Degree Title: TEFL Certificate

Program Name and Number: TEFL Certificate Non-Degree Track – ND5292

Department/Unit: College of Arts and Sciences

Delivery Mode: Athens Campus, Online

Program Mission: The program allows students studying at the graduate level, who have already earned a Bachelor’s degree, and who are not enrolled in the Linguistics graduate program, to earn a Certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL).  Students are required to have previously earned a Bachelor’s degree as this is a graduate non-degree certificate. 

Program Learning Objectives:

• Candidates demonstrate knowledge and understanding of students of diverse cultural and language backgrounds.
• Candidates demonstrate knowledge and understanding of English structure and usage.
• Candidates demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the process of language learning.
• Candidates demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the context of second (new) language acquisition in the United States.
• Candidates know and demonstrate knowledge of and skills in the assessment of second (new) language learners.
• Candidates demonstrate knowledge of and skills in the instruction of linguistically diverse learners.
• Candidates observe and interact with second (new) language learners.

Program Overview: The program is available to post-baccalaureate students who are seeking the certificate only and not the Linguistics Master’s degree. Students will take a number of linguistics courses, including courses on language components and organization, second language acquisition, methods and materials, and a language teaching practicum. The language teaching practicum allows the candidate to observe and then lead courses for non-native speakers of English.  The certificate candidate and a Linguistics faculty member will meet regularly during the experience to provide direction and feedback. Candidates are required to maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher throughout the program. 

Graduation Requirements:

1. Minimum semester hours required: 14
2. Language teaching experience:  The Language Teaching Practicum includes 30 hours of observation and teaching.  The Language Teaching Practicum takes place on the Athens campus but can also allow for students to choose their own Practicum location. This experience must involve engaging with English Language Learners in tutoring and/or teaching settings. The location can be in a school, or in an after-school program or club. All practicum locations and activities will need to be pre-approved by the Language Teaching Practicum instructor.
3. Thesis requirement: No
4. Qualifying exam: No
5. Expected time to completion if studying fulltime: one semester (14 weeks) if taking summer intensive program; two semesters if opting to take courses in fall and spring.

Admission Requirements:

• Completion of a baccalaureate degree.
• An overall undergraduate GPA of 2.5 or better in most recent degree program.
• For non-native English speakers: Minimum TOEFL: 600 (paper), 100 (iBT), or IELTS: 7.0 overall average.
• Brief statement of purpose (1-2 pages) by the candidate.