Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Graduate Certificate
- Graduate Certificate
An Online TESOL Certificate
Want to teach English as a foreign language? Our online Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Graduate Certificate will make you an informed and effective teacher. You will be prepared for:
- Teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL / TEFL) in international settings.
- Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) in domestic settings in adult education and any other setting that does not require a teaching license.
You can finish this graduate certificate in just two terms, or take longer if you prefer. You’ll take classes online and also get direct experience by working with an English language learner or learners.
What You’ll Learn
This certificate gives you the skills to teach English to students of all ages. You’ll learn:
- How to teach and assess English language learners.
- How people learn new languages best.
- Applied knowledge about language and linguistics.
- Techniques to help students connect with language and content.
Teaching English Language Learners
A Premium Credential
There are a lot of credentials and pathways out there related to teaching English as a foreign language. A graduate certificate from a highly respected university that specializes in teacher education can help you stand out in this field.
Teach in EFL / TEFL / ESL Contexts
There are many terms for teaching English to those who speak another language. You’ll be prepared for jobs that include the following labels (and more).
- Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
- Teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL / TEFL)
- English as a Second Language (ESL)
With this credential, you can live and teach outside of the U.S., or teach diverse students in the U.S. in settings like adult education programs and private tutoring.
Course of Study
Online, Flexible Program
All certificate courses are delivered online. You’ll also complete a field experience in your area.
This is a flexible enrollment certificate. Depending on your preferences and which term you start, you can:
- Finish in two terms.
- Finish in about one year.
- Take just one course per term and finish in 20 months.
To see specific course offerings, visit the current students page for this program.
Courses and Requirements
This is a 13-credit graduate certificate program.
TESOL as Part of a Master's Degree
Multilingual Education MA
Our Multilingual Education MA program has two concentrations:
- The Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Concentration is a master’s degree version of this program.
- The World Language Licensure Concentration is for those who are bilingual and want to be licensed to teach a language. Students in the WLL concentration may be able to add this TESOL certificate with one or two additional courses.
Education MAT
The Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education Concentration of the Education MAT program is for licensed teachers who want to be endorsed to teach CLD Education.
- Students who complete the CLD Education concentration may be able to add this TESOL certificate with one or two additional courses.
- The same is true for the standalone Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education Endorsement (K-12).
Have Questions? Get in Touch!
Dalton Chamberlin
Enrollment Counselor
Margaret Berg
Program Coordinator
Tuition Rate
Simple Per-Credit Tuition Rate
You pay the same rate whether you are in-state or out-of-state.
Per Credit
Rate for the 2025-26 academic year (fall, spring and summer terms).*
No Student / Technology Fees
Certain courses, e.g., field experiences, may include course fees to support added services and materials.
*Tuition for the 2026-27 academic year will be decided mid-June 2026.
Estimates of additional costs: For the purposes of determining financial aid, UNC follows Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE) and federal guidelines to develop an estimated, average Cost of Attendance (budget) for different student classifications. For your personal tuition estimates, we recommend using the program-specific tuition information above. But UNC’s official Cost of Attendance/Student Budgets page can help you identify other estimated expenses for which you may be responsible while completing your program.
Financial Aid and Support
- The federal government only awards financial aid for courses that count toward completion of a UNC degree, so federal aid is not available for this stand-alone certificate.
- If you will need financial aid, please work with UNC Office of Financial Aid for information about non-federal loans.
- UNC also offers a monthly payment option.
Program Eligibility
General Admission Requirements
- Possess a baccalaureate degree from an institutionally accredited college or university.
- Have a grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 or better, on a 4.00 point scale, for the most recent degree earned or current degree in progress.
- If you are in the process of completing a previous degree or have special GPA considerations, please read the specific requirements for this program type.
- Note: the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is NOT required for graduate school admission.
Eligibility for Out-of-State Students
Eligibility by State
UNC can offer distance learning in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the major U.S. territories. We check for changes in state rules as needed. Some states may have extra rules for internships, clinical placements, and student teaching. Visit the State Authorization page to learn more.
International Student Eligibility
You are eligible to apply: We accept international students to online UNC programs. We can’t guarantee that our programs meet distance education requirements for every country. Before you apply, check your country’s policies and regulations. You should not apply if you live in a country that is subject to U.S. sanctions.
No student visa: Students in online UNC programs do not need to come to the United States. You will not get a student visa or receive any immigration documentation. You do not need to provide financial documentation when applying.
You will need to provide proof of your English language ability or complete the UNC Intensive English Program. Please visit the International Admissions page for information about:
- Minimum English language requirements
- Applying as an international student
Meet with an Enrollment Counselor
Meet the Program Faculty
Visit the Academic Department
Are You Ready to Apply?
Thank you for your interest in this UNC program! Here are some elements you can check to be sure you are eligible and ready to apply to this program.
Program Eligibility
See the Program Eligibility section above.
International Applicants
Please see the International Student Eligibility section above to check your eligibility for this program.
Recommended Application Deadlines
For the best possible admission, enrollment and orientation experience, we recommend that you complete your application by these dates, which are approximately 60 days before the start of each term:
- Summer term: March 15
- Fall term: June 15
- Spring term: Nov. 15
You can still apply after these dates, but if the date has passed please contact an Enrollment Counselor for support to apply and begin classes in the upcoming term. View the UNC Academic Calendar for the start dates for upcoming terms.
Application Process Details
On the application, you will choose:
- Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Graduate Certificate
- Start term: Fall Term (Aug.), Spring Term (Jan.) or Summer Term (May)
View the full program-specific application details in the UNC Graduate Catalog.
Apply to This Program
Register & Start Your Application
Submit a Started Application
Application Checklist & Status