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Graduate Certificate in English Online
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Overview

Enhance Your Ability To Teach the English Language

The Graduate Certificate of Completion in English at Grand Canyon University is designed to provide a framework for current teachers to consider various career opportunities. Prepare to share your passion for the English language and inspire students by diving into pedagogical approaches and professional writing best practices. The curriculum provides in-depth instruction of the English language that focuses on four domain areas: pedagogy, teaching writing and literature, practice of professional writing and theories of writing and rhetoric.

This graduate certificate in English offers advanced education in the English discipline and field of education. This may be ideal for teachers seeking to enhance their career qualifications in preparation for a possible career teaching at the postsecondary level. This certificate program may serve to complement a master’s degree, which is the minimum requirement needed to apply for postsecondary teaching positions at many community colleges.(See disclaimer 1) 

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Graduate Certificate of Completion in English
Class Settings
Online
Tuition Rate

Online: $600 per credit [More Info]

Cost of Attendance
Course Information
Credits: 20
Online: 8 weeks

[More Info]
Transfer Credits

The University will accept one course of the total certificate requirements in transfer.

Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements (Master's)

  • Undergraduate Degree*
  • 2.8+ GPA

OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and

  • GMAT: 500
  • GRE: 300 combined**

Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
* Degree must be from an accredited college or program that has been approved by GCU.
** Combined verbal/quantitative, after August 2011 (1,000 combined verbal and quantitative, prior to August 2011).

Why GCU

Join a Community of Educators

Offered by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, this graduate certificate program is ideally suited to current teachers who are passionate about literature and language and who feel called to teach the English language. This certificate offers a survey of various aspects of the English language and approaches to teaching. At our private Christian university, we offer faith-integrated courses taught from the Christian perspective.

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Complete Your Graduate Certificate in English Online

Pursuing this certificate online allows for convenience and flexibility by taking courses that fit around your schedule, providing you the opportunity to maintain school-work-life balance. Through our innovative digital learning platform, you will interact with instructors, collaborate with peers and access a wide range of resources as you complete your graduate certificate in English online. 

Coursework

Explore Writing Theories and Teaching Practices for English Literature

Coursework in this certificate program teaches a number of core competencies that can lay a foundation for effectiveness in the postsecondary classroom, including: 

  • Writing theory
  • Writing within social and technological contexts
  • Writing for grant applications
  • Best practices for teaching literature
  • Multimedia writing, including social media
     

Mirroring GCU’s Master of Arts in English with an Emphasis in Education, this graduate certificate teaches the following:

  • Writing theory: This area is designed to provide you with an understanding of key modern ways to think about writing. Examine historical, theoretical and practical knowledge of rhetoric and writing, as well as classical and modern theories of rhetoric in relation to contemporary theories of writing. Other areas of focus include praxis and rhetorical analysis.
  • Social and technological aspects of writing practice: Explore pertinent writing and technology theories that have shaped the discipline as a social and technological entity. This area addresses the relationship between theory and practice, analysis of socio-technological contexts, as well as artifacts produced like internet memes and viral videos.
  • Proficiency in grant writing: Survey all aspects of grant writing, from the process and its purpose to practicalities. Areas of focus include the basics of funders and concerns, proposals and research techniques. You will complete the course by writing a grant proposal.
  • Teaching literature practices: This area connects you to theoretical approaches. You will be expected to master the techniques for effectively teaching literary texts.
  • Social media: The multimedia writing course centers around creating a social media campaign informed by rhetoric theories and technology. You will develop written elements for tweets, status updates, video/audio content, infographics, webpages and various graphics.
     
Careers

Career Opportunities for Certificate Holders

Along with earning a more advanced degree, this certificate in English can help you gain skills and offer career options in many different industries.

Potential workplace opportunities include:(See disclaimer 2,3)

  • Trade/technical schools
  • Publication houses
  • Newspapers and magazines
  • Libraries
     
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Accreditation

Pursue Your Graduate Certificate From an Accredited University

GCU is proud to be an institutionally accredited university — a designation of our commitment to quality instruction. The Higher Learning Commission has continually accredited GCU since 1968. The College of Humanities and Social Sciences shares the university’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards established by our accrediting bodies. 

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

To help you decide if this certificate is right for you, we have answers to your most frequently asked questions about our graduate certificate in English online.

Courses

Program Curriculum

Credit Summary
Major20 credits
Degree Requirements20 credits

Core Courses

  • GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
  • Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
  • Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change
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Engage Postsecondary Students in English

Enhance your teaching skills with our graduate certificate in English, focused on language proficiency and pedagogy.

Apply Now
  1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, Aug. 29). How to Become a Postsecondary Teacher. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Oct. 4, 2024. 
  2. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, Aug. 29). Postsecondary Teachers: Work Environment. Retrieved Oct. 4, 2024.
  3. GraduateCertificate.org. (2024, Aug. 27). English Literature Graduate Certificate Programs. Retrieved Oct. 4, 2024.
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