About
The date of the next intake for the Post Degree Certificate in English as an Additional Language (PDCEAL) is currently under review. Prospective students are encouraged to contact eal.inquiries@usask.ca with their interest. Thank you for your input; it is important to us.
This online post-degree certificate program is tailored to meet the learning and academic needs of practicing teachers and those in related professions who are seeking specialized knowledge and professional certification in the area of EAL education. Once this program is completed, PreK – 12 teachers may qualify for an Additional Qualification Certificate issued by the Saskatchewan Professional Teachers Regulatory Board (SPTRB).
- Online program; 10 courses in total
- Accessible from all locations
- Time flexibility for certificate completion
- You must have a B. Ed. degree and some teaching experience
Career info
Additional Qualification Certificate
This certificate meets the SPTRB’s requirements for an Additional Qualification Certificate (AQC).
- Teachers who are in one of the previously approved programs (Integrated Program, Component-based AQC, or Advanced CERTESL 10 course program) will be able to complete the program for AQC requirements.
- Upon completion of all course requirements, teachers must apply to the SPTRB for the AQC in EAL Education. The date of the application determines the effective date of the certificate.
Saskatchewan Teachers: Pathways you can follow to reach Class V or VI
Class V - The combination of a B. Ed. and an AQC in EAL Education will allow teachers to move up the salary grid from Class IV to Class V.
Class VI - To reach Class VI, candidates must have one full year of graduate level study (typically 800 level courses) and a total of six years of post-secondary education.
- The combination of a BEd, MEd (30 credit units) and an AQC in EAL Education will allow teachers to move up the salary grid from Class V to Class VI.
- A BA, a BEd, and an AQC in EAL Education will not place you in Class VI. There is one pathway that is an exception (a 4 year Honours BA or BSc).
Program requirements
What you will learn
This certificate provides an analytical look at first language learning, the stages of learning an additional language, and first language delays and challenges that may impact EAL learners. You will be provided with instructional approaches and assessment strategies that support learners with the transition from communicative to academic language related to school curriculum, in a culturally and linguistically appropriate way.
Courses
To complete this program, you will need to successfully complete:
- ECUR 291.3: Introduction to Teaching of English as Second Language
- ECUR 391.3: Theory of Second Language Learning and Methods of Skills Development
- ECUR 393.3: Advanced Methods in Teaching English as Second Language
- ECUR 415.3: Current Issues in English as an Additional Language
- ECUR 490.3: Language and Content: Instructional Approaches for EAL Learners
- ECUR 492.3: Approaches to Assessment with EAL Learners
- ECUR 493.3: Individual Project: English as an Additional Language
- 3 credit units from Individual Language Learning Experience List
- 6 credit units from Electives List (in consultation with Program Advisor)
CERTESL - If you have completed the CERTESL program within the past five years, four courses may be counted toward the Post-Degree Certificate: ECUR 291.3, ECUR 292.3, ECUR 391.3 and ECUR 393.3.
Please note the following:
ECUR 292.3 (formerly TESL 333.3) has been added to the list of electives. If you take ECUR 292.3, you cannot take LING 110.3 or LING 111.3. For the purposes of PDCEAL, you may complete either ECUR 292.3 or LING 110/LING 111 with no duplication allowed. For the Individual Language Learning Experience List and online options, please contact eal.inquiries@usask.ca
The Course and Program Catalogue has the complete and official listing of required classes and their descriptions for this program.
Tuition estimates

Canadian students | International students | |
---|---|---|
Tuition | $749.70 per 3 credit unit class | $3,148.74 per 3 credit unit class |
Student fees | $125.64 per year | $125.64 per year |
Tuition will vary depending on the type and number of classes you take in a year. This estimate reflects a typical amount you could expect to pay per class (2023-2024 Canadian dollar rates).
Student fees are used to fund specific student services and union. This estimate reflects the price you would pay if you are an online student.
The cost of books and supplies varies widely depending on the courses you choose. It is recommended that you budget between $150 and $250 per class.
Admission requirements and deadlines
Open to teachers in all locations
Courses are delivered online; therefore, access to the certificate program is open to teachers in all locations. Please contact the Curriculum Studies Department for assistance with course selection, schedules, and timelines.
Requirements
Candidates for the Post-Degree Certificate in English as an Additional Language Education must have:
- a Bachelor of Education (BEd) degree
- a valid Professional "A" Teaching Certificate
Required documentation
After you've submitted your online application, you'll also need to submit the following documents to the Curriculum Studies Department via email eal.inquiries@usask.ca:
- Valid Professional "A" Teaching Certificate
- Current CV or resume outlining teaching experience
- Transcripts - you will need to arrange for official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions you've attended (other than the University of Saskatchewan) to be sent to:
Curriculum Studies Department
College of Education
28 Campus Drive
University of Saskatchewan
Saskatoon, SK S7N 0X1
Deadlines
Fall/September Start Date – Application period: May 15 to August 1
Winter/January Start date – Application period: September 15 to December 1
Spring/May Start Date – Application period: Jan 15 to April 1
Ready to apply?
This program is not currently accepting applications.
College info
The Post-degree Certificate in English as an Additional Language is offered by the College of Education.
The College of Education offers a number of longstanding and new certificate programs to assist current educators to deepen their knowledge in a chosen area. Our certificate programs are flexible, designed to support busy schedules, and respond to changing educational needs and community demographics.
Questions?
For more information, contact the Department of Curriculum Studies, College of Education at:
Phone: 306-966-7601
Email: eal.inquiries@usask.ca
Curriculum Studies Department
College of Education
28 Campus Drive
University of Saskatchewan
Saskatoon, SK S7N 0X1