Bachelor of Integrative Studies

The Bachelor of Integrative Studies degree allows you to design a curriculum tailored to your unique interests and career goals. This flexible program lets you combine courses from various disciplines to gain a broad range of knowledge and skills that are valued in today’s job market. This degree program provides a path to degree completion that focuses on career and professional goals by allowing you to select courses from interrelated programs or academic departments that support your career aspirations. 

Making the Local Justice System Easier to Access

a photo of Judge Kani H. Hightower

 Summit County Domestic Relations Court Judge Kani H. Hightower is on a mission to make the justice system in Summit County, Ohio, more accessible for underprivileged and underrepresented citizens. Whether it’s related to transportation challenges or helping them sort through the red tape of documentation, Hightower, a Kent State University graduate, is creating solutions to streamline the process for Summit County residents.“I ran for domestic relations court judge because I wanted to serve on the bench where I could make the greatest impact,” Hightower told Akron Legal News. “Our court ...

Teaching English as a Second Language - B.A.

The Teaching English as a Second Language program equips you with the skills and knowledge to teach English to non-native speakers. With experienced faculty, hands-on teaching opportunities and a strong focus on language acquisition, this program prepares you for a career in teaching English abroad or at home.

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Program Information for Teaching English as a Second Language - B.A.

Program Description

Full Description

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Teaching English as a Second Language provides students with a broad understanding of both theory and practice in language studies, pedagogy and culture. Students gain mastery in implementing their skills in varied second-language teaching contexts; in addition, they can observe and participate with international learners in a state-of-the-art technology classroom.

Students who complete an optional practicum abroad may earn the Teaching English as a Foreign Language undergraduate certificate. Students can additionally work toward state teacher licensure by completing the Education undergraduate certificate.

Teaching English as a Second Language students may apply early to the M.A. degree in Teaching English as a Second Language and double count 9 credit hours of graduate courses toward both degree programs. See the Combined Bachelor's/Master's Degree Program Policy in the University Catalog for more information.

Admissions for Teaching English as a Second Language - B.A.

Admission Requirements

The university affirmatively strives to provide educational opportunities and access to students with varied backgrounds, those with special talents and adult students.

First-Year Students on the Kent Campus: First-year admission policy on the Kent Campus is selective. Admission decisions are based upon cumulative grade point average, strength of high school college preparatory curriculum and grade trends. Students not admissible to the Kent Campus may be administratively referred to one of the seven regional campuses to begin their college coursework. For more information, visit the admissions website for first-year students.

First-Year Students on the Regional Campuses: First-year admission to Kent State’s campuses at Ashtabula, East Liverpool, Geauga, Salem, Stark, Trumbull and Tuscarawas, as well as the Twinsburg Academic Center, is open to anyone with a high school diploma or its equivalent. For more information on admissions, contact the Regional Campuses admissions offices.

International Students: All international students must provide proof of proficiency of the English language (unless they meet specific exceptions) through the submission of an English language proficiency test score or by completing English language classes at Kent State’s English as a Second Language Center before entering their program. For more information, visit the admissions website for international students.

Former Students: Former Kent State students who have not attended another institution since Kent State and were not academically dismissed will complete the re-enrollment process through the Financial, Billing and Enrollment Center. Former students who attended another college or university since leaving Kent State must apply for admissions as a transfer or post-undergraduate student.

Transfer Students: Students who attended an educational institution after graduating from high school or earning their GED must apply as transfer students. For more information, visit the admissions website for transfer students.

Admission policies for undergraduate students may be found in the University Catalog's Academic Policies.

Students may be required to meet certain criteria to progress in their program. Any progression requirements will be listed on the program's Coursework tab

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate their professional knowledge through projects and writing.
  2. Demonstrate learning and effective teaching practices that incorporate distance learning, computer-assisted learning and effective use of software.
  3. Engage with diversity by defining and identifying the English language learners they are likely to serve, and developing effective teaching strategies to teach for diversity.

