Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Certificate Program
Program Overview
Program Overview The VCU Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Certificate Program prepares professionals to teach English to multilingual learners locally, internationally or online. The program is ideal for individuals seeking to develop specialized knowledge and practical skills in English language teaching and learning.This 120-hour program provides a comprehensive foundation in the theory and practice of teaching English to speakers of other languages. Coursework integrates principles of second language acquisition, pedagogical approaches, classroom management, and assessment. Program courses, which are non-credit bearing, accommodate all levels and do not require prior teaching experience. They are offered synchronously and asynchronously online, with an additional in-person or online teaching practicum for all students. The VCU TESOL Certificate Program offers a rigorous curriculum that covers both theory and practice. It reflects academic rigor as well as real-world application. All courses are led by highly qualified instructors holding advanced credentials (MA or PhD) in TESOL, Applied Linguistics, or a related field, and have extensive experience teaching in intensive English programs domestically and internationally.
Program Options
The VCU TESOL Certificate Program is a 120-hour interactive program that is offered both online and in-person. To earn the program certificate, a student must successfully complete three program components:
- a 60-hour (16-week) synchronous online foundation course on the fundamentals of teaching English as a foreign or second language.
- 40-hour (16-week) asynchronous online specialty course on grammar, vocabulary development and pronunciation.
- 20-hour teaching practicum (classroom observation and supervised practice teaching) in person or online. The students are expected to fulfill their practicum requirements within 16 weeks.
Throughout the program, students will develop and demonstrate the following competencies. They will be able to:
- Explain theories of second language learning and acquisition.
- Apply a range of teaching strategies and approaches that advance student learning and language development.
- Develop effective lesson plans that show a deep understanding of the principles of language pedagogy and assessment.
- Demonstrate intercultural competency and proficiency in oral and written English language.
The completion of the VCU TESOL certificate program requires a minimum of 120 hours total. Program course content includes the following:
- Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages: Theory & Practice
- Second Language Acquisition (SLA) / Applied Linguistics
- Approaches and Methodologies in TESOL
- The Effective Teacher and the Effective Learner
- Classroom Management and Learner Engagement
- Lesson Planning and Curriculum Design
- Integrating Skills: Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing
- Teaching Grammar, Vocabulary, and Pronunciation in context
- Use of Visual Aids, Textbooks, Technology & Online Tools in the TESOL Classroom
- Teaching Online: Best Practices for Virtual and Hybrid Environments
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) in TESOL: Tools, Strategies, and Ethical Classroom Integration
- Assessment, Feedback, and Continuous Improvement
- Intercultural Competence and Working with Multilingual Learners
- Job-Search Strategies: CVs, Interviews, Visas & Travel Documents (for international teaching)
- Living & Working Abroad (for those pursuing international settings)
Why This TESOL Certificate?
Provides a recognized credential (120+ hours) that aligns with professional expectations for TESOL/TEFL certification. For example, many employers require a 120-hour certificate Flexible program (synchronous, asynchronous, online, and/or in-person practicum) accommodating working professionals and career-changers. The practicum component ensures applied teaching experience, which is increasingly emphasized in quality TESOL certification programs. Taught by faculty with advanced degrees and TESL/EFL teaching experience Suitable for teaching in a variety of contexts: abroad, online, in multilingual classrooms in English-speaking countries, and domestic ELL settings. As noted, TESOL covers both foreign and additional language contexts
Program Costs
Students who are enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours in an academic program at Virginia Commonwealth University may use their financial aid funds to cover program costs. This, however, will depend on the student's financial aid program, so please consult your advisor or the VCU Global Education Office at tefl@vcu.edu for additional information.
- VCU TESOL Certificate Program (120 hours total)
- Tuition: $1,680
- Admission and Processing Fee: $100
- Course Materials: $100
Application Requirements The following are the VCU TEFL Certificate Program requirements:
- A valid photo ID
- Proof of completion of at least a high school diploma
- Proof of English proficiency for non-native speaker
- Completion of the application form
Cancellation and Refund Policies
Classes are confirmed one week prior to the start date, based on minimum enrollment.
To help us confirm classes, please register as early as possible. You may cancel your registration up until the first day of class and receive a full refund. After that date, no refunds will be given. Cancellations must be received via email at tefl@vcu.edu. In the unlikely event that the program is cancelled or postponed due to insufficient enrollments or unforeseen circumstances, the university will fully refund registration fees, but cannot be held responsible for any other expenses, including change or cancellation charges to include but not limited to airlines, hotels, travel agencies, or other organizations.
Questions?
Should you have any questions about the course, please contact the VCU Global Education Office at tefl@vcu.edu or (804) 828-2551.
Inclement weather
Every effort will be made to have all classes meet as scheduled. When inclement weather jeopardizes the safety of faculty and students, VCU will alert all local radio and television stations that VCU classes are canceled.
If public announcements have been made that the school where your class is held is being closed or will be closed by the time your class starts, then the class is canceled. When there is a question as to whether or not a class has been canceled because of inclement weather, please follow these guidelines:
- If VCU is closed, the session is canceled.
- If the school or location where you class is held is closed, class is canceled.
- Visit the VCU Alert website alert.vcu.edu where you can also sign up to receive emergency text messages.
- Follow VCU News on Twitter and Facebook.
Student/Participant Conduct
All course and event participants are bound by all policies found at www.vcu.edu including:
Sexual Misconduct/Assault/Harrassment and Sex/Gender Discrimination
For Academic Accommodations, please visit https://saeo.vcu.edu/