World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures Degree: English as a Second Language (ESL) Education

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    • World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures Degree: English as a Second Language (ESL) Education

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    Studying English as a Second Language (ESL) Education allows students to make a meaningful impact by helping non-native K-12 speakers develop essential language skills so they can open doors to greater opportunities. With the growing demand for ESL teachers locally, nationally, and worldwide, this field offers diverse career paths, cultural exchange experiences, and the chance to help others reach their dreams through language learning.

    The interdisciplinary Gardner-Webb University Bachelor of Arts in World Languages program offers a Concentration in English as a Second Language Education to prepare students to teach multi-language learners in academic environments.

    CURRICULUM

     

    What You’ll Learn

    You’ll take a holistic approach to ESL Education at the K-12 level, studying cultures and language learning in the World Language department, the English language through our English department, literacy and pedagogical theories in Education courses.

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    Contact Info

    Dr. Tamara A. Cox

    Professor of French, Second Language Education Program Coordinator, MOSAIC French Club advisor, and Pi Delta Phi representative

    World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures

    [email protected]

    (704) 406-4499

    Campus Box: 7266

    119 Lindsey Hall

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    Program hours
    1
    Years (avg.)
    1
    Class Type

    Face-to-face

    Total Credit Hours

    120 hours required

    Transfer Credits

    Transfer in up to 60 semester hours

    Accreditation

    Gardner-Webb University is accredited by SACSCOC and CHEA

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    Available Programs

    Bachelor of Arts in World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures: ASL with Interpreting Minor Degree Program

    Students pursuing a World Languages degree may focus their 42 semester hours on ESL Education.

    The major consists of courses in four (4) tiers.

    1. Foundation courses (9 hours)
    2. Language, literature, and culture courses above the 100-level taught in the target language (21 hours)
    3. Comparative courses (9 hours)
    4. Senior Capstone (3 hours)

    For a more in-depth look at program requirements, visit our Academic Catalog

    Additional opportunities

    Preparing for the Future

    Gardner-Webb’s World Languages degree with a Concentration in ESL Education offers opportunities for internships, activities on and off campus, and meaningful service work. These experiences can help you build social connections, promote bilingualism, and ensure your personal and professional growth.

    Research Projects

    During the fall semester before graduation, students complete a capstone (senior seminar) class, which includes a research paper and presentation. In the spring semester, they present their essay at a conference.

    Career Preparation

    Opportunities for volunteering in local schools and traveling abroad help students teach multi-language learners, providing valuable hands-on experience. We mentor our students through every step, from course selection to applications for internships, study abroad, undergraduate research experiences, and both local and international teaching opportunities.

    Why Choose To Study ESL Education At Gardner-Webb?

    Studying ESL Education at Gardner-Webb University offers you a unique opportunity to impact the lives of motivated K-12 learners and support the global community. With a curriculum designed to empower educators, you will gain the skills to teach English effectively while also addressing the specific needs of individuals and communities in the U.S. and abroad.

    This program facilitates meaningful connections while enhancing your personal and professional networks. Additionally, becoming bilingual enriches cognitive abilities and boosts brain health, making it a rewarding path for those passionate about language and culture. Embrace the opportunity to shape futures and create lasting change through the power of language at GWU.

    Study Abroad

    Living in another country can be life-changing for your academic and personal development. We strongly encourage you to study abroad for a term or year (up to 12 credit hours) or through a summer program (6 credit hours).
    Learn More About Study Abroad Programs

    Related Programs

    • Undergraduate

    World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures Degree: American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreting

    • Bachelor's, Minor
    • Undergraduate

    World Languages with Concentrations in American Sign Language, French, German Studies, and Spanish

    • Bachelor's, Minor

    outcomes

    What You’ll Do After Graduation

    Earning a degree or minor in World Languages can boost your potential in careers that require cultural awareness and the ability to communicate across cultures. Plus, you’ll cultivate skills that employers value, such as critical thinking, adaptability, and self-motivation.

    You may pursue professions such as: 

    • Interpreter
    • Translator
    • Education/ Teacher
    • International Business
    • Nursing
    • Politics
    • Public Relations/ Media
    • Mental Health Counselor
    • Journalist
    • Legal Environments
    • Counseling Minority Groups
    • Pastor/ Missionary
    • Non-Profit Work

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    Admissions & Aid

    We’re here to help! Once you’ve found the program that’s right for you, learn how to apply and become one of the approximately 96% of our students who receive financial aid.

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    Department of World Languages, Literature, and Cultures

    The Department of World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures offers many ways to learn about and connect with others.

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    Meet Our Faculty

    College of Arts and Sciences, World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures

    Jessica Grant

    Asst. Professor of American Sign Language
    [email protected]
    (704) 406-4418

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    World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures

    Dr. Tamara Cox

    Professor of French L2 Ed. Program Coordinator
    [email protected]
    (704) 406-4499

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    World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures

    Russ Gribble

    Instructor of American Sign Language
    [email protected]
    (704) 406-2516 ; 704-313-9430

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    English Language and Literature, World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures

    Deborah Hill

    Administrative Assistant, English & World Languages
    [email protected]
    (704) 406-4411 ; (704) 406-3035

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    World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures

    Dr. Bernhard Martin

    Chair, World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures Professor of German
    [email protected]
    (704) 406-4415

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    World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures

    Robert Moore

    Interim ASL director , Instructor in American Sign Language
    [email protected]
    (704) 406-4472 ; 704-313-0456

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    World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures

    Dr. Charles Moore

    Professor of Spanish
    [email protected]
    (704) 406-4416

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    World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures

    Dr. Teresa Phillips

    Professor of Spanish
    [email protected]
    (704) 406-3223

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