Certificate of Graduate Studies in TESOL – Adult Education-Collegiate

Location: Online

Total Credit Hours: 15-18

Next Session Start: September 21, 2026

Approved Degree Plan: Download PDF

The Certificate of Graduate Studies in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) with a concentration in Adult Education-Collegiate, offered online, is presented from a Christian worldview. We can prepare you to work with adults who are learning English as a second or foreign language in both domestic and international settings. You can be equipped with the knowledge and wisdom to address the growing needs for service delivery in this critical area. This certificate may also help advance your career in teaching and administration by helping you be equipped as an expert in your field. To discuss this program with an admissions counselor by phone or in-person in Virginia Beach, call 888.713.1595.

Assess and apply language proficiency standards.
Learn proven strategies for engaging adult learners.
Explore linguistic, intercultural/cross-cultural education, and second language acquisition.
Learn from the #1 among the Best TEFL, TESL, and TESOL Schools in Virginia, as recognized by PLEXUSS, 2024.

Please complete the Request Information form on this page to learn more about this program.

Regent University Ranked #1 in Virginia for Best TESOL Program | PLEXUSS, 2024

Featured Courses

Table listing featured courses with course code, name, and credit hours.
Code	Name	Credits
Code: ETSL 510	Linguistics	Credits: 3	Provides an introduction to the study and analysis of phonology (sound), morphology (word formation) and syntax (grammar) in human language. Focuses on English, but comparisons will be made to other languages.
Code: ETSL 525	Language Teaching Approaches & Practices	Credits: 3	An overview of historical and current approaches to language pedagogy, as well as current issues and perspectives pertaining to teaching adult ESL/EFL learners. Principles of integrated skill instruction and techniques for teaching speaking and listening will also be addressed. The course serves as an introduction to the field of TESOL for those pursuing the adult learning track.
Code: ETSL 550	Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language to Adults	Credits: 3	Preparation for teaching adult ESL/EFL students in a variety of settings. Principles and techniques for teaching reading and writing are emphasized.
Code: ETSL 555	Teaching Grammar to ESL/EFL Learners	Credits: 3	Methodology for grammar instruction in English as a second or foreign language.
Code: ETSL 560	First & Second Language Acquisition	Credits: 3	Review of research findings regarding child and adult first and second language acquisition with emphasis on the second-language learner and TESOL curriculum development, including identification and analysis of cognitive, affective, socio-cultural, and educational factors.

Students should refer to their catalog or audited degree plan (ADP) for required courses to complete their degree.

Other Concentrations

Admissions Requirements

2026-27 Semester Check-In Deadlines

All students are expected to check-in for the semester two weeks before the session start date. Students should apply, be accepted, enroll in their first courses, and confirm a plan to pay for their courses prior to this date.

Session	Semester Check-In	Session Start Date
Session A	Friday, August 14	Monday, August 24
Session M	Friday, September 11	Monday, September 21
Session B	Friday, October 16	Monday, October 26
Session C	Wednesday, January 6	Monday, January 11
Session T	Friday, January 29	Monday, February 8
Session D	Friday, March 5	Monday, March 15
Session E	Friday, April 30	Monday, May 10
Session F	Friday, June 11	Monday, June 21

Note: Although the certificate can be completed in 15 hours, individuals seeking to teach at the collegiate level should complete a minimum of 18 hours of TESOL coursework (ETSL).

Application Requirements

Step 1: Apply to Regent University

Submit your application using the Regent University Online Application.

Note: If you are unable to complete our application due to a disability, please contact our Admissions Office at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu and an admissions representative will provide reasonable accommodations to assist you in completing the application.

Step 2: Submit Your Unofficial Transcripts

Submit your unofficial transcripts to regent.edu/items.

Upon submitting your application, you will receive an email requesting authorization for Regent University to obtain your official transcripts from your U.S. degree-granting institution. International transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES or NAFSA approved agency.

Step 3: Submit Your Government-Issued ID

To ensure academic integrity, Regent University requires a copy of a government-issued ID. Please submit a scanned copy or photograph of it to regent.edu/items.

Please feel free to contact the Office of Admissions at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu should you have any further questions about the application process.

Note: All items submitted as part of the application process become the property of Regent University and cannot be returned.

Tuition & Fees

2026-27 Tuition Rates

Certificate	Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour	Total Credits	Tuition Cost for Certificate
Career Switcher for Elementary Education Licensure Certificate	$250	27	$6,750 (plus associated fees)
Certificate in the Law & Higher Education	$250	9	$2,250
Certificate of Graduate Studies in Artificial Intelligence for Education	$250	12	$2,250
Certificate of Graduate Studies in Autism	$250	12	$3,000
Certificate of Graduate Studies in Career Switcher	$250	24	$6,000
Certificate of Graduate Studies in Christian Education	$250	9	$2,250
Certificate of Graduate Studies in Educational Leadership	$250	12	$3,000
Certificate of Graduate Studies in eLearning Design	$250	10	$2,500
Certificate of Graduate Studies in Gifted & Talented Education for Teachers	$250	12-14	$3,000-$3,500
Certificate of Graduate Studies in Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM)	$250	10	$2,500
Certificate of Graduate Studies in TESOL – Adult Education-Collegiate	$250	15-18	$3,750-$4,500
Certificate of Graduate Studies in TESOL – K-12	$250	15	$3,750
Post-Master's Certificate in Advancing Leadership (CAL)	$250	9	$2,250
Post-Master's Certificate in Reading Specialist	$250	21	$5,250

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (Online Students)	$750
Library Orientation	$50 (one-time)

Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

*Rates are subject to change at any time.

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“At Regent, I learned how to communicate with students, with colleagues, how to teach — because you can have knowledge but not know how to transfer it to others — and most importantly, how to incorporate faith into your teaching.”

Klementina Shahini, M.A. in Educational Leadership, 2003 Executive Director, Lezha Academic Center

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Sharon Byrdsong, Ed.D., 2008 K-12 School Leadership

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Roxie Godfrey, Ed.D., 2005 Teacher Educator & Assistant Professor, Texas Tech University

“My career has evolved over a short period of time because of my faith and the teacher preparation programs at Regent. The academic, spiritual and leadership guidance shared during my time at Regent gave me the foundation needed to excel in my field.”

Chonita Walker, M.Ed., 2011 Reading Specialist

“I am grateful for Regent’s rigorous, Christ-centered Special Education program. I look forward to sharing my passion and experience with the next generation of special education teachers. I’m also excited to continue my research on educational practices utilized in public schools.”

Allisha Beerwart, Ed.D., 2018 Assistant Professor of Education, School of Education, GSW State University