Coursework

On This Page

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements (courses count in major GPA)
CULT 29535EDUCATION IN A DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY 3
ENG 31001FUNDAMENTAL ENGLISH GRAMMAR 3
ENG 31003LINGUISTICS 3
ENG 31005CHILD SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION 13
or ENG 31009 ADULT SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION
ENG 31006WORLD ENGLISHES (WIC) 23
or ENG 41001 SOCIOLINGUISTICS IN SCHOOLING (WIC)
ENG 31007PEDAGOGY FOR TEACHING ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE 3
ENG 31008GRAMMAR FOR TEACHING ENGLISH AS A SECOND/FOREIGN LANGUAGE 3
ENG 31010THE BILINGUAL MENTAL LEXICON 3
ENG 41003LANGUAGE CURRICULUM, MATERIALS AND ASSESSMENT 3
ENG 41092ESL PRACTICUM IN INTENSIVE ENGLISH PROGRAMS (ELR) 33
or ENG 41192 ESL PRACTICUM IN A P-12 SETTING (ELR)
or ENG 41292 TEACHING ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE PRACTICUM (ELR)
Technology and Design Elective, choose from the following:3
ETEC 39525
EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY
ETEC 47400
TRENDS IN EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY
ETEC 47403
INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN
MCLS 40654
TECHNOLOGY AND SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION
Writing and Communication Studies Elective, choose from the following:3
COMM 20001
INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION
COMM 35852
INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION
ENG 20002
INTRODUCTION TO TECHNICAL WRITING
ENG 30050
WRITING AND RHETORIC IN A DIGITAL AGE
ENG 30051
WRITING, RHETORIC AND NEW MEDIA
ENG 30063
PROFESSIONAL WRITING
Additional Requirements (courses do not count in major GPA)
UC 10001FLASHES 101 1
Foreign Language (see Foreign Language College Requirement below)10-16
American Civic Literacy Requirement 43
Kent Core Composition6
Kent Core Mathematics and Critical Reasoning3
Kent Core Humanities and Fine Arts (minimum one course from each) 46-9
Kent Core Social Sciences (must be from two disciplines) 43-6
Kent Core Basic Sciences (must include one laboratory)6-7
Kent Core Additional6
General Electives (total credit hours depends on earning 120 credit hours, including 39 upper-division credit hours)37
Minimum Total Credit Hours:120
1

Students declared in the Education undergraduate certificate should take ENG 31005. Students may take ENG 31009 as an elective.

2

A minimum C grade must be earned to fulfill the writing-intensive requirement.

3

Students declared in the Education undergraduate certificate should take ENG 41192. Students should take ENG 41292 toward the Teaching English as a Foreign Language undergraduate certificate requirements.

4

If students complete the American Civic Literacy requirement by taking HIST 12061, the course will apply to the Kent Core Humanities category. If they complete it with POL 10101, the course will apply to the Kent Core Social Sciences category.

Graduation Requirements
Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
2.000 2.000
  • Students should contact the Department of Modern and Classical Language Studies for individualized placement and advising information prior to enrolling in their first foreign language course. Students entering the university with substantial knowledge of a language should consider taking the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP).

Foreign Language College Requirement, B.A.

Students pursuing the Bachelor of Arts degree* in the College of Sciences and Humanities must complete the following:

  1. Elementary I and II of any language (or equivalent) and
  2. One of the following options:
    1. Intermediate I and II of the same language
    2. Elementary I and II of a second language
    3. Any combination of two courses from the following list:
      1. Intermediate I of the same language
      2. One to two college-level course(s) completed outside the United States
      3. Courses: ARAB 21401, ASL 19401, CHIN 25421, MCLS 10001, MCLS 20001, MCLS 20091, MCLS 21417, MCLS 21420, MCLS 22217, MCLS 28403, MCLS 28404

*The Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies is exempt from the foreign language requirement until fall 2028 due to its previous longstanding academic placement in the College of Communication and Information, which does not have a foreign language requirement.

All students with prior foreign language experience should take the foreign language placement test to determine the appropriate level at which to start. Some students may start beyond the Elementary I level and will complete the requirement with fewer courses. This may be accomplished in one of three ways:

  1. Passing a course beyond Elementary I through Intermediate II level
  2. Receiving credit through one of the alternative credit programs offered by Kent State University
  3. Demonstrating language proficiency comparable to Elementary II of a foreign language

Certain programs may require specific languages, limit the languages from which a student may choose or require coursework through Intermediate II. Students who plan to pursue graduate study may need a particular language proficiency.

Roadmap

Roadmap

This roadmap is a recommended semester-by-semester plan of study for this program. Students will work with their advisor to develop a sequence based on their academic goals and history. Courses designated as critical (!) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation.

