Online TESOL Certificate | Anaheim University

Online TESOL Certificate | Anaheim University

Experienced TESOL, TEFL, TESL and Applied Linguistics Educators

David Nunan

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 David Nunan TESOL Institute and Senior Professor of TESOL for the Anaheim University Graduate School of Education. He was the founding Dean of the Anaheim University Graduate School of Education and previously served as

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Anaheim University TESOL Certificate Program Coordinator Jimalee Sowell

Jimalee Sowell, M.A.

Certificate Program Coordinator, David Nunan TESOL Institute

Instructor: TESOL



Jimalee Sowell is a Ph.D. candidate in Composition and Applied Linguistics at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and holds an MATESOL degree from SIT Graduate Institute. Ms. Sowell has worked as an English language teacher and teacher trainer since 2000. Ms. Sowell has worked in a

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TESOL, TEFL and TESL Faculty Expertise


The faculty of Anaheim University’s Online Certificate in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) bring extensive experience in English Language Teaching (ELT), TESOL teacher education, TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language), TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language), Applied Linguistics, and Second Language Acquisition. The program is developed and overseen by Dr. David Nunan, former President of TESOL International Association and Director of the Anaheim University David Nunan TESOL Institute.

 

Faculty Experienced in English Language Teaching and Teacher Education


Students in the Online TESOL Certificate program learn from educators with experience in language teaching, teacher training, curriculum development, and language education. Faculty members help students develop practical teaching skills, understand language learning processes, and apply effective TESOL methodologies in ESL and EFL classrooms. The program is designed for aspiring English language teachers, experienced educators seeking professional development, and individuals interested in teaching English internationally or online.

Learn from Experienced Language Teacher Educators


Through instructor guidance, online discussions, and instructional materials, students gain practical knowledge in English language teaching, lesson planning, classroom management, learner-centered instruction, and language teaching methodology while building a foundation for future studies in TESOL, Applied Linguistics, and Language Education.

Online TESOL Certificate Program Overview

Anaheim University’s Online Certificate in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) provides practical teacher training for individuals interested in teaching English in ESL (English as a Second Language) and EFL (English as a Foreign Language) environments. Developed through the Anaheim University David Nunan TESOL Institute, the program introduces key concepts in TESOL, TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language), TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language), Applied Linguistics, Second Language Acquisition, and English Language Teaching methodology.

  • Complete Anaheim University’s online TESOL certification program and earn 3 units in 15 weeks.
  • Begin Soon: New courses start on the first Monday of every month.
  • Link practice to theory and research through instruction in Exploring Skills, Exploring Language and Supporting the Learning Process.
  • Learn critical areas of practical language teaching techniques, strategies, and tips.
  • Take part in daily online free-time discussions with instructor & classmates worldwide, watch Dr. David Nunan’s online video lectures, and complete online quizzes
  • Online Supervised Teaching Options available

Who is the TESOL Certificate Program for?

  • New teachers of English
  • Experienced English language teaching professionals
  • Native & non-native speaking teachers of English
  • Teachers of English to children
  • Teachers of English to adults
  • Public and private school teachers

Online Resources:

  • Online discussion forum
  • Video webcasts
  • Online quizzes
  • Student Services and TechSupport

Duration:

  • 15 weeks x 9 hours per week = 135 hour course

Weekly Study Format:

Through the Online Discussion Forum, discuss questions regarding your readings and video lectures featuring former President of the TESOL International Association Dr. David Nunan with your instructor and fellow students around the world

Weekly Study Format:

150 min.video lecture & Powerpoint presentation (watching video, reviewing Powerpoint, taking notes, reflecting on notes)
150 min.background reading
120 min.preparation of responses to discussion questions and tasks
90 min.discussion board
30 min.online quiz
9 hoursper week total

Note: All above times are approximate

 

Evaluation:

