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Online Graduate TESOL Certificate

The online, accredited, graduate-level Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) certificate program at Colorado Christian University prepares candidates to successfully teach English language learners in the United States and abroad.

TESOL certification enables individuals to work overseas for mission organizations and international schools, as well as working with second language learners in the United States.

The program teaches candidates to apply evidence-based solutions to second language learning and teaching; to develop lessons focusing on critical language structures in support of second language development; to contextualize language instruction based on student proficiency levels and academic experience; and to plan, implement, and modify appropriate instructional strategies to meet the needs of English language learners.

The online TESOL Certificate is available as a stand-alone program, or you may transfer 15 credits from the certificate to a CCU master's degree in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education or Curriculum and Instruction.

Courses in the TESOL Certificate are aligned with the TESOL International Association Framework.

    • 15 credit hours
    • Courses are taken one at a time and are typically completed in five-week blocks
    • Designed for busy adult learners; complete in as little as six months of consecutive coursework, even with a full-time job
    • Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
  • Admissions for Adult Undergraduate and Degree Completion Students

    For adult students interested in beginning or completing their undergraduate degree, the College of Adult and Graduate Studies at Colorado Christian University offers a variety of flexible educational opportunities. These include bachelor's degree programs that open new doors for your career, associate degree programs to help you build a strong foundation, and certificate programs to give you that extra edge.

    Admission Requirements

    • Complete the adult undergraduate application online.
    • Provide your enrollment counselor with a copy of your state-issued driver's license or a state-issued identification card. This ID must include your photo and be within the expiration date. If you are an international student, visit our international student admissions page for more information or contact your enrollment counselor with any questions.
    • Submit proof of your high school graduation or completion. This must be your high school transcript with graduation date, a copy of your high school diploma, or a copy of your high school equivalent certificate (GED).

    Submit Related Application Materials To:

    To submit application-related materials that were not already submitted through the online application, email them to AdmissionsSupport@ccu.edu or mail to:

    Colorado Christian University
    Attn: Service Central – CAGS Transcripts
    215 Union Blvd, Suite 600
    Lakewood, CO 80228

    Admission to Licensure Programs

    Admission to a licensure program in the College of Adult and Graduate Studies does not guarantee licensure at the completion of the program. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure they meet all licensure requirements, which often includes a background check.

    For students who may wish to seek licensure, CCU has provided professional licensure disclosures to aid students in determining specific state requirements for professional licensure. Each state makes the final determination if an individual is eligible to sit for licensure based on the rules and regulations of that state at the time a student applies for licensure.

    Admission Timelines

    Colorado Christian University's College of Adult and Graduate Studies offers accelerated degree completion programs for adult students. Courses are typically offered in five-week blocks. You can enter CCU at the beginning of any adult studies course. This gives you the flexibility to start at virtually any time during the year. CCU operates on a standard semester time frame. Semesters include spring, summer, and fall.

    Non-degree Seeking Students

    If you wish to take courses in Colorado Christian University's College of Adult and Graduate Studies without working toward a degree, you must apply for a Non-Degree Seeking program on CCU's Adult Undergraduate Admission Application. Please see the Non-Degree Seeking Students website for details


    Ready to get started? Choose your next step!

    • I have questions before I apply.

      If you have questions, contact an Enrollment Counselor by calling 303-963-3311. Our experienced, professional enrollment counselors are here to guide you as you consider going back to college and are equipped to serve the enrollment needs of adult students.

    • I'm ready to apply.

      If you don't have any questions and are ready to move forward, complete our application for admission today!

TESOL International Association Framework

The TESOL Certificate program at Colorado Christian University is aligned with the TESOL International Association framework for short-term certificate programs. Embedded within the Master of Education in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education, both the certificate and degree program have been aligned with the TESOL International Association's recommended Standards for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).

Visit these websites for additional information about the TESOL International Association framework for short-term certificate programs:

The TESOL International Association does not provide recommendations or endorsements for degree or certificate programs.

State Exclusions for Online Students

Colorado Christian University is required by the U.S. Department of Education to be in compliance with state laws regarding where we can offer distance and/or online education. The College of Adult and Graduate Studies at Colorado Christian University offers courses to online students in all states with some exceptions for specific academic programs.

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