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Graduate TESOL Certificate

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

CCU's TESOL certificate enables individuals to work overseas for mission organizations and international schools and institutes, and it is a recognized qualification for working with second language learners in the United States.

CCU's 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, and implement, and modify appropriate instructional strategies to meet the needs of English language learners.

The TESOL Certificate program is available as a stand-alone 15-credit program that includes a 60-hour supervised fieldwork experience; these courses may also be applied toward a CCU master's degree in TESOL or Curriculum and Instruction, and can also be applied towards an endorsement in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education for Colorado-licensed teachers.

TESOL Certificate course content is aligned with the standards and best practices promoted by the TESOL International Association.

    • 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
  • Admission Requirements

    • Complete the graduate certificate admission 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 an official transcript that reflects a bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited institution.
    • A minimum undergraduate grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants with an undergraduate grade point average between 2.0 and 2.49 will be admitted on a conditional admit (CAD) basis for the first semester. CAD students must maintain a 3.0 GPA or better in their first nine (9) credits to remain in the program.

    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: Registrar's Office/Transcripts
    8787 W. Alameda Ave.
    Lakewood, CO 80226

    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

Both the TESOL certificate and TESOL degree program have been aligned with the TESOL International Association's recommended Standards for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.

Visit these websites for additional information about a career in TESOL, and about standards and best practices promoted by the TESOL International Association :

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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