Michigan State University now offers an expanded Post BA World Language Teacher Certification Program (formerly known as the Chinese Teacher Certification Program (CLTCP)), now including both Chinese and Spanish options. This expedited program allows graduates to earn both a teaching certificate and a Master’s degree in 2 years (Residency Pathway) or obtain certification only in 1 year (Certification-only Pathway). Applications are now open to start Fall 2025 Semester.
The Post BA World Language Teacher Certification Program (previously known as CLTCP) is a fast-track certification program designed for fluent speakers of Chinese (Mandarin) or Spanish who have already earned a bachelor’s degree. This program equips candidates with the skills and knowledge needed to teach their language and culture in U.S. schools. Upon successful completion, graduates receive a standard Michigan teaching certification with a PK-12 endorsement in Chinese or Spanish, and a Master of Arts degree in World Language Education.
Financial Support:
Financial support for students in the WLTCP may include stipends, fellowships, and/or scholarships credited to their student accounts throughout the two-year program. Since the pathways to completing the Post BA World Language Teacher Certification Program vary, as do the requirements for post-baccalaureate programs, financial assistance will be managed on an individual basis with your advisor. U.S. citizens and residents in the Post BA World Language Teacher Certification Program Residency Pathway are also eligible to apply for the federal TEACH Grant for additional financial support. For details regarding the amount, terms, and conditions of this grant, please visit the federal student TEACH Grant website.
Both certificate-only and residency pathway students are eligible for scholarships, which, if awarded, will equalize tuition to MSU in-state rates. Each scholarship amount is calculated as the difference between the international tuition rate at MSU and the in-state tuition rate, ensuring that all students benefit from the lower in-state tuition rate. Furthermore, during their first year, students may apply for the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) Future Educator Stipend, which currently offers up to $9,600 per semester in financial support (this is funded by MDE and is subject to limitations and or discontinuance at their discretion). Students in their second year may receive fellowships of $10,000 per semester as compensation for their work as the teacher of record during their residency.
Program Pathways:
1. Residency Pathway (2-year)
- Outcome: Michigan Secondary Certification (K-12 Chinese/Spanish) + Master of Arts in World Language Education
2. Certification-only Pathway (1-year)
- Outcome: Michigan Secondary Certification (K-12 Chinese/Spanish)
Program Structure:
1. Residency Pathway (2-year)
Year 1:
- Prior to August 15th Arrival:
- Completion of MTTC 101 exam
- Fall Semester Internship: Mentored internship in a Michigan K-12 school (starting August 15th). Students will also have the support of an MSU Field Instructor (FI) that will work closely with them and their Mentor (MT) to ensure the student’s teaching growth and efficacy.
- This is a full-time internship, student’s placements will be within a daily drivable distance from MSU, in East Lansing, Michigan.
- Coursework:
- Fall:
- All courses will take place on a designated day each week, with students required to be on campus or in virtual classrooms to fulfill their academic obligations. This day is typically Thursday.
- TE 884A (2 credits) – Internship and Field Experiences in World Language Teaching I
- TE 832A (3 credits) – World Language Teaching Methods I
- TE 833 (3 credits) – Classroom Management in American Schools
- Spring:
- TE 884B (2 credits) – Internship and Field Experiences in World Language Teaching I
- TE 843 (3 credits) – Reading, Writing, and Reasoning in Secondary School Subjects
- TE 818 (3 credits) – Curriculum in Social Context
- Summer:
- Field Experiences
- CEP 891 (3 credits) – Social-Emotional Development of School-Age Youth
- TE 807 (3 credits) – MATC-only Course: Professional Development & Inquiry
- TE 832B (1 credit) – World Language Teaching Methods II
Year 2:
- Residency: Full-time teaching as the “teacher of record,” with ongoing academic coursework.
- Coursework:
- Fall:
- TE 884C (1 credit) – Internship and Field Experiences in World Language Teaching II
- TE 842 (3 credits) – Advanced Methods of Elementary School Reading
- Spring:
- TE 884D (1 credit) – Internship and Field Experiences in World Language Teaching II
- TE 870 (3 credits) – MATC-only Course: Curriculum Design and Development in Schools
- or TE 872 (3 credits) – MATC-only Course: Teachers as Teacher Educators
- Fall:
- Field Experience: Site-based, requiring weekly on-campus attendance.
2. Certification-only Pathway (1-year)
- Outcome: Michigan Secondary Certification (K-12 Chinese/Spanish)
- Structure:
- 1-year program with teaching internship starting August 15th in a Michigan K-12 school.
- Weekly on-campus attendance required.
- Field Experience: Site-based with possible need for relocation and transportation.
- Coursework:
- Fall:
- TE 832A (3 credits) – World Language Teaching Methods I
- TE 884A (3 credits) – Internship and Field Experiences in World Language Teaching I
- TE 833 (3 credits) – Classroom Management in American Schools
- Spring:
- TE 884B (3 credits) – Internship and Field Experiences in World Language Teaching I
- TE 818 (3 credits) – Curriculum in Social Context
- TE 843 (3 credits) – Reading, Writing, and Reasoning in Secondary School Subjects
- Summer:
- TE 832B (1 credit) – World Language Teaching Methods II
- CEP 891 (3 credits) – Social-Emotional Development of School-Age Youth
- TE 842 (3 credits) – Advanced Methods of Elementary School Reading
- Fall:
Application Process:
- Application Deadline: Rolling admissions starting January 15th each year.
Apply: Visit our Admission Requirements page.
Completion Requirements:
To earn Michigan Secondary Teacher Certification (Chinese/Spanish), candidates must:
- Maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.0.
- Pass the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC101 OR MTTC028).
- Demonstrate oral Chinese or Spanish proficiency at an intermediate-high level on the ACTFL OPI/OPIc.
- Submit the Conviction Disclosure Form.
- Meet the College of Education’s Technology Requirement and Professional Standards
- Office Of Accreditation, Assessment, Curriculum, and Compliance Educational Requirements for Professional Licensure and Certification
For further details, visit the Post BA World Language Teacher Certification Program Admissions website.
Additional Information:
- Title IX Compliance: Learn more about Michigan State University’s Title IX policies.
For questions or enrollment assistance, contact us at 517-884-6061 or PostBAWLTCP@msu.edu.