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Graduate Certificate in TESOL

Sharpen your language teaching with focused graduate study. Designed for current and aspiring teachers of children or adults, this online graduate certificate, taught by TESOL professors such as Dr. David Nunan and Dr. Ken Beatty in live webcam classes, builds the global teaching skills to succeed teaching English to speakers of other languages.

Online

Live weekly webcam classes

20 weeks

While working full-time

8 credits

2 graduate courses

No residency

Study fully online

DEAC

Accredited

Why Choose the Graduate Certificate in TESOL

Four reasons teachers choose this certificate for focused graduate study.

Courses From a Pioneering MA

Both courses come from the MA in TESOL, the world’s first TESOL program taught online in real time.

Focused and Practical

Pair the foundations of language teaching with practical ways to judge whether your teaching is working.

Live, Not Self-Paced

Weekly 90-minute webcam classes: an hour led by your professor, then 30 minutes of student-led discussion.

No Thesis or Residency

Study fully online, with no thesis, research portfolio, exam or travel required.

Program Learning Outcomes

What you will be able to do by the time you complete the program.

Knowledge

Research Awareness

Academic Skills

Professional Growth

How You'll Learn

Each nine-week course combines a weekly live class, an ongoing discussion forum and two assignments.

Online discussion forum Ongoing, all 9 weeks

Break WeekNew term every 10 weeks

Assignment 1 · Weeks 1–5

Assignment 2 · Weeks 6–9

Week 1Live class

Week 2Live class

Week 3Live class

Week 4Live class

Week 5Live class

Week 6Live class

Week 7Live class

Week 8Live class

Week 9Final assignment

Your Two Courses

Two graduate courses that pair the foundations of the field with practical classroom evaluation.

COURSE 1

Second Language Teaching and Learning

An overview of how second languages are taught and learned, and how theory and practice have changed.

COURSE 2

Classroom-Based Evaluation

Practical approaches to judging whether teaching and learning in your classroom are working.

CERTIFICATE

Earn Your Certificate

Complete both courses, 8 units in all, fully online in around 20 weeks.

Career Paths

Strengthen your teaching career with focused graduate study.

CLASSROOM TEACHING

Teach English Worldwide

Teach children or adults in ESL and EFL classrooms at home or abroad.

SCHOOL ROLES

Take On More Responsibility

Step into senior and coordinating roles in schools and language centers.

CURRICULUM & ASSESSMENT

Shape What Is Taught

Plan courses and judge what is working in your classroom.

FURTHER STUDY

Continue in TESOL

Build a foundation for further graduate study in the field.

Meet Our Faculty

Learn from experienced academics and professionals who bring subject expertise, research, and real-world perspective into the classroom.

David Nunan, Ph.D.

Director of the David Nunan TESOL Institute and designer of Anaheim University’s MA in TESOL. Former President of TESOL International Association and internationally recognized authority on language teaching and curriculum development.

Rod Ellis, Ph.D.

Vice President for Academic Affairs and designer of Anaheim University’s Ed.D. in TESOL. Internationally renowned applied linguist and recipient of the Duke of Edinburgh Prize.

Andy Curtis, Ph.D.

TESOL Professor and former President of TESOL International Association. Earned his Ph.D. in International Education from the University of York and has presented to language educators in more than 100 countries.

Dr MaryAnn Christison

TESOL Professor and former President of TESOL International Association. Internationally recognized teacher educator, author, and specialist in language teacher development.

Ready to Start Your Graduate Certificate in TESOL?

Speak with an advisor about your teaching goals and experience, or start your application today.

Graduate Certificate in TESOL Curriculum

The Online Graduate Certificate in TESOL is two graduate courses taken from the Master of Arts in TESOL — 8 units in all. Each course is nine weeks long and carries four units, and a new course begins every ten weeks, so the Certificate is normally finished in around 20 weeks.

The two courses pair the foundations of the field with the practical business of judging whether teaching is working: an overview of second language teaching and learning, and a course in classroom-based evaluation. There is no thesis, no research portfolio, no comprehensive examination and no residential attendance.