  • A grade of Pass or Fail is awarded at conclusion of the program. Those who have successfully completed this 3-unit (or 135-hour) course will be awarded a TESOL certificate.
  • During the 15-week course, you will be evaluated on your participation in the daily online discussion forum, weekly online quizzes and final exam as follows:
CategoryPercent of Grade
Discussion Forum35%
Quizzes45%
Final Exam20%
TOTAL100%

Online Supervised Teaching Options

Online Supervised Teaching Option A* (Student arranges the ESL learners)
Online Supervised Teaching Option B* (Anaheim University arranges the ESL learners)

For students wishing to gain experience teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) Learners and receive written corrective feedback on the student’s teaching, an Online Supervised Teaching Option is available for an additional fee. Students who choose Option A arrange to teach three 30 to 60 minute classes of ESL learners, video record the lessons, and upload the videos for the instructor to view and provide written corrective feedback. Students who choose Option B where Anaheim University arranges ESL learners, will be required to teach three 30 to 60 minute classes by online webcam. The sessions are recorded and the instructor provides written corrective feedback. In either option, the classes may be either private or group lessons.

Get Started Today

Apply today and get started on your Online TESOL Certificate program within 2 weeks.

 

Join Anaheim University’s Online MA in TESOL after Completing the TESOL Certificate

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

Why Earn a TESOL Certificate?

A TESOL Certificate can help prepare educators to teach English language learners in schools, language institutes, community education programs, online learning environments, and international education settings. The program provides an introduction to language teaching methodology, Applied Linguistics, and Second Language Acquisition while focusing on practical classroom teaching skills.

The Online TESOL Certificate is particularly valuable for:

  • New teachers seeking a TESOL, TEFL, or TESL certificate
  • ESL and EFL instructors
  • Teachers working with multilingual learners
  • Individuals preparing to teach English abroad
  • Online English language teachers
  • Language school instructors
  • Professionals pursuing teacher development and continuing education

The certificate also serves as a pathway to additional TESOL study opportunities, including Anaheim University’s Graduate Certificate in TESOL, Graduate Diploma in TESOL, MA in TESOL, and Ed.D. in TESOL programs. Students who complete the TESOL Certificate with a qualifying grade may be eligible for tuition benefits when progressing into selected graduate TESOL programs.

Online TESOL Certificate Program Learning Objectives

Anaheim University’s Online Certificate in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) is designed to prepare current and aspiring educators to teach English effectively in both ESL (English as a Second Language) and EFL (English as a Foreign Language) environments. The program introduces key concepts in English Language Teaching (ELT), TESOL methodology, TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language), TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language), Applied Linguistics, and Second Language Acquisition.

The TESOL Certificate learning objectives focus on developing practical teaching skills, understanding how languages are learned, applying effective language teaching methodologies, and building confidence in lesson planning, classroom management, and learner-centered instruction. Through a combination of theory and practical application, students gain knowledge that can be applied in schools, language institutes, universities, corporate training programs, and online English language teaching settings worldwide.

Whether you are a new teacher seeking TESOL certification, an experienced educator pursuing professional development, or a language teaching professional interested in strengthening your knowledge of Applied Linguistics and English language teaching, the Online TESOL Certificate provides a foundation for success in language education and lifelong learning.

 

The objectives of the TESOL Certificate program are:
  • To introduce TESOL theory, research and practice to relatively inexperienced or unqualified teachers that is accessible and that is supported by a wide range of teaching materials, teaching ideas and classroom extracts
  • To encourage self-direction on the part of students through the provision of follow up resources and ideas
  • To develop the necessary knowledge, attitudes and skills to enable those students who desire it to go on to higher study
  • To present content through a range of print, audio and video media
  • To foster the development of higher level thinking skills such as the critical evaluation of pedagogical materials

Upon successful completion of the TESOL Certificate program, students will be able to:

  • Discuss some of the research findings that have influenced language teaching methodology.
  • Create instructional sequences that incorporate the pretask, task, and follow-up cycle.
  • Demonstrate familiarity with a range of techniques for teaching listening, speaking, reading, writing, pronunciation, and grammar.
  • Demonstrate familiarity with cultural patterns at the linguistic, behavior, and content levels, and discuss how cross-cultural (mis)communication occurs.
  • Design and edit language teaching dialogues and other spoken materials so that they are natural and realistic and focus more on discourse.
  • Understand how different forms of content-based instruction apply to different student populations and instructional settings.
  • Devise ways to adapt or supplement an activity for a specific group of learners by introducing supplementary material.
  • Explain the importance of consciousness-raising activities, receptive activities, and productive activities when teaching about language differences.
  • Explain how technology-enhanced language learning tools can be used in whole class, small group, and individual activities.
  • Identify major learning styles and strategies and explain why they are important considerations in second language teaching.
  • Irganize a project or series of classroom activities so that the students make choices and decisions about their learning.
  • Develop classroom assessment tasks that are linked to learning outcomes.

 

What You Will Learn in the TESOL Certificate Program

Anaheim University’s Online Certificate in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) curriculum is designed to provide practical training in English Language Teaching (ELT) while introducing key concepts in TESOL, TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language), TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language), Applied Linguistics, and Second Language Acquisition. The curriculum combines teaching methodology with practical classroom applications, helping students develop the skills needed to teach English effectively in ESL and EFL settings worldwide.

TESOL, TEFL, TESL and Applied Linguistics Foundations

The TESOL Certificate curriculum focuses on connecting language teaching theory with classroom practice through instruction in exploring language, developing language skills, and supporting the language learning process. Students learn practical teaching techniques, lesson planning strategies, classroom management skills, learner-centered instruction, and methods for teaching speaking, listening, reading, and writing. The program is suitable for new teachers, experienced English language educators, and professionals seeking TESOL certification and teacher development opportunities.

Practical English Language Teaching Skills

Developed through the Anaheim University David Nunan TESOL Institute, the curriculum draws upon contemporary research in language teaching and learning while maintaining a strong emphasis on practical application. Students engage with instructional materials and video lectures featuring Dr. David Nunan, former President of TESOL International Association, while participating in online discussions and learning activities designed to build confidence and competence as English language teachers.

Language Teaching Methodology and Second Language Acquisition

Developed through the Anaheim University David Nunan TESOL Institute, the curriculum draws upon contemporary research in language teaching and learning while maintaining a strong emphasis on practical application. Students engage with instructional materials and video lectures featuring Dr. David Nunan, former President of TESOL International Association, while participating in online discussions and learning activities designed to build confidence and competence as English language teachers.

Preparing to Teach in ESL and EFL Contexts

Whether your goal is to teach English abroad, teach English online, work in language schools, support multilingual learners, or pursue further studies in TESOL, Applied Linguistics, or Language Education, the Online TESOL Certificate curriculum provides a strong foundation in English language teaching and professional practice.

Curriculum

The 15-week Online Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) 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
  • Using coursebooks
  • Learning styles and strategies
  • Learner autonomy in the classroom
  • Classroom-based assessment
  • Cross-cultural communication
  •  

Also, in order to assist you allocate your time, the course guide contains a weekly breakdown. It is a suggestion only, but one that students are advised to adhere to as closely as possible to keep up with the demanding schedule of the course. Below is an example:

Weekly Study Format:
150 min. video lecture & PowerPoint presentation (watching video, reviewing PowerPoint, taking notes, reflecting on notes)
150 min. background reading
120 min. preparation of responses to discussion questions and tasks
90 min. discussion board
30 min. online quiz

