Certificate in TESOL (on campus and online)

Admission Requirements—Domestic Applicants

The university graduate and program admission requirements below must be met before an application is considered complete.

Applicants must possess:

• A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Applicants for the TESOL programs are not required to have undergraduate majors in fields such as English, linguistics, or education; however a strong background in one of these is recommended.
• A minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Applicants with a GPA between 2.5-2.99 may be considered for provisional admission.
• A TOEFL score of 600 or above, for nonnative speakers only. Nonnative speakers of English must score 600 or above on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), at least 250 on the computer-based TOEFL or 100 on the IBT, and must pass a test of written English. Applicants who score between 550 and 600 (213-249 on the computer-based TOEFL; 79-99 on the IBT) may be granted conditional admission, but will be required to complete TESL 500 English for Internationals (3 units) during their first semester of graduate work.

Applicants must submit:

• Graduate application for admission
• $45 nonrefundable application fee
• Official transcripts from all institutions leading to and awarding the applicant’s bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and all postbaccalaureate study
  
  
  An official transcript is one that Azusa Pacific University receives unopened in an envelope sealed by the former institution and that bears the official seal of the college or university. A cumulative minimum 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) grade-point average on the posted degree is required for regular admission status. Provisional admittance may be granted to individuals with a lower GPA if competency can be shown through multiple measures.
• Statement of purpose describing educational and professional goals, including reasons for studying TESOL at APU
• Résumé or statement of experience
• Two letters of recommendation. At least one recommendation should be from a professor or teacher acquainted with the applicant’s academic work.
• TOEFL scores for nonnative speakers of English. Request official TOEFL scores be sent directly to Azusa Pacific University.

Admission Requirements—International Applicants

Azusa Pacific University is authorized under federal law by the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services and the U.S. Department of State to enroll nonimmigrant, alien undergraduate and graduate students. APU issues and administers both the I-20 and DS 2019 (F-1 and J-1 status documents respectively).

To apply for a graduate program at APU, the following requirements must be fulfilled in addition to meeting the domestic applicant and program-specific admission requirements specified above.

International applicants must also:

• Demonstrate proficiency in English through a placement test with the Academic Success Center, or through a TOEFL/IELTS score that meets program-specific requirements. Refer to APU’s English proficiency requirements to learn more. Request that official test scores be sent to APU. All other forms of proof indicated in the English proficiency requirements must be submitted directly to International Services.
• Provide a Graduate Affidavit of Financial Support (PDF) and a bank statement from within the last six months proving financial ability to pay for education costs through personal, family, or sponsor resources.
• Submit a copy of a valid passport showing biographical data, including your name, country of citizenship, date of birth, and other legal information.
• Get foreign transcripts evaluated. International credentials (transcripts, certificates, diplomas, and degrees) must be evaluated by a foreign transcript evaluation agency. View our policy and a list of approved Foreign Transcript Evaluation Agencies.

Send official transcripts to:

What to Expect

After all admission materials have been received by the Student Services Center, the faculty or department chair reviews the applicant’s file. The applicant is notified in writing of the admission decision.

Cost Estimate Breakdown

On Campus and Online TESOL Certificate

See the table below for the tuition charges and fees that comprise your estimated total program cost for the on campus or online TESOL certification. Prices are subject to change without notice.

View a complete list of university fees for graduate programs.

All stated financial information is subject to change. Contact the Student Services Center at (626) 815-2020 for more information.

Financial Aid

Several types of financial aid are available to graduate students. The resources range from federal loans and state grants to, for some graduate programs, fellowships and scholarships. For details about financial aid available for your program, please contact the Student Services Center at (626) 815-2020.

Military Benefits

Military members—and in some cases their spouses and dependents—qualify for financial assistance covering tuition, housing, and books. Azusa Pacific is a Yellow Ribbon University and Military Friendly School, so you can be confident that you’ll receive the benefits and flexibility you need to complete your education.

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Alumni Tuition Discounts

APU’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) offers an alumni tuition discount for APU alumni starting in the following graduate programs:

• Master of Arts in TESOL
• Certificate in TESOL
• Certificate in TEFL

Students must be in good academic standing and maintain satisfactory academic progress with a minimum cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0. Students must be enrolled at least half-time. If qualifications are met, the discount may be renewed each term. APU will pay $500 per term (up to $2,000 over the course of the program). This discount cannot be combined with other institutional aid. Contact Student Financial Services for complete eligibility details.

TeachBeyond Employee Tuition Discount

APU’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences offers a 15 percent tuition discount (savings of over $2,700) to employees of TeachBeyond for the following online or on-campus programs:

• Master of Arts in TESOL
• Certificate in TESOL
• Certificate in TEFL

Students fill out the MOU Discount Form and provide proof of employment every year of enrollment. Contact Student Financial Services for complete eligibility details.

Additionally, TESOL programs are also available to TeachBeyond employees at an already-discounted tuition rate.

To view specific requirements and coursework information, visit the current academic catalog:

Programs Requirements

What are the prerequisites for the program?

Admission to the TESOL certification program requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and a minimum undergraduate grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. No prerequisite courses must be completed, but courses in English and linguistics are recommended. Before graduating, however, you will need to have completed the equivalent of six semester units of college-level foreign language with a grade of B or better. This requirement may be satisfied by language courses taken within 10 years prior to beginning your program at APU.

What is the language requirement for international students?

Nonnative speakers of English must score 600 or above on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or at least 250 on the computer-based TOEFL or 150 on the IBT, and must also pass a test of written English. Applicants who score between 550 and 599 (213-249 on the computer-based TOEFL; 79-99 on the IBT) may be admitted as conditional students, but they will be required to enroll in TESL 500 English for Internationals during their first semester of graduate work, and may enroll in only two regular graduate courses during that semester.

Is the GRE required or recommended for admission?

No.

What are the application deadlines?

We have rolling admissions, but you should allow at least one month for your application to be processed from the time that all materials are received, including three recommendations. All materials should be received by the end of July for fall admission and by the end of December for spring admission. International applicants should contact the International Center for current deadlines.

If you have questions, we’re here to help! Connect with a representative who can walk you through the program details and application process.

Contact Your Admissions Representative

Additional Program Contacts

• Richard Robison, PhD, on-campus program director, [email protected], (626) 815-6000, Ext. 3416
• Tasha Bleistein, PhD, online program director, [email protected], (626) 815-6000, Ext. 2414
• Mary Shepard Wong, PhD, program director, [email protected], (626) 815-6000, Ext. 3483
• Manar Metry, program coordinator, [email protected], (626) 815-3844

Azusa Pacific University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).