ESL Certification and Degree Programs

How do I know which TESL, TEFL, TESOL certificate or degree program is right for me? Confusing, isn't it?

ESL, or English as Second Language, is a term commonly used worldwide to describe the study of the English language in a native, English-speaking country by non-native English speaking people.

To become certified to teach ESL, there are several routes you can take to get the proper credentials. The most common are a certificate, an undergraduate ESL degree, or related field, or a master's ESL degree. A certificate, such as a TESOL (teaching English to speakers of other languages) or a TEFL (teaching English as a foreign language) certificate can be earned after completing a course that may last anywhere from one week to six weeks. The advantage of this type of certification is that it is relatively inexpensive, and a much quicker program than a four- to six-year degree program. In addition, many certificate programs will help to place you in a job upon completion of the course. The disadvantage of course is that you will only get the basics in such a short program.

If you don't mind investing more time (and money) in your pursuit of an ESL education and profession, then pursuing a bachelor and/or master's ESL degree may better prepare you to meet your goals. The biggest benefit of having an advanced ESL degree is that you can pursue university level teaching positions, which tend to pay more, and provide better benefits. Keep in mind that most ESL degrees offered at universities in the United States are ESL focused, meaning that they are designed for teachers who want to teach English in an English-speaking country. Also, curriculum in an advanced ESL degree, like a bachelor or a master's degree, will include a lot of theory and methodologies, and sometimes don't focus as much on the actual teaching aspect. As a result many students with an ESL degree will also take a TESOL or TEFL course in order to receive better training in practical teaching situations.

Online ESL Certification and Degree Programs

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Ashworth College - Canada

You don't have to rearrange your life to get a quality education. Ashworth College, a respected worldwide leader in distance education, offers high school diploma programs, professional-level career diploma programs, associate's programs, and master's degree programs in a variety of career fields. Ashworth College can teach you the practical, hands-on techniques you need to succeed in the real world. Study on your own schedule, at a pace that makes sense for you.

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Northcentral University - Online

Earn your degree online and boost your career at Northcentral University. We offer online doctoral and master's degree programs in education, behavioral and health sciences, and business. With completely online classes and no residency requirements, our degree programs are designed to meet the needs of a diverse population of adult learners who want to learn on their own schedule, at any time from anywhere. We provide students with 24/7 access to all course resources, a highly qualified faculty mentor for each course, and an academic advisor to help you successfully achieve your graduation goal. We also offer a number of certificates of advanced graduate studies. We are regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

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Stratford Career Institute

Stratford Career Institute is an innovative leader in the field of distance education. More than 700,000 students have enrolled in our convenient, affordable career education courses since 1991. We offer more than 60 career diploma programs in a variety of unique, exciting fields, including: Cosmetology & Esthetics, Art, Bookkeeping, Dental Assisting, and many more!

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University of Phoenix - Canada

Perhaps you're new to college and seeking an associate's degree. Maybe you're ready to complete your bachelor's or advanced degree. Either way, University of Phoenix is here to help. We offer a wide variety of degree programs in campus-based and online formats, enabling us to meet the needs and interests of today's working students, as well as today's workplace. One university understands how you live today. And where you want to go tomorrow. Program availability varies by location and format.

University of Phoenix is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association (ncahlc.org). The University's central administration is located at 4615 E. Elwood St., Phoenix, AZ 85040. Online Campus: 3157 E. Elwood St., Phoenix, AZ 85034. For more information about University of Phoenix accreditations and licensures, please visit phoenix.edu/about_us/accreditation.aspx. ? 2011 University of Phoenix, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Walden University - Canada

Now you can earn your degree online while maintaining your personal and professional responsibilities. Walden University is a highly respected and accredited university, offering career-track Ph.D., master's, and bachelor's degrees. Benefit from Walden University's extensive library services as well as their full service Financial Aid office. Programs in Management, Education, Psychology, and Health and Human Services are taught by a stellar faculty. The online curriculum allows you to study when and where it's most convenient.

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Walden University - International

Now you can earn your degree online while maintaining your personal and professional responsibilities. Walden University is a highly respected and accredited university, offering career-track Ph.D., master's, and bachelor's degrees. Benefit from Walden University's extensive library services as well as their full service Financial Aid office. Programs in Management, Education, Psychology, and Health and Human Services are taught by a stellar faculty. The online curriculum allows you to study when and where it's most convenient.

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Walden University - United States

Now you can earn your degree online while maintaining your personal and professional responsibilities. Walden University is a highly respected and accredited university, offering career-track Ph.D., master's, and bachelor's degrees. Benefit from Walden University's extensive library services as well as their full service Financial Aid office. Programs in Management, Education, Psychology, and Health and Human Services are taught by a stellar faculty. The online curriculum allows you to study when and where it's most convenient.

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Western Governor's University

Your competence is the ultimate focus of every degree program at Western Governors University. The university emphasizes mastery of essential skills and knowledge in your field, basing progress toward your online degree on passing rigorous assessments (such as tests, projects, assignments, etc.) instead of accumulating credit hours. We call it competency-based learning.