Overview

Why Choose the Graduate Diploma in TESOL

Four reasons teachers choose this diploma to deepen their expertise.

Courses From a Pioneering MA

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

Choose Your Own Courses

Pick any six of nine graduate TESOL courses to match the teaching you do.

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 or travel required.

Program Learning Outcomes

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

Knowledge

  • Articulate current theoretical trends, issues and concerns in applied linguistics and language pedagogy

Research Awareness

  • Describe current research issues and concerns
  • Summarize significant research findings in the field

Academic Skills

  • Carry out a detailed literature review using print and online resources

Professional Growth

  • Devise and put into practice strategies for your own ongoing professional development

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 6Live class
Week 7Live class
Week 8Live class
Week 9Final assignment
See 2026 term dates →

Your Path to the Diploma

Six courses, chosen by you, completed fully online.

01

STEP 1

Choose Your Courses

Select any six of the nine graduate TESOL courses, from grammar and discourse to classroom research and curriculum.

02

STEP 2

Study Each Course

Complete each nine-week course with live classes, forum work and two assignments. A new course begins every ten weeks.

03

STEP 3

Earn Your Diploma

Finish your six courses, 24 units in all, in around 60 weeks.

Career Paths

Grow your teaching career, from the classroom to coordination and curriculum.

CLASSROOM TEACHING

Teach English Worldwide

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

  • ESL or EFL teacher
  • Language school instructor
  • University English language instructor

SCHOOL ROLES

Take On More Responsibility

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

  • Senior or lead teacher
  • Academic coordinator
  • Course coordinator

CURRICULUM & ASSESSMENT

Shape What Is Taught

Plan courses and judge what is working in your classroom.

  • Course and materials planner
  • Classroom assessment lead
  • Curriculum committee member

FURTHER STUDY

Continue in TESOL

Build a foundation for further graduate study in the field.

  • MA in TESOL
  • Specialist teacher development
  • Research in language teaching

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.

See all TESOL faculty

Ready to Start Your Graduate Diploma in TESOL?

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

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