Location
On Campus
Curriculum
120 credit hours
Program Length
as few as 36 months
Accreditation
Accredited by ABHE
Bachelor of Arts in TESOL — a Passport to the World
Are you passionate about helping non-native English speakers gain proficiency in English? Do you have a calling to teach English as a second language in the United States or in a language institute or university in China or the Middle East? Columbia International University’s Bachelor of Arts in TESOL program can equip you with the skills you need to pursue a career in teaching English as a second language. With millions of people around the world registering for English classes every day, the demand for qualified English teachers is high.
In this program, you will receive excellent training in various areas of English language teaching to prepare you to become an excellent English teacher. You will take courses in linguistics, syntax, teaching methods, cross-cultural communication and other related topics to gain a thorough understanding of language acquisition and effective language teaching. Through classroom instruction and practical experience, you will learn how to design and deliver English language lessons that are engaging, relevant and effective.
In addition, you will have opportunities to gain practical experience through supervised teaching experiences and internships. These experiences will allow you to apply what you have learned in a real-world setting, work with diverse populations, and hone your teaching skills. By completing this program, you will be well-equipped to pursue a variety of career opportunities both in the United States and internationally.
Dr. Joe LeTexier
Why Choose Columbia International University
Columbia International University’s Bachelor of Arts in TESOL program, with four decades of experience, is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to be an effective TESOL teacher. You will learn from professors who have not only a deep understanding of linguistics and teaching techniques, but also real-world experience teaching English as a Second Language (ESL).
Our program is rooted in the belief that effective TESOL teaching involves not only language instruction, but also cultural awareness and sensitivity. As a student in the program, you will take courses in linguistics, syntax, teaching methods and other topics that are necessary for you to become a knowledgeable and culturally sensitive English teacher. You will also have the opportunity to apply what you have learned through practical experiences, such as teaching internships and observation opportunities.
With a Bachelor of Arts in TESOL from CIU, you will be prepared to teach English in a variety of settings. Whether you have a desire to teach in a language institute or university in China or the Middle East, or to teach English as a Second Language in the United States, this program will give you the tools you need to make a positive impact on the lives of your students.
Overall Benefits of the Degree
With the Bachelor of Arts in TESOL, you can go anywhere in the world and teach English. Universities and language institutes in the Middle East and Asia hire English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers. Often, in addition to a salary, universities and language institutes will provide room and board. What a great opportunity to see the world, serve in another country as an English teacher and even pay down student loans in the process!
Students with the BA in TESOL can also teach English as a Second Language (ESL) to international students, immigrants and refugees in North America. Humanitarian organizations and private language schools also hire English teachers.
Some of the career paths for graduates of the BA in TESOL program include:
- Teaching English in a global university.
- Teaching English in a language institute around the world or in North America.
- Teaching English to children and youth in a private school system in the United States.
- Teaching English to adult refugees and asylum seekers around the world or in North America.
- Pursuing PhD work leading to careers in college, seminary and university-level teaching, both in the United States and abroad.
Featured Faculty
What Will I Study?
In addition to the undergraduate core, here are degree specific-courses you can expect to take:
- EDU 2110 Foundations of Education
This course is an introductory study of the historical, social, philosophical, psychological, and pedagogical "foundations" of education, designed for those preparing to become professional educators. You will develop the tools to articulate a personal philosophy of education, with an emphasis on the social context of urban schools and an understanding of biblical principles relating to education.
3.00 credit hours
- ICS 3140 Cultural Anthropology
In this course, you will study cultural anthropology for the purpose of equipping followers of Christ to be competent interpreters of culture in 21st Century global contexts.
3.00 credit hours
- ICS 3300 Biblical Theology of Mission
You will engage in a comprehensive study of the biblical foundation for mission as it relates to the church's missionary obligation before God to the world in both word and deed. Special attention will be given to exposing you to important issues within evangelical missiology today.
