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Certificate in TESOL (Undergraduate)

School of Education

Overview

English has become the most widely used language in the world today, and there is great demand for trained professionals to teach with integrity. The TESOL certificate prepares students for service in North America with immigrants, refugees and international students, as well as for mission opportunities around the world through teaching English as a second or foreign language.

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Why Choose Language Acquisition Education at Biola?

While the Biola undergraduate certificate in TESOL does not have the same coverage as the graduate certificate, it should be noted that it requires much more than the typical entry-level certificate and, as such, qualifies its holders for work in many institutions in the United States and abroad.

Students interested in TESOL training may note that there is an unregulated market for a wide range of “certificates.” While Biola University-issued TESOL certificates are for year-long programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, the department can also prepare certificates of completion for students who complete one or more courses. These certificates specify number of contact hours and topics covered.


Courses

Below are the course requirements for this academic program. For full program details, visit Biola's academic catalog.

Note: This list is intended to give you a quick glimpse into the program's academic offerings, and should not be used as a guide for course selection or academic advising.

Certificate Coursework

To recognize the significance of the training received, a certificate is granted to those who complete 19 credits of prescribed TESOL coursework with a grade of “C” or higher. Sixteen of these credits must be completed at Biola University.

Introduction to the basic concepts in the scientific study of language, major areas of linguistic analysis, and several subareas of the field, including language in society. Material from English and a variety of other languages is used to provide a broad perspective. Grade Mode: A.
Study of major features of standard American English structure, with applications for ESL/EFL teachers. Grade Mode: A.
Basic concepts, methods and techniques of teaching English (ESL or EFL) to speakers of other languages. Introduces principles of second language learning along with techniques for teaching both separate and integrated skills to adult or post-secondary students. Grade Mode: A.
Principles of ESL/EFL materials design to enable teachers to (a) evaluate and adapt published materials and (b) prepare their own materials. Grade Mode: A.

This course develops professionalism in TESOL teachers in three areas: effective intercultural communication, appropriate communication of different worldviews and values, and ethics for teachers in various contexts.

Structured practice teaching in an ESL classroom under the supervision of a master teacher, plus weekly group discussion of issues in language pedagogy. Grade Mode: A.
18
Total Program Credits
Every program at Biola University features rigorous academics, biblically integrated curriculum and vocational preparation.
WSCUC
Accreditation
Biola University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission. Additional accreditations may apply to specific programs.