Undergraduate Diploma in TESOL
June 2, 2023 2026-10-05 5:41Undergraduate Diploma in TESOL
Undergraduate Diploma in TESOL
Build a solid foundation for a career in English language teaching. Designed for current and aspiring teachers of children or adults, this online diploma, created by Dr. David Nunan and coordinated by Dr. Jimalee Sowell, prepares you with the global teaching skills to succeed teaching English to speakers of other languages.
Online
Recorded lectures to review
About 60 weeks
Four 15-week courses
9 hours
Of study per week
Monthly starts
First Monday of each month
DEAC
Accredited
Why Choose the Undergraduate Diploma in TESOL
Four reasons teachers choose this diploma to build a solid foundation.
Designed by Dr. David Nunan
Developed by former TESOL International Association President Dr. David Nunan, with his video lectures.
Review Lectures Anytime
Recorded content lets you go back over lecture material as often as you need.
Learn With Teachers Worldwide
Learn alongside professionals and colleagues from around the world.
Study Around Your Job
Four 15-week courses, about nine hours a week, completed fully online.
Program Learning Outcomes
What you will be able to do by the time you complete the program.
The English Language
- Explore the structure, grammar and phonology of English
- Develop knowledge of English grammar for the language teaching setting
Teaching Methodology
- Understand effective English language teaching methodologies
- Develop your teaching techniques and skills
Learning Contexts
- Examine principles, issues and trends in English language learning and teaching across a range of contexts
Assessment & Materials
- Examine language teaching in relation to assessment and evaluation
- Explore materials development for English language teaching
How You'll Learn
Each 15-week course is built around about nine hours of study a week, with recorded video lectures.
Your Four Courses
Four 15-week courses taken in sequence, from foundations to materials design.
01
COURSE 1
Introduction to TESOL
A practical introduction to language teaching that links practice to theory and research.
02
COURSE 2
English Language Teaching Methodology
Effective methods and techniques for teaching English.
03
COURSE 3
English Language Teaching Assessment
Principles and practice of assessing language learners.
04
COURSE 4
Material Development in English Language Teaching
Design and evaluate materials for English language teaching.
Career Paths
Teach English in schools, institutes and online, with a foundation for further study.
SCHOOLS
Teach in Schools
Teach English in public, private and international schools.
- English teacher, public or private school
- International school teacher
- ESL support teacher
LANGUAGE INSTITUTES
Teach Adults and Professionals
Teach general and workplace English in institutes and companies.
- Language institute teacher
- Corporate English trainer
- University English instructor
ONLINE & TUTORING
Teach Online
Teach learners anywhere through online platforms and private lessons.
- Online English teacher
- Private English tutor
- Online course assistant
FURTHER STUDY
Go Further in TESOL
Use the certificate as a step toward further study.
- Graduate Certificate or Diploma in TESOL
- Graduate study in TESOL
- Ongoing professional development
Meet Our Faculty
Learn from experienced academics and professionals who bring subject expertise, research, and real-world perspective into the classroom.
Dr David Nunan
Past President, TESOL International Association. Designed Anaheim University’s undergraduate TESOL certificate and diploma.
Dr MaryAnn Christison
Past President, TESOL International Association.
Dr Andy Curtis
Past President, TESOL International Association.
Dr Rod Ellis
Second language acquisition researcher; his work was awarded the Duke of Edinburgh Prize.
Ready to Start Your Undergraduate Diploma in TESOL?
Speak with an advisor about your teaching goals, or start your application today. New courses begin every month.
Undergraduate Diploma in TESOL Curriculum
The Online Undergraduate Diploma in TESOL is four 15-week courses taken in sequence, about 60 weeks in all. Each course asks around nine hours of study a week — 135 hours per course — and new courses begin on the first Monday of every month.
The Diploma is designed for language teachers, teachers in preparation and intending teachers. It offers a practical introduction to language teaching and links practice to theory and research, moving from a broad foundation in TESOL through methodology and assessment to the design and evaluation of teaching materials. It is a non-credit program, completed entirely online.
English teacher having video conference call with students
Each course runs 15 weeks at about nine hours a week, a 135-hour course, and new courses begin on the first Monday of each month. The Diploma is a non-credit program completed entirely online.
The Four Courses
All four are required and are taken in sequence. Open any course to read its full description.
Required Courses
The four courses that make up the Diploma, each 15 weeks long and each a 135-hour course.
This program is designed for language teachers, teachers in preparation or intending teachers. It offers a practical introduction to language teaching and links practice to theory and research. The program offers students the opportunity of developing a solid pedagogical foundation through instruction in the following areas: language teaching methodology, listening, speaking, reading, writing, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, discourse, content-based instruction, using coursebooks, computer assisted language learning, learning styles and strategies, learner autonomy in the classroom, classroom-based assessment, and cross-cultural communication.
When someone teaches, they usually employ a range of activities in certain conditions that form an approach. When an approach has a theoretical background to it, it is a methodology. In this course, we look at different methodologies for TESOL, with an emphasis on the theory, principles, and procedures of the Communicative Method. However, in practice, most teachers employ a range of methodologies.
Assessment is an essential part of the teaching and learning process. Assessment not only identifies learners’ strengths and weaknesses, it also identifies strengths and weaknesses in teaching and learning materials. In this course, we explore how assessment can be used in a formative sense, to help evaluate learners’ performance, as well as in the summative sense, where assessments are used to determine the effectiveness of teaching and learning. In this course, we review the role of assessment and examine ways to ensure that assessment is fair and effectively and efficiently reflects both teaching and learning.
