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Secondary English Language Arts (Certificate)
The Certificate in Secondary English Language Arts (SELA) is a four-course
(twelve graduate credit hours) series of graduate courses designed to
provide content and pedagogical methods for secondary English Language
Arts educators who seek competencies in literature, writing, and language
study.
Students whose native language is not English or who studied at a
University outside the U.S.:

TOEFL or IELTS Language Proficiency Test with minimum scores: 550 on
paper-based, 213 on computer based, or 79 on internet-based for the
TOEFL; 6.5 for the IELTS. TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for 2 years.
For additional information, or exemptions, click here.
English translation of educational records.
Transcript Evaluation by the Foreign Credentials Service of America
(FCSA). For additional information, or exemptions, click here.
This program is targeted for the practicing English teacher who wants to:

Enhance specific areas of professional practice.

Understand current English Language Arts theory and research.

Study borderlands literature to use in secondary ELA classrooms.

Acquire analytical skills for understanding varied language
patterns.

Practice culturally relevant pedagogy.

Develop, critique, and deliver effective curricula.

Apply College and Career Readiness Standards.

Prepare for teacher licensure subject area tests.

Acquire specific knowledge for teaching advanced courses.
Transcripts or any supporting documentation should be sent to:
Admissio n Requirements
Program Contact
Apply to the UTRGV Graduate College:
Program Director: Dr. Mark Noe
Phone: (956)665-3430
E-Mail: [email protected]
Step #1: Submit a UTRGV Graduate Application at www.applytexas.org.
The university application fee of $50 ($100 for International Applicants)
can be paid online by credit card or electronic check (in the online
application). All application fees are nonrefundable.
Step #2: Register on the UTRGV Recommenders and Document Upload
Webpage (www.utrgv.edu/gradupload). This is where you will request
recommenders and upload program requirement documents, and where
the graduate office will upload your transcripts. If you do not complete this
step, we will not be able to process your application.


The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
The Graduate College
Marialice Shary Shivers Bldg. 1.158
1201 W. University Drive
Edinburg, TX 78539-2999
Deadlines
Domestic
Students admitted only to a Certificate Program are not eligible to obtain a
Student Visa from UTRGV.
Review and submit all Program Requirements:



Spring
November 15
Note:
Step #3: Request your transcripts and other supporting documentation to
be mailed to:
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
The Graduate College
Marialice Shary Shivers Bldg. 1.158
1201 W. University Drive
Edinburg, TX 78539-2999

Fall
July 1
Online application. The university application fee of $50 can be paid
online by credit card or electronic check (in the online application). All
application fees are non-refundable.
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution in the
United States or a recognized international equivalent in a similar or
related field.
Undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0.
Official transcripts from each institution attended (must be submitted
directly to UTRGV).

www.utrgv.edu/grad
Last Revised May 2015
Program Requirements
Required Courses
ENGL 6324: Pedagogy in Rhetoric,
Composition and Literacy
ENGL 6360: Introduction to Descriptive
Linguistics for Teachers
ENGL 6390: Special Topics in English
(when content is Literature for
Secondary Teachers)
9
Elective
ENGL XXXX:
3
3
Total graduate hours for certificate:
12
3
3
3
Course Descriptions
ENGL 6324: Pedagogy in Rhetoric,
Composition and Literacy [3‐0]
Explore issues related to teaching of rhetoric,
composition, and other literacies, with
emphasis on a theoretically informed practice.
May be repeated for credit when the topic
varies.
ENGL 6360: Introduction to Descriptive
Linguistics for Teachers
[3‐0] An
introduction to the methods of linguistics
science with emphasis on problem solving
techniques and the application to specific
problems. This course includes a research project
exploring the application of linguistics to specific
situations.
ENGL 6390: Special Topics in English
[3‐0]
In depth trans‐disciplinary studies of
intersections among English sub‐disciplines.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.