Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) Certificate Online

  • Undergraduate Certificate
  • College of Arts & Letters
  • Department of English
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Next Start Date
Aug 24, 2026
Accelerated Courses

Why ODU for Teaching English as a Second Language?

Enhance your bachelor's degree with a Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) online certificate. This undergraduate certificate program will provide you with specialized knowledge of English language fundamentals.

You'll learn:

  • how grammar varies across dialects, registers, and genres; 
  • the linguistic features of English and their use in social contexts; 
  • the relationship between language and culture; and 
  • how to approach the teaching and assessment of English as a second language (ESL).

The online TESL certificate at ODU is available to undergraduate students and non-degree seeking professionals, including teachers who wish to prepare for adding an ESL endorsement.

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Terms and condition

Program Information

Total
12 Credit Hours

You will take four courses to complete this certificate:

  • Aspects of the English Language
  • English Linguistics
  • Language and Culture
  • TESL Methods, Materials, & Assessment

Before taking these online courses, you should have completed six credit hours of general education composition courses or seek permission of the instructor.

Accelerated Courses

Courses in this program follow an accelerated 8-week format.

There are no scheduled meeting times, so you can fit your studies into your personal schedule. You will access course materials and complete assignments online. The instructor may schedule specific deadlines for assignments or specific times to take exams.

Total
12 Credit Hours

You will take four courses to complete this certificate:

  • Aspects of the English Language
  • English Linguistics
  • Language and Culture
  • TESL Methods, Materials, & Assessment

Before taking these online courses, you should have completed six credit hours of general education composition courses or seek permission of the instructor.

Accelerated Courses

Courses in this program follow an accelerated 8-week format.

There are no scheduled meeting times, so you can fit your studies into your personal schedule. You will access course materials and complete assignments online. The instructor may schedule specific deadlines for assignments or specific times to take exams.

Cost & Aid

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Calculating Cost
In-state Virginia Residents
$443 per credit hour*
Out-of-State Students
$453 per credit hour

Active duty military students may qualify for a discounted undergraduate tuition rate.

These tuition rates are effective Fall 2026 and subject to change. 

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Military Cost & Aid

* In-state rate assumes residency requirements are met. Includes $281 standard tuition + $162 mandatory auxiliary tuition.

The newest class of graduates through ODUGlobal celebrated commencement in May 2024.
Scholarship & Aid

Scholarship Opportunities for Online Students

At ODUGlobal, we offer a variety of scholarships to support and empower you in achieving your academic and career goals, making quality education accessible wherever you are. 

Learn more about our scholarships

Careers

Our TESL certificate is designed for teachers who are pursuing or who hold a teaching license and wish to prepare for adding an ESL endorsement.

These courses will also prepare individuals to teach English abroad, work for private businesses and schools, or teach ESL to immigrant populations in the United States.

Undergraduate Certificate Enrollment

Our dedicated enrollment team will guide your transition to ODUGlobal.

Contact us if you have questions about admission requirements, transferring credits, or application deadlines.

Ready to Apply?

To take courses in this certificate program, you should have six credit hours of general education composition courses, or permission of the instructor.

If you are not pursuing a bachelor's degree at ODU, you will apply as a non-degree seeking student. Current ODU students should talk to their current academic advisor about adding this certificate to their studies.

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