-time in the evening on Temple’s Main Campus, with a required full-time student teaching placement during the final semester. This format is well-suited for individuals working full-time or teaching under an emergency permit while pursuing certification.
English Education Focus
In this program, you will:
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Teach students to read and analyze literature, nonfiction, and media through critical and cultural lenses.
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Support writing development across multiple genres and for diverse purposes.
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Explore language structure, usage, and rhetoric, including issues of identity and power in language.
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Foster inclusive classrooms that empower student voice and interpretation.
Graduates are well-prepared to teach English language arts in middle and high school settings, and to foster inclusive classroom environments that promote critical reading, expressive writing, and appreciation for diverse voices and perspectives..
Classes & Curriculum
The Secondary Education - English graduate certificate program consists of 19 credits. Courses are held on Temple’s Main Campus in Philadelphia, though some online and hybrid options are available. Most classes are scheduled in the evenings to accommodate working professionals. You can attend full- or part-time, and you have up to four years to complete the program.
Core Pedagogy & Inclusion Courses (13 credits)
Course Number | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
Literacy in the Disciplines (Secondary Education) | 3 | |
Literacy Instruction for Students with Disabilities | 3 | |
Foundations of Language Teaching | 3 | |
Supervised Teaching | 4 |
*May substitute TESL 5613 – Literacy Development for English Language Learners, depending on student’s background or program advisor recommendation.
English Methods Courses (6 credits)
These courses provide tools to engage students with diverse literary texts, guide writing instruction, and create inclusive and critical learning environments.
Fieldwork
In addition to state certification exams and student teaching, you must complete field experiences as part of your coursework. Field placements are designed to give you teaching experience working with children in educational and non-educational settings. Students must complete required clearances and prerequisite coursework before beginning fieldwork. The majority of field experiences require students to spend seven full days over the course of a semester in the classroom. EDUC 5888 – Supervised Teaching involves a full-time teaching placement in a secondary classroom under the guidance of a mentor teacher and university supervisor. During the student teaching semester, students are required to spend every day in the classroom for 14 weeks.
Program Outcomes
Graduates will:
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Teach literature, writing, and language with an emphasis on critical thinking and cultural relevance.
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Design inclusive, standards-based lessons that reflect students’ diverse experiences and voices.
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Support adolescent reading and writing development across multiple genres and media.
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Build student engagement with texts through inquiry, discussion, and creative expression.
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Demonstrate professionalism and readiness for Pennsylvania teacher certification in English (7–12).
Teacher Certification
This program prepares you to successfully complete state certification exams, allowing you to apply for a Pennsylvania Instructional I Teaching Certificate. Learn more about certification.
Tuition & Fees
In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, this graduate certificate offers a competitive tuition level and multiple opportunities for financial support.
Tuition rates are set annually by the university. They are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. These tuition costs apply to the 2024–2025 academic year.
Pennsylvania resident: $1,105.00 per credit
Out-of-state: $1,518.00 per credit
View the full cost of attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Statement of goals
- Transcripts
- Clearances required prior to field placement
How to Apply
Complete your application online at apply.temple.edu/cehd
Important Application Note
Temple University is in the process of launching a new graduate application for this certificate program. For Fall 2025 admission, applicants should select the corresponding master’s degree in Secondary Education with a concentration in Social Studies Education when applying. After admission, our Graduate Academic Advising team will update your record to reflect enrollment in the graduate certificate program. No additional steps are required on your part.
Questions
For more information about this program, the College of Education and Human Development, how to apply for admission and your application status, contact Enrollment Management.
Enrollment Management
Ritter Annex 150
1301 Cecil B. Moore Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19122
Phone: 215-204-8011
Email: educate@temple.edu