9 hours total per week

Duration: 15 weeks x 9 hours per week = 135 hour course

Online TESOL Certificate Schedule and Start Dates 2026

Tuesday,
January 6, 2026

Monday,
July 6, 2026

Monday,
February 2, 2026

Monday,
August 6, 2026

Monday,
March 2, 2026

Tuesday,
September 1, 2026

Monday,
April 6, 2026

Monday,
October 5, 2026

Monday,
May 4, 2026

Monday,
November 2, 2026

Monday,
June 1, 2026

Tuesday,
December 1, 2026

Upcoming TESOL Certificate Start Dates

Anaheim University’s Online Certificate in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) is designed to provide flexible professional development for current and aspiring English language teachers. The online TESOL certification program can be completed in 15 weeks and is structured to accommodate working professionals, classroom teachers, and individuals seeking TESOL, TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language), or TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) training. New courses begin on the first Monday of every month throughout the year, allowing students to start their studies without waiting for traditional academic semesters.

Study TESOL Online While Working Full-Time

Students study approximately nine hours per week through a combination of video lectures, readings, online discussions, quizzes, and independent learning activities. The flexible online format enables participants to continue working while developing practical skills in English language teaching, lesson planning, classroom management, language teaching methodology, and learner-centered instruction.

Flexible 15-Week TESOL Certification Program

The TESOL Certificate schedule is designed for educators teaching in ESL and EFL environments, as well as individuals preparing for careers in international education, online English teaching, language schools, and teacher training. The program provides a foundation in TESOL, TEFL, TESL, Applied Linguistics, and Second Language Acquisition while offering the flexibility to study from anywhere in the world.

TESOL Certificate Textbook and Course Materials

The Online Certificate in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) at Anaheim University utilizes carefully selected course materials designed to support the development of practical English language teaching skills. The required textbook serves as a foundation for understanding key concepts in TESOL, TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language), TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language), Applied Linguistics, and Second Language Acquisition. Students use the textbook alongside online video lectures, instructor-led discussions, quizzes, and learning activities throughout the 15-week program.

The textbook supports the program’s focus on connecting language teaching theory with classroom practice. Students explore topics such as lesson planning, classroom management, language skills development, learner-centered instruction, language teaching methodology, and effective strategies for teaching English to multilingual learners. These concepts help prepare teachers to work in ESL and EFL environments in schools, language institutes, universities, corporate training programs, and online learning settings.

Developed under the direction of Dr. David Nunan, Director of the Anaheim University David Nunan TESOL Institute and former President of TESOL International Association, the program emphasizes practical teaching techniques that can be applied immediately in real-world teaching situations. Students are encouraged to engage critically with the textbook content while participating in discussions and reflective learning activities throughout the course.

Title: Practical English Language Teaching

Author: David Nunan
Publisher: Anaheim University Press
Published: 2025

Description

Practical English Language Teaching provides a comprehensive yet accessible overview of language-teaching strategies and methodologies. Designed to support both new teachers seeking foundational guidance and experienced educators exploring fresh ideas, this book introduces key aspects of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) in a practical and engaging way, including methodology, listening, speaking, reading, writing, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, discourse, content-based instruction, language learning materials, learning styles, classroom-based assessment, and learner autonomy. Chapter authors include Neil Anderson, Kathleen Bailey, Geoff Brindley, Donna Brinton, MaryAnn Christison, Averil Coxhead, Marc Helgesen, Harumi Kimura, Michael McCarthy, John Murphy, Jo Mynard, Paul Nation, David Nunan, Maggie Sokolik, Brian Tomlinson, Steve Walsh and Eddy White

What You Will Learn from the TESOL Certificate Textbook

The textbook supports learning in areas such as:

  • TESOL methodology
  • TEFL and TESL teaching approaches
  • English language teaching techniques
  • Applied Linguistics
  • Second Language Acquisition
  • Lesson planning
  • Classroom management
  • Teaching speaking, listening, reading, and writing
  • Language learner development
  • Learner-centered instruction

Supporting Resources for Online TESOL Study

In addition to the required textbook, students benefit from:

  • Online video lectures
  • Instructor guidance
  • Online discussion forums
  • Weekly quizzes
  • Independent learning activities

Together, these resources help students build a strong foundation in English language teaching while preparing for future studies in TESOL, Applied Linguistics, Language Education, and Teacher Education.