3.00 credit hours
- ICS 4110 Intercultural Internship Preparations
This course is required of Intercultural Studies majors in the semester before the ICS 4930. You will prepare for your internship spiritually, mentally, and logistically. (Approval and registration are required in advance of the internship experience.)
0.00 credit hours
- ICS 4400 Practical Skill Development in Intercultural Studies
This course is designed to offer you ministry skills experience within the discipline, providing opportunity for you as an upperclass student to gain competency and confidence within related vocations. Experiential learning requirements are defined by your program and assessed by the program faculty. A minimum of 50 clock hours of direct experience is required for a unit of credit, and advisor approval is required. Repeatable.
3.00 credit hours
- LNG 4472 Practical Teaching English to Speakers of Other Language Skills 3.00 credit hours
- LNG 4710 Theoretical Foundations for Language Teaching
This course is an introduction to the principles and practices of English language teaching. It examines the theories and practices of language teaching and learning in general, and English language teaching and learning in particular, focusing on research-based practices and strategies for teaching K-12 as well as adult English language learners. Students will also learn the principles of curriculum development and assessment for language programs. (3)
3.00 credit hours
- LNG 4930 TESOL Internship
The Internship is an intensive experience in teaching English to speakers of other languages, and usually takes place following the junior year. It focuses on developing skills and techniques while applying language teaching theory and principles. (3)
3.00 credit hours
- MSD 1210 Foundations for Calling and Work
In this course, you will explore the biblical and theological foundations for vocation with an eye toward your own future career interests. You will reflect on your chosen major and, as you begin that degree, make a plan toward your future career placement (3).
3.00 credit hours
Admission Requirements
To be admitted to this program, you must meet the general admission requirements of CIU and also demonstrate a commitment to serving in cross-cultural settings.
For non-native English speakers:
- TOEFL score minimum:
- Internet-based exam: 70
- Computer-based exam: 195
- Paper-based exam: 525
Accreditation and Accolades
Career Path Opportunities
- Teaching English in a global university.
- Teaching English in a language institute around the world or in North America.
- Teaching English to children and youth in a private school system in the United States.
- Teaching English to adult refugees and asylum seekers around the world or in North America.
- Academic Careers by pursuing PhD work leading to careers in college, seminary and university-level teaching, both in the United States and abroad.
Top FAQs
- What is TESOL?
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TESOL is an acronym that stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. It is an umbrella term used to describe the practice of teaching the English language to non-native speakers in countries where English is not the primary language. In the past, TESOL was referred to as TEFL, which means Teaching English as a Foreign Language. The term TESOL is more commonly used today, and it includes all forms of teaching English to non-native speakers, regardless of their location or circumstances.
- What is ESL?
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ESL stands for English as a Second Language. It is a term used to describe the process of teaching English to non-native speakers who live in an English-speaking country, such as the United States, Canada, or Australia. The goal of ESL is to help non-native speakers gain proficiency in the English language, which can improve their communication skills, education and job opportunities.
- Why is English in such high demand?
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English is the most widely spoken language in the world, and it is the primary language used in international business, travel and diplomacy. Millions of people around the world desire to learn English because it can help them enter the global workforce, find better-paying jobs and pursue higher education in English-speaking countries. Additionally, English is the language of technology and the internet, making it essential for anyone who wants to communicate effectively in the digital age.
- What types of jobs are available in TESOL?
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There are many different types of jobs available in the TESOL field. Some examples include working as an English language teacher in universities, private language institutes, K–12 schools, or as a private tutor. Additionally, TESOL professionals may work as curriculum developers, program directors, teacher trainers and consultants. TESOL professionals may also work in non-profit organizations, government agencies, or international corporations.
- What if I have school debt?
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If you have school debt, there are still opportunities to work in TESOL and pay down your loans. Many universities and language institutes around the world offer English teaching jobs that include a salary, as well as room and board. This means that it is possible to live and work abroad as an English teacher, while also earning money to pay down your student loans. Additionally, some TESOL programs offer loan forgiveness or loan repayment assistance programs to graduates who work in underserved communities or low-income schools.