This certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) is offered entirely online in an asynchronous manner, allowing non-degree-seeking students to work at their own pace.
The non-degree, asynchronous, online format makes it possible for individuals with full-time life commitments to gain invaluable professional training for teaching English abroad. The program also serves students who already have an undergraduate degree and who are seeking specific training to improve their employment prospects where language, culture, history and communication are concerned.
- Take online courses at your own pace.
- Take online courses in the summer.
- Earn credits toward M.A. in Applied Linguistics.
TEFL coursework can complement a wide range of related disciplines, including foreign languages, international studies, political science, communications, history, sociology, anthropology, education, library science, artificial intelligence, psychology, and cognitive science.
Expected time to completion with full-time study is one summer (14 weeks) if taking summer intensive program two semesters if opting to take courses in fall and spring.
Careers with a TEFL Certificate
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Admissions
Application Deadline
The deadline for submitting applications for Summer 2026 is April 13, 2026.
Admission Requirements for Non-Degree Seeking Students
- Bachelor’s Degree
- GPA (or equivalent) of 2.5 or better in most recent degree program.
- Transcripts
- Resume, which must include a list of every school attended, as well as the GPA obtained at each institution.
- Brief statement of purpose(1-2 pages) by the candidate.
- English Proficiency. This program has English proficiency requirements that are higher than the minimum university requirements. For non-native English speakers: Minimum TOEFL: 600 (paper), 100 (iBT), or IELTS: 7.0 overall average. More information on English Proficiency .
How to Apply
When applying, select a Graduate Non-Degree/Certificate/Endorsement Application and program name: TEFL Certificate(online).
TEFL Certificate Courses & Requirements
The program is available to post-baccalaureate students who are seeking the certificate only and not the Applied Linguistics M.A. degree. Students will take a number of linguistics courses, including courses on language components and organization, second language acquisition, methods and materials, and a language teaching practicum.
Courses Apply toward the M.A. in Applied Linguistics: The Linguistics Department allows 12 credits (of the 14 earned) to transfer to the M.A. in Applied Linguistics. Additionally, the certificate coursework allows prospective master’s students to develop a sense of the department’s strengths as they will have worked with at least three different faculty members from the department while completing the TEFL Certificate.
View Degree Requirements in the Official Academic Catalog
Courses
- LING 5500 - Introduction to Linguistics
- LING 5750 - Language Learning
- LING 5800 - Methods and Materials in TEFL
- LING 5920 - Language Teaching Practicum
Language Teaching Practicum
The Language Teaching Practicum includes 30 hours of observation and teaching. The Language Teaching Practicum takes place on the Athens campus but also can allow for students to choose their own Practicum location. This experience must involve engaging with English Language Learners in tutoring and/or teaching settings. The location can be in a school, or in an after-school program or club. All practicum locations and activities will need to be pre-approved by the Language Teaching Practicum instructor
Ready for the Next Step?
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Online TESOL Endorsement for TeachersThis fully-online program allows students studying at the graduate level who are not enrolled in the Linguistics graduate program to become licensed to teach P-12 English Language students. Candidates must already hold a valid Ohio teaching license.