Affordable Online TESOL Certificate Tuition

Anaheim University’s Online Certificate in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) provides an affordable pathway for current and aspiring educators seeking professional training in English language teaching. The program is designed for individuals interested in TESOL, TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language), TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language), and broader areas of language education and teacher development.

Invest in Your English Language Teaching Career

For educators seeking an affordable TESOL certification program, the Online TESOL Certificate offers a practical introduction to language teaching and serves as a pathway to further studies in TESOL, Applied Linguistics, Language Education, and Teacher Education. Whether your goal is to teach English abroad, teach English online, work in language schools, or strengthen your teaching credentials, the program provides valuable professional development at an accessible cost.

Application Fee
(Non-refundable)

$50

Registration Fee
(Non-refundable)

$100

STRF Fee* (non-refundable, CA residents only)

$0

Tuition ($350 per credit x 3 credits)

$1,050

Records Fee

$50

Estimated Textbook Fees

30

Digital Textbook (optional) 

$20

Online Supervised Teaching Option A* (Student arranges the ESL learners)

$300 (optional)

Online Supervised Teaching Option B* (Anaheim University arranges the ESL learners)

$450 (optional)

Certificate

no charge

Replacement Certificate

$100 (optional)

Replacement Cover

$100 (optional)

Course Completion Letter

$35 (optional)

TOTAL:
 

$1,280

* Online Supervised Teaching Options: For students wishing to gain experience teaching learners of English as a Second Language (ESL) and receive written corrective feedback on the student’s teaching, an Online Supervised Teaching Option is available. Students who choose Option A arrange to teach three 30 to 69-minute classes of ESL learners, video record the lessons and upload the videos for the instructor to view and provide written corrective feedback. Students who choose Option B where Anaheim University arranges ESL learners will be required to teach three 30 to 60-minute classes by online webcam. The sessions are recorded and the instructor provides written corrective feedback. In either option, the classes may be either private or group lessons.

Students are expected to complete the TESOL Certificate within the prescribed 15-week term. Students requiring a 15-week extension will be charged an additional $200 extension fee.

*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 Student Tuition Recovery Fund (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 or was enrolled in a residency program, if the student enrolled in the institution, 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.

Payments can be made 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). The application fee must be paid at the time of application.

Please note that students who register and pay for the course seven days or less before the scheduled start date will pay an expedited registration fee of $40. 

Join Anaheim University’s Online MA in TESOL after Completing the TESOL Certificate: After completing the TESOL Certificate, continue into Anaheim University’s Online MA in TESOL or Online Graduate Diploma in TESOL program and you will 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 the MA or Graduate Diploma in TESOL program.

Why Invest in TESOL Certification?

A TESOL Certificate can help educators develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to teach English language learners in a variety of settings. The program introduces concepts from TESOL, TEFL, TESL, Applied Linguistics, and Second Language Acquisition while emphasizing real-world classroom application.

Graduates may pursue opportunities in:

  • ESL (English as a Second Language) instruction
  • EFL (English as a Foreign Language) instruction
  • Online English teaching
  • Private language schools
  • International education programs
  • Corporate language training
  • Adult education and continuing education programs

The Online TESOL Certificate also provides a foundation for continued professional development through Anaheim University’s Graduate Certificate in TESOL, Graduate Diploma in TESOL, MA in TESOL, and Ed.D. in TESOL programs.

Admission Requirements for the Online TESOL Certificate

Anaheim University’s Online Certificate in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) is designed for current and aspiring English language teachers seeking professional training in TESOL, TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language), and TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language). The program welcomes applicants from diverse educational and professional backgrounds who are interested in developing practical skills in English language teaching, language learning, and classroom instruction.