Plan of Study Grid
Semester OneCredits
UC 10001 FLASHES 101 1
Foreign Language 4
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours14
Semester Two
CULT 29535 EDUCATION IN A DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY 3
Foreign Language 4
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours16
Semester Three
ENG 31001 FUNDAMENTAL ENGLISH GRAMMAR 3
Foreign Language and/or General Elective 3
American Civic Literacy Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours15
Semester Four
ENG 31003 LINGUISTICS 3
ENG 31008 GRAMMAR FOR TEACHING ENGLISH AS A SECOND/FOREIGN LANGUAGE 3
Foreign Language and/or General Elective 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours15
Semester Five
ENG 31005
or ENG 31009
 CHILD SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION
or ADULT SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION
3
ENG 31006
or ENG 41001
 WORLD ENGLISHES (WIC)
or SOCIOLINGUISTICS IN SCHOOLING (WIC)
3
ENG 31007 PEDAGOGY FOR TEACHING ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE 3
ENG 31010 THE BILINGUAL MENTAL LEXICON 3
Writing and Communication Studies Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Semester Six
ENG 41092
or ENG 41192
or ENG 41292
 ESL PRACTICUM IN INTENSIVE ENGLISH PROGRAMS (ELR)
or ESL PRACTICUM IN A P-12 SETTING (ELR)
or TEACHING ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE PRACTICUM (ELR)
3
Technology and Design Elective 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
General Electives 6
 Credit Hours15
Semester Seven
ENG 41003 LANGUAGE CURRICULUM, MATERIALS AND ASSESSMENT 3
General Electives 12
 Credit Hours15
Semester Eight
General Electives 15
 Credit Hours15
 Minimum Total Credit Hours:120

Program Delivery

  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries for Teaching English as a Second Language - B.A.

Adult basic education, adult secondary education, and english as a second language instructors

-13.7%

decline

40,900

number of jobs

$59,950

potential earnings

Elementary school teachers, except special education

-2.0%

decline

1,422,700

number of jobs

$62,340

potential earnings

Kindergarten teachers, except special education

-1.6%

decline

117,200

number of jobs

$61,430

potential earnings

Middle school teachers, except special and career/technical education

-2.0%

decline

633,700

number of jobs

$62,970

potential earnings

Preschool teachers, except special education

4.1%

about as fast as the average

555,100

number of jobs

$37,120

potential earnings

Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education

-1.6%

decline

1,094,500

number of jobs

$64,580

potential earnings

Teachers and instructors, all other

-0.1%

little or no change

153,800

number of jobs

$64,690

potential earnings

Tutors

0.6%

little or no change

215,500

number of jobs

$40,090

potential earnings

Additional careers
  • Teachers of English as a foreign language
  • Language school instructors (in the U.S. or abroad)
  • Assistant language teachers
  • Educational material writers/editors
  • Language assessment writers/editors
  • Curriculum designers
  • Educational consultants
Notice: Career Information Source
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.

Teaching English as a Second Language Endorsement Preparation - Undergraduate Non-Degree Program

Designed for teachers looking to add a valuable skill to their repertoire, this non-degree program provides comprehensive training in teaching English as a second language. With experienced faculty and practical opportunities, you will develop the knowledge and expertise needed to help students achieve their language learning goals.

Contact Us

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Request Info
Schedule a Visit
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Program Information for Teaching English as a Second Language Endorsement Preparation - Undergraduate Non-Degree Program

Program Description

Full Description

The Teaching English as Second Language Endorsement Preparation non-degree program allows students to concurrently seek an undergraduate degree program leading to state licensure at Kent State while also working toward meeting TESL endorsement requirements of the Ohio Department of Education. The program increases student knowledge of language and second language learning in the P-12 context while preparing them to be teachers of English learners.

Successful completion of this program serves as recommendation to the Ohio Department of Education for endorsement in TESL, but it is not a degree program. Students must complete their degree program and be qualified for licensure in another area of study. The endorsement serves as an add-on to a state teaching license in Ohio.

Admissions for Teaching English as a Second Language Endorsement Preparation - Undergraduate Non-Degree Program

Admission Requirements

The university affirmatively strives to provide educational opportunities and access to students with varied backgrounds, those with special talents and adult students.

First-Year Students on the Kent Campus: First-year admission policy on the Kent Campus is selective. Admission decisions are based upon cumulative grade point average, strength of high school college preparatory curriculum and grade trends. Students not admissible to the Kent Campus may be administratively referred to one of the seven regional campuses to begin their college coursework. For more information, visit the admissions website for first-year students.

