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Language and Literature, Graduate Certificate

Study how to effectively teach writing and literature with the Graduate Certificate in Language and Literature from IU Online. Advance your career with this flexible, 100 percent online degree program.

Course Delivery: 100% Online

Total Credits: 20

In-State Tuition Per Credit: $350.00

Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit: $490.00

Cost of attendance may vary by campus. View the total cost calculator

Degree Overview

The IU Online Graduate Certificate in Language and Literature provides training in the core principles of writing and literature. Study contemporary theory on the pedagogy of composition and literature.

Deepen your knowledge of the English language. Learn how to teach students how to identify and evaluate sources, use evidence, generate ideas, and develop and organize arguments. Familiarize yourself with the current debates and schools of thought related to language and literature instruction.

You’ll graduate with an Indiana University degree respected by employers worldwide—and you can work on yours anytime and anywhere. Plus, you’ll enjoy personalized support services throughout your academic journey.

To be accepted to this program, you must have:
  1. A bachelor's degree
    To enroll in this program, you must possess either a B.A. in English (or related bachelor's degree in education with an English specialization, concentration, or outside area) or two years of secondary teaching experience in literature or composition classes.
  2. 3.0 GPA or above on a 4.0 scale

To apply to this program, complete an online application that includes:
  • Official transcripts
  • 250-word personal statement explaining background and reasons for entering the program
  • TOEFL scores (international students only) 
Application Dates

Fall semester: Aug 1

Spring semester: Jan 1

Summer I semester: May 1

Summer II semester: Jun 15

Note: This program is not eligible for financial aid.

Your IU Online Graduate Certificate in Language and Literature prepares you for such careers as: 

  • Composition and/or literature dual-credit teacher (high school) 
  • Composition and/or literature instructor (community college)

The Graduate Certificate in Language and Literature is ideal for those who want to teach dual-credit courses and who need to meet Higher Learning Commission dual-credit qualification standards. These standards require teachers wanting to teach dual-credit courses to hold either a master's degree in their area of instruction or a master's degree in another discipline (such as education), plus at least 18 credit hours of discipline-specific graduate coursework.

  • If you hold a master's degree in another discipline, you can meet HLC standards by completing the 20 credit hour Graduate Certificate in Language and Literature. 
  • If you plan to pursue the IU Online M.A. in English, you may apply the 20 credit hours from the Graduate Certificate in Language and Literature toward the master's degree. 

To earn the Graduate Certificate in Language and Literature, you must complete 20 credit hours.

Requirements are broken down as follows: 

  • Language and literature core courses (16 credit hours)
  • Language and literature elective course (4 credit hours)

Core
Core Classes for the for the Graduate Certificate in Language and Literature
Course Number Course Name Credits
ENG-D 600 –or– ENG-G 655 History of the English Language 4 Credits
ENG-W 509 –or– ENG-W 500 Writing and Literacy Studies –or– Teaching Composition: Issues & Approaches 4 Credits
ENG-W 600-or-ENG-W 682-or-ENG-W 508-or-ENG-W 554 Topics in Rhetoric & Composition-or-Special Topics: Rhetoric & Composition-or-Creative Writing for Teachers-or-Practicum Teaching of Creative Writing 4 Credits
ENG-L 503 Teaching Literature in College 4 Credits

Elective

Electives for the Graduate Certificate in Language and Literature
Course Number Course Name Credits
ENG-L 500 / ENG-L 600 Any ENG-L or advisor-approved course 4 Credits

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