Who Should Apply to the TESOL Certificate Program?

The TESOL Certificate program is suitable for new teachers, experienced educators, native and non-native English speakers, teachers of children and adults, and professionals seeking career advancement in language education. Applicants must submit the required admissions materials and demonstrate appropriate English language proficiency if English is not their first language.

Preparing for TESOL, TEFL and TESL Teacher Training

Through the Anaheim University David Nunan TESOL Institute, students gain exposure to concepts in TESOL, TEFL, TESL, Applied Linguistics, Second Language Acquisition, language teaching methodology, lesson planning, and classroom management. The admissions process is designed to ensure that students are prepared to succeed in the online learning environment and benefit fully from the program’s practical teacher training focus.

  1. Application form
  2. Application fee ($50)
  3. One recent color photograph (digital is okay)
  4. A scan of a current, government-issued photo ID

Non-native English speakers must demonstrate college-level proficiency by providing original documentation in one of the following ways:

  • Degree from an accredited institution where English is the primary language of instruction.
  • Transcript from an accredited institution indicating completion of at least 30 semester hours of credit where the language of instruction was English (“C” average)

Note:  If the university does not routinely issue transcripts in English, original language records must be submitted with official English translations. We will accept translations issued by the university or by the following professional translation services: Accredited Language Services; Berlitz; Liaison Linguistics; Josef Silny & Associates; American Evaluation & Translation Services (AETS); and Education Evaluators International. Translations must be exact and complete versions of the original records.

  • A minimum TOEFL score of 500 PBT / 173 CBT/ 61 iBT.
  • A minimum TOEIC score of 625.
  • A minimum IELTS score of 6.0.
  • A minimum PTE (Pearson Test of English Academic Score Report) of 44.
  • A minimum BULATS Level 3 (60), accepted only for Cultura Inglesia in Brazil.
  • A minimum grade of Level 3 on the ACT COMPASS’s English as a Second Language Placement Test.
  • A minimum grade of Pre-1 on the Eiken English Proficiency Exam.
  • A minimum B2 English proficiency level identified within the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) Standards and assessed through various ESOL examinations, including the University of Cambridge.

Once your application materials have been approved, you will need to submit an Enrollment Agreement and tuition payment to complete the enrollment process.

Internet Access: All students are required to have access to a computer equipped with Internet access capabilities.

Entrance Examination: There is no entrance examination required for admission to Anaheim University.

We currently do not accept students who reside in Alabama, Arkansas, Alaska, American Samoa, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Guam, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, N. Mariana Islands, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, Utah, Virginia, Virgin Islands, Wisconsin, and Wyoming due to regulatory matters. For more information, please call our Vice President of Administrative Affairs at 714-772-3330
.

Why Enroll in a TESOL Certificate Program?

The Online TESOL Certificate provides foundational training for individuals interested in teaching English in ESL and EFL settings worldwide. Students develop practical teaching skills while gaining an understanding of language teaching methodology, Applied Linguistics, and Second Language Acquisition. The program can be completed online in 15 weeks and serves as a pathway to additional TESOL study opportunities, including Anaheim University’s Undergraduate Diploma in TESOL, Graduate Certificate in TESOL, Graduate Diploma in TESOL, MA in TESOL, and Ed.D. in TESOL programs.

Graduates may use their TESOL training in language schools, private tutoring, online English teaching, international education, corporate language training, and other educational settings that require English language teaching expertise.

Enroll in the Online TESOL Certificate Program

Anaheim University’s Online Certificate in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) offers a flexible pathway for current and aspiring educators seeking professional training in English language teaching. The application process is designed to help students begin their studies quickly while ensuring they are prepared to succeed in online TESOL, TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language), and TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) teacher training. The 15-week online TESOL Certificate can be completed from anywhere in the world and is suitable for both native and non-native English-speaking teachers.

