TESOL Certificate Program

The American University TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) Certificate Program enables people from any educational background to gain a sound theoretical foundation plus the hands-on classroom experience necessary to pursue teaching opportunities either in the United States or abroad. Faculty draw on their extensive teaching experience, research, and interaction with other cultures to provide pragmatic lessons and advice. Students come from diverse backgrounds and have a wide range of experience to share.

Courses are available on either a part-time or full-time basis, both during the academic year and during the AU Summer TESOL Institute. The entire certificate program can be completed during a single summer.

No previous training in linguistics is required for admission. However, a background in a second language is recommended. The TESOL Certificate Program is open to nondegree students and to undergraduate and graduate students at American University. Applicants must have a 3.00 GPA on previous coursework.

International students must demonstrate competence in English, equivalent to a score of 600 or better on the paper-based TOEFL, 250 on the computer-based TOEFL, or 100 on the Internet-based TOEFL. Also, due to changes in INS policy, applicants to the TESOL Certificate Program (like students applying to Master's programs) must provide a statement of motivation. The statement of motivation is generally two to three pages in length. In addition, in order for AU to issue international students an I-20, the students need to supply the following: A completed Personal Immigration Information Request Form (PIIRF)
Financial documents demonstrating availability of funds for at least one year (equal to $44, 000).

In some cases, we may request that applicants furnish some additional information, including a statement of motivation and one recommendation.

There is a $50 dollar application fee, paid by either check or cash.
Please send payment to the following address:
TESOL Program
Language and Foreign Studies
American University
4400 Massachusetts Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20016-8045

TESL-500 Principles of Linguistics
TESL-501 English Language Teaching I (Prerequisite for TESL-502)
TESL-502 English Language Teaching II
Six credits of approved elective courses from TESOL offerings

Students are required to maintain a grade point average of B (3.0) or better.