TESOL Professors Dr David Nunan and Dr. Ken Beatty

Program Requirements

Units

Coursework — 2 required courses, four units each

Thesis, portfolio or residential attendance — not required

—

Total required to graduate

Each course is nine weeks long and carries four units; a new course begins every ten weeks. The Certificate is completed entirely online in approximately 20 weeks.

The Two Courses

Both courses are required — there is no choice to make and no elective. Open either one to read its full catalog description.

Required Courses

2 courses · 8 units

The two graduate TESOL courses that make up the Certificate, each nine weeks long and worth four units.

EDU 500 · Second Language Teaching and Learning

Over the last twenty-five years, there have been major changes to the theory and practice of second language teaching and learning. These changes have been driven by changes in educational theory, changes in the way we think about language and learning, and the development of an active research agenda which has provided important insights and ideas for classroom practitioners.

The purpose of this introductory course is to provide an overview of the field of second language teaching and learning, to identify major trends and issues, and to show where they have come from, to illustrate, in practical ways, how these emerging ideas can be incorporated into the students’ own teaching practice, and to provide students with the basic skills and knowledge that will enable them to benefit fully from the rest of the course.

EDU 570 · Classroom-Based Evaluation

The aim of this course is to introduce students to classroom-based evaluation. This is a critically important area for all those involved in curriculum development, program management, and, in fact, any area of educational leadership. The overall goal of the courses is to give students the skills in the design and evaluation of a program of the student’s choice.

How the Program Works

3 rules

What the Certificate asks of students alongside the two courses, as published in the program catalog.

Grade point average

Students must maintain a 3.0 grade point average (GPA) in order to graduate from the program.

No residential attendance or capstone

The Graduate Certificate is completed entirely online. Unlike the MA and the Ed.D. in TESOL it carries no residential seminar requirement, and there is no thesis, research portfolio or comprehensive examination.

Time to complete

Two nine-week courses, with a new course beginning every ten weeks, put the Certificate at approximately 20 weeks. Maximum time allotted to complete the program – 2.5 years from date of matriculation.

2026 Term Calendar

Your two courses run in a set rotation. Plan ahead so you can take each one when it is offered.

Term	Dates	Courses offered
Term 1	January – March 2026	EDU 500Second Language Teaching and Learning
Term 2	March – May 2026	TBATo be announced
Term 3	May – July 2026	TBATo be announced
Term 4	July – September 2026	TBATo be announced
Term 5NEXT	October 7 – December 8, 2026	TBATo be announced

Plan Your Studies

A few rules that help you finish on time.

COURSE ORDER

Take Courses When Offered

Enroll each time a course you need for your certificate is offered, so you can finish on schedule.

YOUR COURSES

Two Required Courses

EDU 500 Second Language Teaching and Learning and EDU 570, 8 units in all.

GRADES

Keep a 3.0 GPA

You need a 3.0 GPA to graduate. Below 3.0, you have two terms on academic probation to bring it back up.

TIME LIMIT

Up to 2.5 Years

Most students finish in about 20 weeks. Extra terms carry an extension fee equal to one standard term’s tuition.

Ready to Start Your Graduate Certificate in TESOL?

Speak with an advisor or start your application today.

Graduate Certificate in TESOL Tuition & Fees

Tuition for the Graduate Certificate in TESOL is $2,000 per course, with a $200 records fee per term. The estimated total program cost is $4,575 and includes required tuition and fees, estimated textbooks, and end-of-program fees. The program is completed fully online, with no residential sessions required.

Students may pay tuition course by course and can also inquire about a non-interest-bearing monthly payment plan. The estimated total assumes completion within the standard two-term program schedule and successful completion of each required course on the first attempt; repeated courses or additional enrollment may increase the final cost.