Materials development is concerned with all the resources available for helping the teaching and learning process. These resources include professionally printed products such as textbooks, activity books & teacher guides as well as CD-ROM, DVD, and online computer resources. Resources also include those materials created by teachers & students. In this course, we review various resource options, discuss their advantages & disadvantages, and outline ways in which teachers can both use and create effective and efficient materials to help in the teaching and learning process.
The same pattern runs through each of the four courses: 15 weeks at nine hours a week makes a 135-hour course, and four of them make the Diploma.
How the Program Works
How the Diploma is studied and completed.
New courses begin on the first Monday of each month, so a student can start within weeks rather than waiting for a term. Taking the four courses in sequence puts the Diploma at about 60 weeks.
The Undergraduate Diploma in TESOL is a non-credit program taught 100 per cent online. There is no residential attendance requirement, no thesis and no research portfolio.
An extension may be granted by the Dean. A fifteen-week extension carries an additional fee of $200 per course.
2026 Start Dates
New courses begin on the first Monday of each month. Take your four courses in order, one after another.
Plan Your Studies
A few rules that help you finish on time.
COURSE ORDER
Four Courses in Order
Introduction to TESOL, then Methodology, Assessment and Material Development. Enroll each time the next course you need is offered.
GRADING
Pass or Fail
Each course is pass or fail. Complete all four and an end-of-program survey to receive your diploma.
STAY ACTIVE
Keep Up Each Week
You are considered to have withdrawn if you miss three weeks of classes or three lessons in a row.
TIME LIMIT
Up to Two Years
Each course runs 15 weeks. Extensions beyond two years need written approval from the Program Director, Registrar and Financial Affairs.
Ready to Start Your Undergraduate Diploma in TESOL?
Speak with an advisor or start your application today.
Undergraduate Diploma in TESOL Tuition & Fees
Tuition for the Undergraduate Diploma in TESOL is $1,050 per course, with a $50 records fee per term. The estimated total program cost is $4,660 and includes required tuition and fees, estimated textbooks, and end-of-program fees. The program is comprised of four non-credit courses completed fully online.
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 four-term program schedule and successful completion of each course on the first attempt; repeated courses or additional enrollment may increase the final cost.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application fee non-refundable | $50 |
| Registration fee non-refundable | $100 |
| STRF fee (California residents only) non-refundable | $0 |
| Course fees | |
| Tuition — $350 per credit × 3 credits | $1,050 / course |
| Tuition — 4 courses | $4,200 |
| Records fee | $50 / term |
| Estimated textbook fees | $30 |
| Digital textbook — $20 × 4 courses | $80 |
| End-of-program fees | |
| Diploma | No cost |
| Replacement diploma optional | $100 |
| Replacement cover optional | $100 |
| Course completion letter optional | $35 |
| Total program cost | $4,660 |
Program Cost & Additional Enrollment
The estimated total program cost assumes successful completion of all four courses on the first attempt and completion within the standard four-term schedule. Students who repeat a course or require enrollment beyond the standard schedule will be required to pay additional tuition and records fees for each additional term. The maximum time allotted to complete the program is two years from the date of matriculation.
Program Format
The Undergraduate Diploma in TESOL is comprised of four non-credit courses — Introduction to TESOL, English Language Teaching Methodology, English Language Teaching Assessment, and Material Development in English Language Teaching — each 15 weeks long and completed 100% online. New courses begin on the first Monday of each month, and students are graded on a pass/fail basis. The program takes about 60 weeks to complete.
Textbooks
Program fees do not include textbooks. A student can plan on approximately $20 in textbook purchases per course (a $20 digital option is available for each). A textbook list is available in the online resources of the student website.
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$1,050.00 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].
Undergraduate Diploma in TESOL Admission Requirements
The Undergraduate Diploma in TESOL is designed for those beginning a career in English language teaching. There are no degree or GPA requirements: applicants need only be 18 or over, or have graduated high school. No entrance examination is required.
The diploma is comprised of four non-credit courses completed 100% online over approximately 60 weeks. Review the requirements, English proficiency standards, and enrollment restrictions below, then complete Anaheim University’s online application when you’re ready.
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Application materials | |
| Application form | Required |
| Application fee non-refundable | $50 |
| One recent color photograph | Digital is okay |
| Government-issued photo ID | Scanned copy required |
| Eligibility | |
| Minimum age / education | 18 or over, or graduated high school |
| English proficiency — non-native English speakers (one of) | |
| TOEFL | 500 PBT / 173 CBT / 61 iBT |
| IELTS | 6.0 |
| TOEIC | 625 |
| PTE Academic | 44 |
| Other qualifying options | See the full list below |
| Other | |
| Entrance examination | None required |
| Internet access | Computer with internet access required |
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:
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 “C” average, or a “C” 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 B1 level assessed through recognized ESOL examinations, including the University of Cambridge; Duolingo English Test 95; Michigan MET 53; 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.
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.
How to Apply
- 1Submit your applicationComplete the Anaheim University admissions application. You may apply online or download the PDF application and submit it by email.
- 2Submit your supporting documentsProvide a recent passport-size color photograph and a government-issued photo ID, and — if you are a non-native English speaker — English-proficiency documentation. Documents may be uploaded with the online application or emailed to [email protected]. No academic transcripts are required for admission.
- 3Pay the application feePay 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].
- 4Send required original documentsAny 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 - 5Application reviewOnce 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.
- 6Complete your enrollmentIf 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.
David Nunan, Ph.D
Master of Arts in TESOL Designer & David Nunan TESOL Institute Director Senior Professor: TESOL Dr. David Nunan is the Director of the Anaheim University…
Jimalee Sowell, Ph.D.
Certificate Program Coordinator, David Nunan TESOL Institute Instructor: TESOL Jimalee Sowell holds a Ph.D. in Composition and Applied Linguistics at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and…