How to Apply for the Online TESOL Certificate

The steps below are general guidelines for joining a program at Anaheim University. Just complete the following steps and, if approved, become part of Anaheim University’s global community within 2 weeks.

Step 1:

Read thoroughly through the pages of our website and catalog

Step 2:

  • Click here to submit your application online
  • Click here to fill out a pdf version of the application and submit via email.

Step 3:

The following documents are required for admission:

  • Application form
  • One recent passport-size color photograph
  • Official English language proficiency test score report if you are a non-native English speaker (mail original*)
  • Official transcripts.† (mail original*)
  • Official transcripts documenting at least one course in each of the following: accounting, finance and economics.†††† (mail original*)
    documenting a minimum of 5 years of work or teaching experience in a relevant area of business††††
  • Resume ††
  • Brief Statement.††
  • Resume documenting a minimum of 4 years experience in some aspect of TESOL (teaching, teacher education or publishing).+++
  • An outline (1,000 words) of the possible research that the applicant envisions undertaking for the dissertation that demonstrates his/her research experience and abilities. +++
  • Three reference letters (on letterhead with contact information) attesting to personal and professional qualifications. One reference must be from each of the following:+++
    – A recent employer.
    – A TESOL professional who can attest to the applicant’s potential as a doctoral student.
    – A member of the academic faculty where the applicant completed his/her MA.
    †††† DBA Only
    ††† Ed.D TESOL Only
    †† MA TESOL or MFA Only
    † Not applicable to TESOL/TEYL Certificate Programs

*scanned copies are accepted to expedite application process while waiting for originals to arrive in the mail

Documents can be uploaded as part of the online application form, emailed to support@anaheim.edu or posted in the mail to the address in Step 5.

Step 4:

This fee may be paid by emailing the Credit Card Form to registrar@anaheim.edu
posting a check or money order in the mail to the address in Step 5
contacting registrar@anaheim.edu for information on how to send a bank wire transfer

Step 5:

Send all required application documents you do not submit online by registered mail to the Office of Admissions at:
Anaheim University
Office of Admissions Room 110
1240 S. State College Blvd.
Anaheim, CA 92806-5150
USA

Step 6:

Upon receipt of application materials, a receipt for the application fee will be sent to you. In case your application materials are incomplete, please follow the directions issued by AU. When the Dean has approved acceptance of a student, an acceptance message and enrollment agreement form will be sent to the student.

Important Notes:

Official TOEFL or TOEIC score document-Non-native English speakers must demonstrate college-level proficiency in one of the following ways:

  • Degree from an accredited institution where English is the primary language of instruction.
  • Degree from an accredited institution where English is the primary language of instruction.
  • Transcript from an accredited institution indicating completion of at least 30 semester hours of credit where the language of instruction was English (“B” average for graduate level programs, “C” average for undergraduate/non-credit programs).
  • Transcript from an accredited institution indicating a “B” or higher in an English composition class (Ed.D, Masters, Graduate Programs & Graduate Certificates); “C” or higher for TESOL Certificate, Teaching English to Young Learners Program or TESOL Undergraduate Diploma
  • A minimum TOEFL score of 500 PBT / 173 CBT/ 61 iBT (undergraduate/non-credit programs) or a minimum TOEFL score of 530 PBT / 197 CBT/ 71 iBT (graduate-level programs) or a minimum TOEFL score of 550 PBT/ 213 CBT/ 80 iBT (doctoral-level program).
  • A minimum TOEIC score of 625 (undergraduate/non-credit programs) or a minimum TOEIC score of 800 (graduate-level and doctoral level programs).
  • A minimum IELTS score of 6.0 (undergraduate/non-credit programs) or a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 (graduate-level programs).
  • A minimum PTE (Pearson Test of English Academic Score Report) of 44 (undergraduate/non-credit programs) or a minimum PTE of 50 (master’s-level programs) or a minimum PTE of 58 (doctoral-level program).
  • A minimum BULATS Level 3 (60), accepted only for Cultura Inglesa in Brazil.
  • A minimum grade of Level 3 on the ACT COMPASS’s English as a Second Language Placement Test.
  • A minimum grade of Pre-1 on the Eiken English Proficiency Exam.
  • A minimum B1 English proficiency level identified within the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) Standards and assessed through various ESOL examinations, including the University of Cambridge.
  • A minimum Duolingo English Test score of 95 (undergraduate/non-credit programs) or a minimum of 100 (master’s level programs), or a minimum of 105 (doctoral level programs).
  • A minimum 4-skill Michigan English Test (MET) score of 53 (undergraduate/non-credit programs) or a minimum of 55 (graduate level programs).
  • A minimum Michigan Examination for the Certificate of Competency in English (ECCE) score of 650/LP (all programs).
  • A minimum Michigan Examination for the Certificate of Proficiency in English (ECPE) score of 650/LP (all programs).
  • A minimum score on the College Board Accuplacer ESL Exam Series as follows: ESL Language Use (85); ESL Listening (80); ESL Reading (85); ESL Sentence Meaning (90); ESL Writeplacer (4); or a Comprehensive Score for All Exams (350).

