Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) Certificate Online

  • Undergraduate Certificate
  • College of Arts & Letters
  • Department of English

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 the relationship between language and culture, communication across cultures, 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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    • 12 credit hours:
      • Aspects of the English Language
      • English Linguistics
      • Communication Across Cultures
      • 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.

  • Access course materials online from any location. Many classes don't have a scheduled meeting time, so you can fit class into your personal schedule. The instructor may schedule assignments and exams at specific times. All courses follow ODU's regular academic calendar.

  • 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.

  • In-state Virginia Residents
    $393 per credit hour*
    Out-of-State Students
    $426 per credit hour

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

    These tuition rates are effective Fall 2023 and subject to change. 
    * In-state rate assumes residency requirements are met.

You'll have a dedicated academic advisor for this program.

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

  • 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.