Temple University's Graduate Certificate in Secondary Education World/Foreign Languages offers a non-degree, certification-focused pathway for individuals who want to teach languages such as Spanish, French, Italian, German, Chinese, or Latin in grades 7 through 12. Designed for career changers and multilingual professionals with strong content backgrounds, the program prepares you to become a certified language educator in Pennsylvania.
Through a blend of pedagogy, language acquisition theory, and culturally responsive teaching practices, you will develop the skills to engage diverse learners in meaningful communication and intercultural exploration. The program fosters both instructional proficiency and a deeper understanding of global perspectives and language diversity.
Courses are scheduled in the evening at Temple’s Main Campus to accommodate part-time learners. A full-time, supervised student teaching placement is required during the final semester and provides essential classroom experience.
World Language Education Focus
In this program, you will:
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Learn strategies to support second language acquisition in adolescent learners.
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Promote communication, cultural competency, and global citizenship.
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Prepare for Pennsylvania certification in your specific target language: Chinese, French, German, Italian, Latin or Spanish
Graduates are well-prepared to teach world languages in upper middle and high school settings and to foster inclusive classrooms that promote communication, cultural understanding, and global perspectives.
Classes & Curriculum
The Secondary Education - World/Foreign Languages 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.
World Language Methods Courses (6 credits)
These methods courses explore second language acquisition theory, proficiency-based instructional models, and culturally sustaining practices in world language classrooms.
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 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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Plan and deliver language instruction aligned with ACTFL standards and PDE requirements.
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Support student communication skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
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Foster cultural awareness, identity development, and global citizenship.
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Design inclusive and engaging lessons that reflect the richness of world languages and cultures.
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Demonstrate professionalism and readiness for Pennsylvania teacher certification in a world/foreign language.
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