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Governors State University

University Park , Illinois ,United States

Bachelor of Arts in English Teacher Education

Governors State University is focused on preparing all students to be successful in the real world. With in-depth studies, those looking to obtain an English teacher education degree can acquire the English teaching industry’s skills and knowledge. Not only do we prepare our students with skills and knowledge, but we equip them with the confidence to excel in any career they find themselves in after graduation. Whether you plan to become a high school English teacher, a private English teacher, or move on to a graduate program so you can teach at a university level, we're ready to help make your dreams a reality.

Why Is Teaching English Important?
As someone who is planning to teach the English language to others, you need to understand the importance of the study. In fact, you will be doing more than teaching someone a language. Most likely, your students will already be fluent in English but looking for a more in-depth vision of what the English language holds. You might focus on playwriting, poetry, speaking, writing, reading, and a variety of other specifics regarding English. As your students learn literacy, you will shape the futures of many in the next generation.

Intakes

  • Jan
  • May
  • Aug

Application Processing Time in Days: 30

Minimum English Language Requirements

English Level Description IELTS (1.0 -9.0) TOEFL IBT (0-120) TOEFL CBT (0-300) PTE (10-90)
Expert 9 120 297-300 86-90
Very Good 8.5 115-119 280-293 83-86
Very Good 8 110-114 270-280 79-83
Good 7.5 102-109 253-267 73-79
Good 7 94-101 240-253 65-73
Competent 6.5 79-93 213-233 58-65
Competent 6 60-78 170-210 50-58
Modest 5.5 46-59 133-210 43-50
Modest 5 35-45 107-133 36-43
Limited 4 32-34 97-103 30-36
Extremely Limited < 4 < 31 < 93 < 30

Job Opportunity Potential

Job Opportunity Potential at Governors State University (GSU)

Chicago Proximity – Located near Chicago, a major hub for business, technology, healthcare, and logistics.

STEM & Business Careers – Strong demand for graduates in Computer Science, Information Technology, Data Analytics, and Business (MBA, Accounting, Finance).

Healthcare Pathways – GSU is well-known for Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Health Administration, with excellent placement in hospitals and clinics.

Internships & Co-ops – Access to internships with Fortune 500 companies and Chicago-based firms in finance, consulting, tech, and manufacturing.

OPT & STEM OPT – Eligible programs provide up to 3 years of work authorization in the U.S. after graduation.

Teaching & Counseling – Education, Social Work, and Counseling programs prepare students for careers in schools, universities, and community organizations.

Government & Non-profit Careers – Public Administration and Leadership graduates often find roles in policy, community development, and NGOs.

Entrepreneurship Support – GSU’s Small Business Development Center helps students start and grow businesses.

Networking – Strong alumni network and career fairs connect students with employers in Illinois and nationwide.

On-Campus Jobs – Opportunities to work up to 20 hours per week while studying.

PSW Opportunity

Post-Study Work visa or permit, allowing international students on F-1 visas to work in the US after completing their studies, typically through Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Eligibility:
To be eligible for OPT, students must have been enrolled full-time in a US educational institution for at least one academic year and be seeking work related to their major.

Duration:
Students can apply for up to 12 months of OPT, either before they finish their studies (pre-completion) or after graduation (post-completion).

STEM OPT:
Students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields can apply for an extended OPT period of up to 24 months.

Contact our PSA counselor for more information

Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria

Official high school transcripts.

Minimum unweighted high school GPA ~ 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. 

ACT or SAT are optional; only taken if you want them considered. 

If you studied in a non-English speaking country, you need credential evaluation by a NACES-member agency. 

English / IELTS & Other Language Proficiency Requirements

  • If your previous education was in a country where English is not the foundational language, you must show English proficiency using one of these: TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or equivalent test. 
  • Minimum IELTS (Academic) score generally required is 6.0 for both undergrad and graduate admissions. 
  • For TOEFL, minimum overall score for graduate applicants is 80 (internet-based). 
  • For undergraduates, a lower TOEFL minimum is possible (e.g. 68 IBT) or similar, depending on program. 
  • If you don’t meet the required English test scores, GSU offers an Intensive ESL Program as conditional admission / to improve your English before you start academic classes.