Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) Certificate
Teach Students from Around the World with Liberty’s TESL Certificate Certificate
Are you interested in teaching English to non-native speakers? Have you considered studying abroad and taking your teaching skills to another country? If so, Liberty University’s Teaching English as a Second Language Certificate could be a great fit for you. This certificate program is designed to be completed in just 1 year, so you can gain a foundational knowledge of teaching English as a second language without committing to a full degree program.
One highlight of our TESL Certificate is the 135-hour internship. This internship opportunity allows you to gain valuable real-world experience as you teach English to students in other countries. Internship opportunities are available in Central America, South America, Asia, Europe, and Africa. While this certificate program is ideal for students who are already pursuing their teaching license, students who aren’t working towards licensure may find this certificate program useful for non-licensure education settings and personal enrichment.
Pursue Your Degree with Confidence
- Enjoy opportunities for teaching positions on almost every continent.
- Get a chance to complete a 2-month internship at the Liberty University Spanish Institute in Guatemala.
- Other teaching programs are available in Brazil, France, China, Guinea, Japan, Pakistan, Austria, and Columbia. You can also pursue internship opportunities in Jordan, West Africa, and Thailand.
What Will You Learn?
- Foundational aspects of linguistics
- Second language acquisition
- The fundamentals of modern and applied grammar
Career Opportunities for TESL Certificate Graduates
- English teacher in non-licensure settings
- English tutor
- International English teacher
Please note: While this certificate program can help you gain a foundational knowledge of how to successfully teach English to non-native speakers, the Teaching English as a Second Language Certificate is not designed to result in teaching licensure (which may be required if you hope to teach K-12 at a public school).
Internships and Resources Available to Teaching English as a Second Language Certificate Students
- Our professors are esteemed professionals who have years of real-world experience.
- You can complete this certificate in just 1 year.
- You can gain valuable real-world experience and study abroad through your 135-hour internship.
Admission Requirements for Our Undergraduate Certificate Program in TESL
Every application is reviewed by the admission committee on a case-by-case basis, meaning there are no set minimums for acceptance. However, all applicants must submit the following documents* for admission:
- Admission application
- Official high school transcripts
- Official college transcripts (if applicable)
- Results from the CLT, SAT, or ACT are not required for admission, but may be used in consideration for merit-based aid.
- Admission essay
*Note that additional documentation may be requested by the admission committee after your application has been received.
These rates are reflective of academic year 2024-2025. Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.
Credit Hours

Available On Campus
Class Type
Residential
Transfer Credits
Transfer in up to 50% of the certificate total
Next Start Date
Aug 18, 2025
Accreditation
Liberty University is accredited by SACSCOC