Tuition per course · 4 credits

$2,000

Estimated total

$4,575

Records fee · per term

$200

Total terms

Fee	Amount
Application fee non-refundable	$75
Registration fee non-refundable	$100
STRF fee (California residents only) non-refundable	$0
Course fees
Tuition — $500 per credit × 4 credits	$2,000 / course
Records fee	$200 / term
Estimated textbook costs	$200 / course
Other fees
Transfer credit fee optional	$75 / course
Original transcript	No cost
Each additional transcript copy optional	$25
End-of-program fees
Diploma	No cost
Replacement diploma optional	$100
Replacement cover optional	$100
Official completion letter optional	$35
Total fees and charges for the entire program	$4,575

Program Cost & Additional Enrollment

The estimated total program cost shown above assumes successful completion of all required courses on the first attempt and completion of all program requirements within the standard program schedule. Students who repeat a credit-bearing course will be required to pay additional tuition. Students who require enrollment beyond the standard program schedule will be required to pay an Extension Fee and records fee for each additional term of enrollment. An extension may be granted by the Dean to students requiring more time to complete the program.

Program Format

The Graduate Certificate in TESOL is completed 100% online, with no residential attendance required. Students complete two of Anaheim University’s MA in TESOL courses (8 units), each nine weeks long, and study under the direction of AU’s TESOL faculty by webcam in real time. The program takes approximately 20 weeks to complete, with a maximum of 2.5 years from the date of matriculation.

Textbooks

Books and materials are extra and are expected to average approximately $200 per course. A textbook list is available in the online resources of the student website. Real-time classes do not require specific materials beyond what is already supplied for the course.

Continuing to the MA or Graduate Diploma

Graduates of Anaheim University’s TESOL Certificate program who continue into the Online MA in TESOL or Online Graduate Diploma in TESOL may be waived the tuition fee for two units of credit. Students must complete the TESOL Certificate with a grade of B or higher, meet all entrance requirements for the MA or Graduate Diploma in TESOL, and be accepted into that program.

Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF)

The Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) is administered by the California BPPE and applies only to California residents. The STRF fee is currently zero ($0) per one thousand dollars ($1,000) of institutional charges. The State of California established the STRF to relieve or mitigate economic loss suffered by a student in an educational program at a qualifying institution who is or was a California resident while enrolled, if the student enrolled, prepaid tuition, and suffered an economic loss. Unless relieved of the obligation to do so, you must pay the state-imposed assessment for the STRF, or it must be paid on your behalf, if you are a student in an educational program who is a California resident, or are enrolled in a residency program, and prepay all or part of your tuition. You are not eligible for protection from the STRF, and you are not required to pay the STRF assessment, if you are not a California resident or are not enrolled in a residency program.

Payment Terms

Each course is US$2,000.00 for tuition, excluding books, materials and other costs. Students must pay the required tuition fee prior to commencing their next course; the fee is not due until the student wishes to register for the next course. Tuition may be paid course by course by check, credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express or Discover), money order or bank transfer (the student is responsible for any transaction fees imposed by the institution). To inquire about non-interest-bearing monthly payment plan options, email [email protected].

Graduate Certificate in TESOL Admission Requirements

Admission to the Graduate Certificate in TESOL is open to applicants with a strong academic background who want focused graduate-level training in language teaching. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, meet the minimum 3.0 GPA requirement, and provide the required academic and application materials. No entrance examination is required.

Review the admission requirements, application materials, English proficiency standards, transfer credit policy, and enrollment restrictions below. When you’re ready to apply, you can complete Anaheim University’s online application and submit the required supporting documents.