First-Year Students on the Regional Campuses: First-year admission to Kent State’s campuses at Ashtabula, East Liverpool, Geauga, Salem, Stark, Trumbull and Tuscarawas, as well as the Twinsburg Academic Center, is open to anyone with a high school diploma or its equivalent. For more information on admissions, contact the Regional Campuses admissions offices.

International Students: All international students must provide proof of proficiency of the English language (unless they meet specific exceptions) through the submission of an English language proficiency test score or by completing English language classes at Kent State’s English as a Second Language Center before entering their program. For more information, visit the admissions website for international students.

Former Students: Former Kent State students who have not attended another institution since Kent State and were not academically dismissed will complete the re-enrollment process through the Financial, Billing and Enrollment Center. Former students who attended another college or university since leaving Kent State must apply for admissions as a transfer or post-undergraduate student.

Transfer Students: Students who attended an educational institution after graduating from high school or earning their GED must apply as transfer students. For more information, visit the admissions website for transfer students.

Admission policies for undergraduate students may be found in the University Catalog's Academic Policies.

Students may be required to meet certain criteria to progress in their program. Any progression requirements will be listed on the program's Coursework tab

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Completers of this program will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate understanding of different fields within teaching English as a second language, including linguistics, language acquisition, pedagogy and practice.
  2. Demonstrate understanding of different cultural norms and practices within effective instruction.
  3. Demonstrate effective language and literacy instruction for English language learners.

Coursework

On This Page

Program Requirements

Endorsement Requirements

Endorsement Requirements
ENG 31001FUNDAMENTAL ENGLISH GRAMMAR 3
ENG 31003LINGUISTICS 3
or ENG 31008 GRAMMAR FOR TEACHING ENGLISH AS A SECOND/FOREIGN LANGUAGE
ENG 31005CHILD SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION 3
ENG 31007PEDAGOGY FOR TEACHING ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE 13
ENG 41192ESL PRACTICUM IN A P-12 SETTING (ELR) 23
Minimum Total Credit Hours:15
1

During ENG 31007, an assessment of professional dispositions occurs demonstrating students' understanding of codes of ethics and professional standards appropriate to teaching English as a second language and working with English language learners.

2

Seventy hours of field placement as a teacher assistant at area schools enables students to gain collaborative clinical experience as a P-12 teacher.

Graduation Requirements
Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
3.000 3.000

LICENSURE INFORMATION

Candidates seeking Ohio teaching licensure are required to pass specific requirements in order to apply for licensure from the Ohio Department of Education (ODE). Students should consult the Special Education Department for specific program requirements and refer to the Ohio Department of Education - Educator Preparation website for more information about assessments specific to licensure type.

Program Delivery

  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus

Accreditation for Teaching English as a Second Language Endorsement Preparation - Undergraduate Non-Degree Program

Ohio Department of Education (CAEP)

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries for Teaching English as a Second Language Endorsement Preparation - Undergraduate Non-Degree Program

Adult basic education, adult secondary education, and english as a second language instructors

-13.7%

decline

40,900

number of jobs

$59,950

potential earnings

Elementary school teachers, except special education

-2.0%

decline

1,422,700

number of jobs

$62,340

potential earnings

Kindergarten teachers, except special education

-1.6%

decline

117,200

number of jobs

$61,430

potential earnings

Middle school teachers, except special and career/technical education

-2.0%

decline

633,700

number of jobs

$62,970

potential earnings

Preschool teachers, except special education

4.1%

about as fast as the average

555,100

number of jobs

$37,120

potential earnings

Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education

-1.6%

decline

1,094,500

number of jobs

$64,580

potential earnings

Notice: Career Information Source
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.
Kent State's Hospitality Draws Siblings to Same Program

Abby and Nate Bergdorf are both attending Kent State and majoring in hospitality.

Family legacy is important to junior Abby Bergdorf and her younger brother Nate. The siblings decided to attend Kent State University because their father and grandparents are alumni. Even their older brother earned his degree at Kent State and is now working on his master’s degree here. But the siblings have taken the family legacy thing a giant step further by majoring in Hospitality and Event Management in the College of Education, Health and Human Services. Abby and Nate also are following in the footsteps of a beloved uncle who recently retired from the park and recreation indust...

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