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Open University Certificate in Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language (TESL/TEFL)

The Department of Linguistics and Asian/Middle Eastern Languages offers a basic Certificate in Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language (TESL/TEFL) through Open University.

The basic certificate requires 15 units (five 3-unit courses), plus a minimum of 15 hours of tutoring.

  • Introductory linguistics: Ling 420 or Ling 501.
  • Language acquisition and processing: Ling 452, Ling 454 or Ling 552
  • ESL teaching: Ling 550
  • Practical Issues/Computer Assisted Language Learning: Ling 555 or Ling 556
  • Elective: Ling 430 or Ling 530 or Ling 551
    (Choose your elective based on your assessment of your interests, strengths, or weaknesses.) 

Students must obtain a grade of C (2.0) or better in each of the certificate courses.

Tutoring requirement

The certificate requires that each student complete 15 hours of tutoring related to the certificate. Additional information about tutoring can be obtained from the certificate advisor and will also be provided when students are taking Linguistics 550.

To register for these classes, refer to SDSU Global Campus Open University Registration for more details.

Questions? Contact faculty advisor for the program Ian Ruston at iruston@sdsu.edu or call (619) 594-2049.

For general information, contact the SDSU Global Campus coordinator at outreach.global@sdsu.edu or call (619) 594-7700.

Additional information on Open University Certificate programs.

Labor Analysis
Open U Certificate in Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language — Nationwide

  • 5,318
    Job Postings in the last 12 months
  • 6%
    Projected job growth in the next 10 years
  • $62,579
    Average salary of graduates

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024