Teaching English as a Second Language, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Online

Develop effective instructional strategies for working with English language learners in this online ESL certificate program.

Apply by 8/1/26
Start class 8/24/26 Apply Now
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Program Overview

Prepare for meaningful opportunities with this teaching English as a second language online program

The Teaching English as a Second Language, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate program from University of North Carolina Wilmington is your non-licensure pathway to develop inclusive instructional strategies that support students of all ages and backgrounds.

Master’s-level coursework focuses on applied linguistics, cross-cultural communication and building specialized knowledge for working with English language learners. You will also complete observation and field hours designed to give you direct experience with the populations you wish to serve.

With strong support from expert faculty, you will graduate prepared for ESL teaching roles in community or nonprofit programs as well as business, military or other settings. If you are interested in pursuing licensure, online TESL certificate program courses transfer to the UNCW Master of Arts in Teaching in TESL and Residency Licensure Post-Baccalaureate Certificate programs.

In this online teaching English as a second language program, you will:

  • Demonstrate knowledge of the North Carolina laws and regulations regarding English learners
  • Demonstrate an ability to design and implement appropriate instruction for English learners
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the attributes and characteristics of the English language
  • Explain the relationship between culture, language and learning
In this online teaching English as a second language program, you will:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the North Carolina laws and regulations regarding English learners
  • Demonstrate an ability to design and implement appropriate instruction for English learners
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the attributes and characteristics of the English language
  • Explain the relationship between culture, language and learning

Graduates of this online TESL certificate program are prepared for careers that include:

  • Curriculum Coordinator
  • ESOL Tutor
  • Cultural Orientation Specialist
  • Corporate English Trainer
  • Business English Instructor
  • Online ESL Teacher
  • ESL Tutor Coordinator
  • Peace Corps or AmeriCorps Member
  • ESL Class Volunteer
Graduates of this online TESL certificate program are prepared for careers that include:
  • Curriculum Coordinator
  • ESOL Tutor
  • Cultural Orientation Specialist
  • Corporate English Trainer
  • Business English Instructor
  • Online ESL Teacher
  • ESL Tutor Coordinator
  • Peace Corps or AmeriCorps Member
  • ESL Class Volunteer

Also available:

UNCW offers a variety of flexible online degree programs in education.

Total Tuition $6,387.30*
Duration As few as 12 months**
Credit Hours 18

Accreditation:

All educator preparation programs at the University of North Carolina Wilmington are approved by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.

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Need More Information?

Call 855-306-4734

Call 855-306-4734

Tuition

Learn more about tuition for the online ESL certificate program

UNCW offers convenient, pay-by-the-course tuition for our online programs. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.

Tuition and fees are subject to change each academic year pending legislative approval. View more information on your cost of attendance.

View additional tuition information+

Program Total Tuition & Fees*
TESL, Post-Baccalaureate Cert(in-state residents) $6,387.30
TESL, Post-Baccalaureate Cert (out-of-state residents) $23,949.36

Tuition breakdown:

Total Tuition $6,387.30*

Calendar

Important dates and deadlines

The TESL certificate program is delivered in an online format ideal for working professionals, conveniently featuring rolling admissions and six start dates each year. Choose the date that best suits your goals.

View full calendar +

TermProgram Start DateApplication DeadlineDocument DeadlineRegistration DeadlinePayment DueLast Class Day
Fall 18/24/268/1/268/1/268/26/268/27/2610/11/26
Fall 210/19/269/26/269/26/2610/21/2610/22/2612/6/26

Now enrolling:

Apply Date 8/1/26
Class Starts 8/24/26

Admissions

Review admission requirements for the teaching English as a second language certificate program

Learn more about admission guidelines for the online TESL certificate program. UNCW reviews applications on a rolling basis, so you are urged to apply promptly for your preferred start date.

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Official transcripts
  • 3.0 GPA
View all admission requirements +

Admission requirements include:

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, completed before the program start date
  • Transcripts of all college, university or community college coursework (undergraduate and graduate)
  • Undergraduate GPA of 3. 0 or higher
  • Three letters of recommendation: Professional or academic references who can speak to your ability to complete graduate-level work. In lieu of a letter, references can submit a recommendation via the form embedded in the application. Once you submit your contact information, your reference will receive an email allowing them to add their recommendation.

Courses

Elevate your expertise with these teaching English as a second language online courses

Curriculum in the online TESL certificate program is comprised of six courses (18 credit hours).

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Students must take the following courses:

Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Students will be introduced to the field of English as a second language. Students will research the cultural, social, legal, and political contexts of working with English language learners from both historical and critical perspectives. Students will use a social justice framework to investigate and compare how ELLs interact in academic environments. Requirements include a 10-hour participatory observation experience where students will investigate how ELLs and their families relate to the schools and communities in which they live.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Students investigate and research important aspects of first and second language acquisition. Topics include how first language acquisition can impact second language acquisition, current research in both fields, the progression of theoretical developments in the field of Second Language Acquisition and how these developments compare to those in the field of educational psychology.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Students will critically examine the instructional cycle used with English as a second language students. Topics include the design and implementation of instruction. The course includes a 30 hour field experience component.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
In this course, students will explore issues related to the assessment of non-native speakers of English. Topics addressed include program evaluation, classroom assessment, issues related to standardized assessment, and language proficiency assessment.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Students will investigate concepts and theories connected to the structure and components of the English language. Students will learn how to analyze the grammar of the English language in order to design, implement and assess instruction.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A study of current American English and of the principles of analysis of spoken and written language; emphasis on understanding that nature and structure of the language that students bring into the classroom. Includes exploration of language-related educational issues such as bilingualism, dialects, and disorders.

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