Follow Us
If you're having accessibility issues, please let us know.
You can be ensured a return on your investment at Michigan State University.
As one of the top research universities in the world, Michigan State University has advanced the common good with uncommon will since 1855.
MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community.
MSU has been offering online degree programs since 1998. Our maturity is evident in the high quality of the learning experience enjoyed by our online students.
Michigan State University 426 Auditorium Road East Lansing, MI 48824
Releases and StatementsIf you're having accessibility issues, please let us know.
SPARTANS WILL|© Michigan State University|
Dr. Poole serves as Academic Director of the Master of Arts in Foreign Language Teaching program at Michigan State University. He earned his doctorate in Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences and a master's degree in Second Language Teaching from Utah State University. His research focuses on games in language learning, digital literacy, collaborative reading, and applications of artificial intelligence in language teaching and learning. Prior to grad school, he taught English as a Foreign Language in China, Spain, and Chile, including a four-year stint as Director of Studies at a language school in China. He has also taught Chinese as a foreign language and explored pedagogical innovations including a graded-reader series for L2 Chinese, using WeChat for language exchanges, board games for Chinese learning, and a 2D role-playing game for Chinese learners. He has published in journals including Foreign Language Annals, Language Learning & Technology, and the Journal of the Chinese Language Teachers Association. Many of his resources are shared at fredpoole.github.io.
For experienced language educators and new teachers entering the field, the graduate certificate in Foreign Language Teaching offers a path to professional development that parallels the Master of Arts in Foreign Language Teaching (online since 2012). Our students and alumni teach a wide range of languages, in face-to-face and online contexts, from locations across the U.S. and around the globe. Our faculty are highly trained instructors and researchers who will guide you to explore contemporary methods and practices, second language acquisition theory, and national and international standards. Our courses use instructional technology extensively to support interaction and engagement, and they incorporate content and assignments that you can immediately apply to your planning and instruction.
Maybe you already have a master’s degree in literature, education, international relations, or another area. Maybe you want to try online learning before you make a bigger commitment. Maybe you need a few courses to complete or maintain your state certification. In any case, the FLT certificate will give you a coherent experience that enhances your skills, opens doors, and connects you to a community of motivated and inquisitive educators like you. If you want to continue learning, you can count your certificate courses toward the full master’s degree.
FLT courses are fully online and asynchronous, and they are offered throughout the year. The MAFLT and FLT Certificate are fully accredited, with flexible options for pacing.
To earn the FLT Certificate, you will complete 10 credits. Customize your plan by choosing three courses from the same slate offered to MAFLT students (9 credits). Then you will showcase what you have learned and created by building your own teaching portfolio website (1 credit).
Related Program: Master of Arts, Foreign Language Teaching
The FLT Certificate offers two customizable paths, depending on your career and goals.
1. Entering the Field: Are you just getting started as a language teacher? Are you looking for a structured way to update your skills? Your core course will be Methods of Foreign Language Teaching, and you can continue with courses on the topics that interest you most.
2. Advancing in the Field: Are you an experienced language educator seeking out further guidance and considering leadership roles? Your core course will be Program Development and Administration, and you can combine it with a deep dive into areas you want to strengthen.
Either way, the FLT certificate will be a valuable asset when you are applying for a new position, preparing for a new role in your school or district, designing materials and curriculum in new ways, or seeking teachers who can collaborate with you. It also gives you a structured plan if you need a few courses to complete or maintain your teaching certification. In addition to the credential, you will improve your ability to articulate how and why you teach the way you do for your colleagues, supervisors, parents of students, and other stakeholders.
Choose one of the following
Choose two of the following
June 1st
October 15th
April 1st
The university reserves the right to make changes in the types, structures, rates for fees, and tuition. Every effort will be made to give as much advance notice as possible. In addition to tuition and fees, there are other expenses associated with your Cost of Attendance. A breakdown of a graduate student budget can be found on the "Estimate Your Cost of Attendance" page.
MSU provides programs and initiatives that support and enhance diversity. We will expand our campus and external partnerships to put in place inclusive recruitment and retention practices. We nurture and promote individuals’ varied experiences and perspectives, ensuring structures and processes make possible full participation by all members of our community.
MSU actively collaborates with campus and external partners to innovate across all dimensions of graduate education. We create and support networks that increase collaboration and improve educational opportunities for our online students.
MSU’s nationally recognized online programs foster student growth and well-being throughout their academic career. We will expand inclusive mentoring practices and accelerate improvement across units to implement evidence-based practices to ensure our students complete successfully.
Continuing education can be one of the most exciting, challenging, and rewarding experiences you undertake in your life. We hope you consider becoming a Spartan, to learn online and reach your career goals. With highly ranked online programs and exceptional professors, we educate students who advance the common good with uncommon will.