TESOL Certificate
Program Information
Certificate: TESOL Certificate
Units: 12 Graduate Units
Approximate Time to Completion: 2 semesters. Estimated time to completion does not include summer and intersession courses; the necessary courses are currently only offered in the Fall and Spring semesters.
Class Schedule
Each class typically meets once per week in the late afternoons or evenings.
Financial Aid
Click here for information on financial aid.
What can I do with this certificate?
The TESOL Certificate offers candidates the theoretical basis and practical knowledge/field experiences in teaching English as a Second and Foreign Language. It prepares candidates to work effectively in adult education settings such as community colleges, universities, adult education centers, and language academies. Most candidates complete this certificate as part of the M.Ed. in TESOL, Literacy, and Culture.
For more program information, visit the department website.
Application Checklist
- The University of San Diego Graduate School Admission Application. This application can be completed online at: www.sandiego.edu/admissions/graduate/apply/application.php
- The application fee of $45. Checks should be made out to the University of San Diego.
- One official sealed transcript from all colleges and universities attended.
- Three professional letters of recommendation from a current supervisor or a professor attesting to both academic and personal skills, and if possible, to teaching abilities.
- A 500-word statement of purpose explaining reasons for seeking the degree, and information on the applicant’s experience in working with children or adolescents in school or non-school settings.
- A current resume.
- Required documents for international students (if applicable).
- Official score reports for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
- Transcript Evaluation Report.
- Certification of Finances Form and required documentation.
Requirements for Admission
Standardized Testing Requirements
- No standardized testing is required for admission to this program.
Education Requirements
- Applicants must complete a bachelor’s degree prior to beginning the program.
- The minimum cumulative Grade Point Average is 2.75 (on a 4.00 scale) in all undergraduate coursework.
Credential Requirements
- No credential is required for admission to the program.
Experience Requirements
- Professional teaching experience is helpful, but not required.
Interview Requirements
- The most qualified applicants will be invited to an interview.
Requirements for International Applicants
Please note that international applicants must submit additional materials in order to be considered for admission. More information on these requirements is available here.
- A Course-by-Course Transcript Evaluation Report from World Education Services (WES) or Education Credential Evaluators (ECE). Transcripts issued directly in English by the academic institution are preferred. Otherwise, all transcripts that are not issued in English must be officially translated by an approved agency.
- The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is required and may only be waived if English is the applicant’s primary language or if he or she obtained a bachelor’s degree in the U.S., Great Britain, Canada or Australia.
- TOEFL minimum scores:
- Internet-based test: 83
- Computer-based test: 237
- Paper-based test: 580
- IELTS minimum score:
- Band score 7
- TOEFL minimum scores:
- Certification of Finances Form and required documentation.
Deadline to Apply
All application materials, including transcripts, test score reports and letters of recommendation, must be received by the Office of Graduate Admissions by the deadline in order for your application to be considered. The current deadlines for admission to this program can be found here.
Application Status and Decisions
To confirm that application materials have been received or to check the status of your application, please log in to the MySanDiego portal with your applicant log-in or contact the Office of Graduate Admissions at 619-260-4524. Admissions decision letters are sent via US Mail.
| Send all application materials to: | For questions about this program or the admissions requirements contact: |
Office of Graduate Admissions Phone: (619) 260-4524 |
Office of Admissions and Outreach Phone: (619) 260-7988 |
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