Official Transcripts

Request that each college or university which you have attended send a transcript of your record in a sealed envelope. The courses you have taken, grades received, and, if applicable, the date and title of the degree conferred must be listed on each transcript. Each transcript must have the official seal or imprint of the institution as well. (Note: If the university does not routinely issue transcripts in English, original language records must be submitted with official English translations. We will accept translations issued by the university or by the following professional translation services: Accredited Language Services; Berlitz; Liaison Linguistics; Josef Silny & Associates; American Evaluation & Translation Services (AETS); and Education Evaluators International. Translations must be exact and complete versions of the original records.)

Ed.D in TESOL Program applicants must have official MA transcripts, in a sealed envelope from the awarding institution. Applicants to the Ed.D program must hold an earned MA degree from an accredited institution in TESOL, Applied Linguistics, or a relevant area of education, with an overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent from non-USA institutions).

The DBA program requires a Masters degree in business administration, in a functional area of business, non-profit management, public administration, a JD degree, or other degree relating to managerial functions from an accredited institution recognized by the US Department of Education and/or CHEA, or by the government of the country in which the degree was awarded, and with an overall GPA of no less than 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or equivalent from non-USA Institutions.

Licenses or Certificates

Please include photocopies of any licenses or certificates you hold which relate to the degree program to which you are applying. Do not submit originals as these materials will not be returned.

Resume

Please submit an up-to-date summary of your academic and professional accomplishments. An Ed.D. applicant must present a resume documenting a minimum of 4 years experience in some aspect of TESOL (teaching, teacher education or publishing.) A DBA applicant must present a resume documenting a minimum of 5 years of work or teaching experience in a relevant area of business

Brief Statement

For MA in TESOL and MFA program applicants, please write a brief (300 – 400 word) statement setting out why you have selected the Anaheim University program, what you hope to get out of it, and how it will help you in your present and future career.

Upon receipt of application materials, a receipt for your application fee payment will be sent to you. In the case that your application materials are incomplete, please follow the directions issued by AU. When the Dean has approved acceptance of a student, an acceptance message and enrollment agreement form will be sent to the student.

Preparing for Online TESOL Study

Students enrolling in the Online TESOL Certificate prepare to study core concepts in TESOL, TEFL, TESL, Applied Linguistics, Second Language Acquisition, language teaching methodology, lesson planning, classroom management, and learner-centered instruction. The program emphasizes practical English language teaching skills that can be applied in ESL and EFL classrooms, language institutes, online teaching environments, and international education settings.

Because the TESOL Certificate is delivered online, students should be comfortable using computers, accessing online learning resources, participating in discussion forums, and engaging with digital course materials. Internet access is required throughout the program.