Degree required

Bachelor’s

Minimum GPA

3.0

Application fee

$75

Entrance exam

None

Requirement	Detail
Application materials
Application form	Required
Application fee non-refundable	$75
One recent color photograph	Digital is okay
Government-issued photo ID	Scanned copy required
Résumé	Required
Brief statement	300–400 words on why you chose AU, what you hope to gain, and how it helps your career
Academic requirements
Earned bachelor’s degree	From an accredited institution recognized by the US Dept. of Education / CHEA, or the government of the awarding country
Minimum grade point average	3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent)
Official transcripts	Undergraduate, sealed, sent from the awarding institution
English proficiency — non-native English speakers (one of)
TOEFL	530 PBT / 197 CBT / 71 iBT
IELTS	6.5
TOEIC	800
PTE Academic	50
Other qualifying options	See the full list below
Other
Entrance examination	None required
Internet access	Computer with internet access required
Transfer credit optional	Up to 2 graduate classes; $75 per course reviewed
Prior experiential credit	Not accepted

English Proficiency Requirements

The language of instruction at Anaheim University is exclusively English, and English language services are not provided. Non-native English speakers must provide original documentation of college-level proficiency by meeting one of the following minimum scores:

TOEFL

71 iBT

IELTS

6.5

TOEIC

800

PTE Academic

Proficiency may also be shown by a degree from an institution where English is the primary language of instruction; a transcript showing 30 semester hours taught in English with a “B” average, or a “B” or higher in an English composition class. Other accepted qualifications include BULATS Level 3 (60, accepted only for Cultura Inglesa in Brazil); ACT COMPASS ESL Placement Level 3; Eiken Pre-1; a CEFR B2 level assessed through recognized ESOL examinations, including the University of Cambridge; Duolingo English Test 100; Michigan MET 55, ECCE 650/LP, or ECPE 650/LP; or the College Board Accuplacer ESL series.

Transcripts not in English: if your institution does not routinely issue transcripts in English, original-language records must be submitted with official English translations issued by the university or a professional translation service (Accredited Language Services, Berlitz, Liaison Linguistics, Josef Silny & Associates, American Evaluation & Translation Services, or Education Evaluators International). Translations must be exact and complete versions of the original records.

Transfer Credit

Anaheim University will accept up to two graduate semester classes awarded by another institution toward the Graduate Certificate. You must demonstrate the equivalency of each transfer course through relevant documents (syllabus, catalog, course outline) and a petition directed to the Dean; no course with a grade lower than “B” will be considered. There is a fee of $75 per course reviewed, and the overall program cost is adjusted for approved credit. All petitions must be submitted with your initial application. Credits awarded as part of another completed degree are not accepted, and Anaheim University does not extend experiential credit to any student.

Enrollment Restrictions by State

Anaheim University currently does not accept students who reside in the following U.S. states and territories. If you reside in one of these locations, please contact Student Services at 714-772-3330 before applying.

AlabamaAlaskaAmerican SamoaArizonaArkansasConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaGeorgiaGuamIllinoisIndianaIowaMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMontanaNew JerseyNevadaNew HampshireNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaN. Mariana IslandsOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaPuerto RicoRhode IslandUtahVirginiaVirgin IslandsWisconsinWyoming

How to Apply

1
Submit your application
Complete the Anaheim University admissions application. You may apply online or download the PDF application and submit it by email.
2
Submit your supporting documents
Provide the required Graduate Certificate application materials listed above, including a recent passport-size color photograph, government-issued photo ID, current résumé, official undergraduate transcripts, a 300–400 word brief statement, and English-proficiency documentation if required. Documents may be uploaded with the online application or emailed to [email protected]. Scanned copies may be accepted to expedite processing while required originals are being sent.
3
Pay the application fee
Pay the application fee. Payment may be made by credit card, check or money order, or bank wire transfer. For payment instructions or assistance, contact [email protected].
4
Send required original documents
Any required original application documents that are not submitted online should be sent by registered mail to:

Anaheim University
Office of Admissions, Room 110
1240 S. State College Blvd.
Anaheim, CA 92806-5150
USA
5
Application review
Once your application materials are received, Anaheim University will review your application. A receipt for the application fee will be provided, and if your application is incomplete, the University will contact you with instructions regarding any outstanding materials.
6
Complete your enrollment
If your application is approved, you will receive an acceptance notification and Enrollment Agreement. Complete and return the required enrollment documentation and follow the University’s instructions for payment, registration, and beginning your program.