BA in Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language
Pursue Your Passion for Travel and Education by Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language at Home or Abroad!
Do you dream of traveling around the world? Are you passionate about helping others learn? Do you want to spread God’s Word to people in other countries? If so, then you should consider earning a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language (TESL/TEFL) from Liberty University.
As you pursue your TESL degree, you can gain a theoretical and practical understanding of second-language acquisition and teaching methods and materials. You can learn about the syntax and phonology of the world’s major languages and develop solutions to various problems involved in oral and written communications in mixed language and culture settings.
Teaching English as a second language is a special career field allowing you to explore new cultures and share your own with people worldwide. Liberty University is proud to offer this degree, which is taught by professors grounded in their Christian faith and experienced in the field. Our bachelor’s in teaching English as a second language is a pathway to a career that can challenge and excite you.
This program is not intended to lead to teaching licensure. If you are interested in pursuing teaching licensure, please see our Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) program and verify your state’s licensure requirements.
Credit Hours
View CoursesNext start date: Aug 18, 2025
Liberty University is accredited by SACSCOC
Highlights
Highlights of Our Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language Undergraduate Degree
Explore How Language Works
Dive into the structure and function of language through courses that cover topics like applied grammar, second language acquisition, and linguistics. This program can help you discover how people learn English and how cultural context shapes communication.
Develop Practical Communication Strategies
Study how to support English language learners in diverse settings by exploring methods of teaching reading, writing, speaking, and listening. You could gain insight into how to design lessons and activities that build confidence and fluency.
Prepare to Work Across Cultures
Courses in intercultural communication can help you build cultural sensitivity and awareness – essential tools for anyone working with multilingual communities.
You have opportunities to explore how cultural backgrounds affect classroom dynamics and language learning.
Gain Real-World Experience Before You Graduate
Field experiences built into the program give you a chance to apply what you’re learning in practical settings. These opportunities can help you observe ESL instruction firsthand and begin developing your own teaching style.
Customize Your Career Path
This program can help you prepare to pursue roles in adult education, missions work, tutoring, or teaching English in international contexts. You can also consider pairing this degree with future graduate studies in education or linguistics.
Faith-Based Environment
The TESL program at Liberty University is grounded in a Christian perspective, encouraging you to approach education with compassion and purpose. You can explore how your faith might inform your teaching and interactions with students from all backgrounds.
Career Potential
What Can You Do with a BA in Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language?
Liberty University’s Bachelor of Arts in Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language can help prepare you for the following occupations:
- Academic coordinator
- English as a second language school teacher
- Head teacher at English language institute
- TESL/TEFL teacher
- TESL curriculum planner
*The BA in Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language is not designed to meet teacher licensure requirements. For more information on what is required to be a licensed teacher in your state, please contact your state board.
#4 Best College Campus in America
At Liberty, you’ll find an affordable, high-quality education designed to help equip students like you for the real world. Our commitment to excellence has earned us recognition as the #4 Best College Campus in America by Niche.com.
Earning your degree from a nonprofit university with state-of-the-art resources like ours can help set you apart from your peers.
Courses
What Will You Study in Our Bachelor of Arts in Teaching English as a Second Language Degree?
Bachelor of Arts in Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language (TESL) can help you develop training, knowledge, and skills that can be applied in the classroom. You will study phonetics and syntax and other parts of language acquisition as you study linguistics. English is a constantly evolving language, and studies in modern grammar emphasize the modifications and transformations that come from modern culture and the influence of new generations upon the traditional structure and rules of English.
Understanding how students acquire a new language is very useful in the instruction of English. Learning how to teach in the four language areas of speaking, listening, reading, and writing across cultural and linguistic barriers is another skill you can gain. The knowledge you can develop in these courses will be reinforced through practical application in the form of an internship.
Featured TESL Courses
ENGL 333 – Modern Grammar
LING 301 – Introduction to Linguistics
TESL 403 – Second Language Acquisition
TESL 405 – Issues and Practices in TESL
Degree Information
- This program falls under the College of Arts and Sciences
- View the Degree Completion Plan
- Check out our course catalog
- Transfer in up to 75% of the degree total
- Required internship
BENEFITS
Why Choose Liberty’s Bachelor of Arts in Teaching English as a Second Language Degree?
Pursue Career Opportunities Around the Globe
Enjoy career and teaching opportunities on almost every continent! Our students have taught in Brazil, France, China, Guinea, Japan, Pakistan, Austria, and Columbia, and have pursued internship opportunities in Jordan, West Africa, and Thailand.
Liberty University Spanish Institute (LUSI) Internship
Complete a 2-month internship at the Liberty University Spanish Institute (LUSI) in a Latin American country. Internships have taken place in Ecuador, Mexico, Spain, Guatemala, and another Spanish-speaking countries.
Build a Community Through the International Student Center
Meet and participate in community with students from around the world at the C. Daniel Kim International Student Center (ISC). There are a variety of events and clubs centered around different nations!
Participate in Lively Campus Life
Enjoy activities with over 200 student-led clubs and recreation centers like Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre, the LaHaye Ice Center, and Hydaway Outdoor Recreation Center. There are opportunities to get involved all across our campus!
Admissions
How Do You Become a Bachelor’s in TESL/FL Student?
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)
- Admission essay
Results from the CLT, SAT, or ACT are not required for admission, but may be used in consideration for merit-based aid.
*Note that additional documentation may be requested by the admission committee after your application has been received.
Have Questions?
We’ll make sure you have the information you need to take your next step.