Online TESOL graduate certificate: Build essential skills in less than one year
Whether you're an experienced professional looking to expand your expertise or updating your skills for work in a new student population, KU’s online graduate certificate provides focused, practical training in contemporary best practices for teaching English to speakers of other languages.
Designed for completion in less than a year, this graduate certificate offers a flexible pathway to TESOL expertise. Credits earned may later be applied toward the TESOL master's degree program, making this an ideal stepping stone for those considering advanced study.
Program details
- 100% online with no campus visits required
- 5 courses (15 credit hours)
- 8-week courses that fit your schedule
- Complete in as few as 10 months
- No GRE required for admission
- If admitted to the master's program in TESOL, these credit hours will count toward the degree
Fast-track your TESOL expertise
Online TESOL graduate certificate
Complete specialized training in less than a year
This focused graduate certificate develops essential skills for supporting English language learners across diverse educational settings. Through field experiences and practical applications, you'll gain the cultural competency and pedagogical knowledge needed to help multilingual students succeed academically.
What you'll learn:
Explore second language acquisition theories and develop practical skills for teaching and supporting English language learners across age groups. The program emphasizes culturally responsive approaches and evidence-based strategies that help multilingual students overcome language barriers and achieve academic success. Your learning is reinforced through field experiences that connect theory to real-world application.
This program does not provide instruction in speaking English. It prepares educators to teach English to speakers of other languages and is not an English language program for second or other language learners.
The online graduate certificate in TESOL does not lead to teacher licensure/certification or endorsement.
Note: In order to enroll in any of these programs, a bachelor’s degree is required. No program can guarantee licensure.
Choose this program to:
- Complete required field experiences in real educational settings
- Build a working instructional portfolio you can immediately apply
- Earn credits that transfer to the TESOL master's program if you choose to continue
This program is ideal for:
- Mainstream educators seeking to better support ELL students
- Community program coordinators
- Educational support professionals
- Anyone working with diverse linguistic populations
Online graduate certificate in TESOL course descriptions
The online graduate certificate in TESOL requires students to complete 5 courses, worth a total of 15 credits, which can later be applied to the master’s degree in TESOL. All courses listed are worth 3 credits.
Please note: Course list and sequence is subject to change.
C&T 807 Multicultural Education
C&T 820 Methods of TESOL
C&T 821 Assessment in TESOL
C&T 822 Second Language Acquisition for TESOL Educators
C&T 826 Linguistic Analysis for TESOL Educators
Advance your skills, expand your impact
The University of Kansas online education programs are built for people who want to make a difference—in classrooms, schools, and communities. Whether you’re a teacher, administrator, parent, nonprofit professional, you’ll find programs that connect research to practice and provide tools you can put to use right away. With flexible online courses and dedicated faculty support, KU helps you grow your expertise while continuing the important work you’re already doing.
- ✓ 8-week focused courses
- ✓ Evidence-based, research-driven curriculum
- ✓ Practical skills you can apply immediately
- ✓ Top-ranked by the U.S. News & World Report*
*Retrieved on August 18, 2025 from usnews.com/education/online-education/university-of-kansas-155317
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Make every student's voice heard in your classroom
Every English language learner brings unique experiences and perspectives to their communities, but they all need the same thing: skilled educators who understand how to help them succeed. These learners often struggle in educational settings where instruction happens in a language they're still mastering—leading to frustration and missed opportunities. KU's online graduate certificate in TESOL empowers you to create inclusive learning environments where students can soar, whether you're working in schools, community programs, corporate training, or adult education centers.
Whether you're looking for comprehensive graduate-level training, focused professional development, or adding credentials to your existing license, KU offers multiple pathways to build your TESOL expertise.
- The graduate certificate in TESOL offers focused training without licensure
- The TESOL master's degree provides the most comprehensive preparation for TESOL leadership
- TESOL licensure endorsement offers specialized credentials for teachers who want to add subject matter expertise to their resume
Each pathway empowers you to make a lasting difference in the lives of multilingual learners.
Trying to decide which TESOL program is right for you?
Erica and Tatiana are experienced admissions outreach advisors dedicated to supporting education professionals like you. Working one-on-one, they’ll help you clarify your goals, choose an elective pathway, and navigate application and practicum planning.
Make a lasting impact in education
Ready to join the next generation of educational leaders? KU's online education programs offer three starts per year, making it easier to begin your journey when the time is right for you.