About

What You’ll Learn

The TEFL certification program provides an introduction to the field of teaching English to speakers of other languages, enabling students to study:

• Learner needs.
• Techniques for teaching, speaking, listening, pronunciation, and integrated skills.
• Lesson planning.
• The use of technology in language teaching and learning.
• Classroom management.
• Approaches and methods of teaching.

Project-based Coursework

APU’s TESOL programs blend compassionate Christian service with strong academic preparation and practical training in language teaching. Project-based coursework engages the student in a variety of practical tasks, allowing students to:

• Formulate a working philosophy of language learning and teaching.
• Teach English grammar and pronunciation.
• Organize student interactions, activities, and tasks.
• Understand the influence of social and cultural differences on language development.
• Engage in practice-teaching experiences and student-teacher observation
• Plan, implement, and assess student achievement.
• Develop a teacher portfolio that demonstrates their competence in teaching English as a second language.
• Engage in practice teaching observed by mentor teachers.
• Participate in short debriefing sessions about their teaching experiences.
• Discover their teaching behaviors and alternative ways of achieving desired results.

Career Opportunities

Opportunities for teaching English abound both within and outside the U.S., in both private and public sectors. In the U.S., ESL teachers work with newcomers at all levels of the education system as well as in community or church-based programs; they also work with international students in higher education settings. However, schools prefer to hire trained professionals.

While teachers with minimal training are hired for many classroom-teaching positions, those with graduate degrees hold an advantage and command higher salaries. In addition to teaching posts, they are considered for jobs in teacher training, curriculum and materials development, and program administration.

Our Mission: Your Preparation

The TESOL programs at Azusa Pacific University prepare present and future educators, both international and domestic, with the competencies and perspectives needed to teach English in a manner marked by professional excellence, intercultural sensitivity, integrity, and compassion. To this end, the program offers a 21-unit undergraduate TESOL minor, an 18-unit graduate Certificate in TESOL, a 6-unit graduate Certificate in TEFL, and a 36-unit master’s degree in TESOL taught by experienced Christian faculty who are motivated to serve God and their students, and who engage students in practical training grounded in theory and research.

Tailored to Fit Your Needs

At APU, we understand the challenges of earning your degree while juggling work, family, and other commitments. Our programs are designed to make attending Azusa Pacific simple, so you can reach your educational goals.

Flexible Format

The dynamic online format of the program offers students the flexibility of taking courses when and where it works best for them. Students benefit from courses designed to maximize their interaction with other students and professors, creating a rich learning community. For many, the online format is the easiest, most convenient way to balance work, school, and family.

Convenient Schedule

The Certificate in TEFL offers students a sequenced course design. Candidates take courses with the same peers throughout the program.

Time Commitment

While you do not need to be online during a specific timeframe, you should plan to be online 6–10 hours per week per unit to successfully complete assignments and participate in discussions.